I currently own a craftsman 1/3 H.P. fixed speed 3450 rpm bench grinder that I’m hoping to have the option to reduce to 1750 rpm . The local hardware store guy suggetsed wiring a 300 watt dimmer rather than purchasing an after market speed control. Any thoughts?
Chipsndust
Replies
Go ahead if you want to burn up the motor. It's only good for incandescent light bulbs. The units for slowing down routers won't work on this type of motor. They are only for brush type motors.
You can buy a 2 speed grinder for less than $100 from Delta or Woodcraft.
The other options are to get the white or pink wheels which wear faster and run cooler or put some kind of water drip or spray system to keep it from burning the edges. Low tech is a water jug and a drip hose.
Thanks RickL.... Thought best to ask first, rather than destroy a perfectly good grinder. I saw an advertisement from Woodcraft for $89.99....I'll check it out
Chipsndust
The one that Woodcraft has starts up slooowly.
I called the local Woodcraft store and spoke to one of the salesmen asking the standard questions,.. manufacturer, relaibility etc... He indicated that it was made in China, and really didn't give it rave reviews. I interpreted has lack of zealousness, and will check out Delta.
Chipsndust
I have the Woodcraft slow speed 8" grinder. (not 2 speed)Pluses:
Comes with Al Ox wheels, no need to upgrade
no problems with the motorminuses:
small, poorly cast iron rests. upgrade to veritas or make your own
cheesy, flimsy plastic view guards, always wear eye protectionAt the end of the day, it is a basic grinder that does what it is supposed to do, turn grinding wheels. No bells, no whistles. You can spend $300+ on sharpening systems (and the endless array of accessories!), and, yes, I would love to have one of them. But, at the end of the day, it gets the job done, and I can spend the money saved on nice tools to sharpen, rather than nice sharpening tools.(Opinions expressed are those of the author and are not meant to reflect on the management or expert opinion. These are just my random thoughts, people!)
I also prefer a 1725 rpm grinder but have a craftsmen 3450 rpm with a 1/2 hp motor.
Before you buy another grinder, try this method I use on turning tools,chisels etc.
Turn grinder on, let it come up to full speed. Turn it off and grind til wheel stops. Repeat as neccesary. Especially with turning tools I get a nice even grind with one pass. Plane irons and practically any tool you normally grind lightly works well with this method. Try it, if it works for you ,you'll save a few bucks.
mike
Larry Williams posted this from his site a while back.
http://www.planemaker.com/articles_grinding.html
T
Chip, I concur with Rick. But what are you wanting to do with your grinder? (To me grinding is not sharpening- especially when applied to woodworking tools-that is why I ask).
I see no point in altering the rpm speed of this type of machine-what is important is the peripheral speed , (affected by the wheel diameter), the application and the grit and wheel type.Philip Marcou
Edited 8/4/2007 5:37 am by philip
Edited 8/4/2007 5:38 am by philip
I've inherited 4+ dozen chisels and a few hand planes that are in deplorable, yet salvagable condition. I started to 'hand tune / sharpen' but the task has gotten overwhelming. Both of my hands are crippled and fatigue easily. I thought putting the initial 'edge' on the tools would greatly assist in the completion of this worthy task.
I've read a number of articles warning against overheating the blades / irons on a high speed grinder which prompted my initial query to attempt reducing the speed of my craftsmen 3450 rpm bench grinder. Since then I purchased a new v/s Delta bench grinder, and Veritas sharpening jig to assist in the task.
My passion for wood working is always expanding, even though my hand dexterity is decreasing at a faster rate. My goal is to find that equilibrium.
Many thanks to those fellows / ladies for their feedback.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled