Replies

1. 
   eddiefromAustralia | Nov 25, 2005 10:16pm | #1

   Torvis,

   Buy a bench grinder where the motor is smaller than the grinding wheels.  There's no need to spend too much - I have an old Makita grinder, but the USD30- grinders are fine.

   If the motor is bigger than the grinding wheel, it interferes with the workpiece.

   Cheers,

   Andrew

2. 
   QCInspector | Nov 26, 2005 07:30am | #2

   Bonjour Torvis.
   You do not need to buy the best grinder to sharpen your tools (an 8 inch import will do), but good grinding wheels are important. Most grinders come with wheels that are ok for rough steel work, such as beveling edges for welding etc. Replacement wheels are available from many industrial suppliers in your area or you can mail order them. Do not forget to get a wheel dresser to 'true' (make round) and clean the wheels. I prefer the type with multiple diamonds in the working end. The grinders usually do not come with good tool rests either. So you will want to make replacements if you have that talent or again get aftermarket ones. I have an imported 2 speed grinder (1720 and 3450 rpm) with 8 inch wheels that I am satisfied with. I also used a 70 dollar 8 inch, 3450 rpm import for a long time that I keep for the coarse stuff now. My 2 speed is from http://busybeetools.com Tool rests are from http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=45938&cat=1,43072 Both also sell grinding wheels. In your neck of the country you might want to try Outils Viel Inc (Viel Tools) 33,Rue Beland, Isle-Verte, Quebec G0L 1K0 Phone 418-898-2601 for info. 1-800-463-1380 to order. The do not have a website that I know of but have a catalogue, and they have a number of good products too. Unfortunately even with all this you still need to finish the sharpening with bench stones etc.

3. 
   nikkiwood | Nov 26, 2005 11:55am | #3

   For tool sharpening, you should look for a grinder (I prefer 8") that is capable of running at 1720 rpms.

   Once you buy it you will probably want to outfit it with aluminum oxide wheels, unless they come with the grinder (which they seldom do).

   What's the problem with Delta? I've had one for years, and it works fine.

   Have you looked into the Tormek system? That would be a better (but much more expensive) way to sharpen your tools than a grinder.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   torvis | Nov 28, 2005 05:08pm | #4

   Thank you all, now I thinkI'm ready to buy a good grinder.  I saw a General with 8 inches wheel that run at 1750 rpm.  I will buy a new wheel of 100  or 120.  I'll wait a little bit for the tools rest. 

1. 
   nikkiwood | Nov 29, 2005 03:09am | #5

   I seem to recall seeing dual speed grinders (check Woodcraft), and they weren't that expensive. The higher speed is nice when you just have to hog off a lot of material and you're not worried about temper, but the slower speed is best for tool sharpening.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

4. 
   sailalex | Nov 29, 2005 04:15pm | #6

   If you are looking for a grinder to sharpen tools only you might consider , as I did, a hand grinder (much slower speed and easier on the tools) and get a good 8 " wheel.

5. 
   Ricks503 | Nov 29, 2005 07:29pm | #7

   I am just getting to replace an old grinder and plan to get the craftsman 6" variable speed and replace one of the wheels a new Norton 100 grit wheel. I will use the supplied wheel for Very rough shaping and the 100 grit for the next step running at slow speed and then will move onto either water stones or scary sharp to finish up.

   1 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go        4 - get a new board and go back to step 1