Bench Grinder

[RegionalChaos]

Hey all,

I'm likely to be purchasing a bench grinder in the next week or so. What are some things I should think about?

I was thinking that it makes sense to get a variable speed grinder, but there really doesn't seem to be that many on the market. Are there brands that are good or bad I should know about? What speed(s) should I be running it at? I like the models with a stone on one side and a wire wheel on the other. They seem versatile. But should the wire wheel and stone be going at the same RPMs?

Thanks for any feedback!

[ApprenticeMan]

I got my 8 inch bench grinder buffer from HF, and i love it, really a nice machine for only $80.

[Feukair]

Lowes or Home Depot, i forget which, has a Ryobi variable speed 8" bench grinder with a light and it comes with a dressing tool and a buffer wheel and a course and fine stone grinding wheels. I picked one up for around $100 i think it was.

Lt

[RegionalChaos]

What kind of horse power does it have? A friend of mine has a 1/3 hp. He said his seems like it will bind up or at least be stressed when he uses a wire wheel. He was recommending I look at 2/3 hp or better...

[Feukair]

Sorry, it was a Delta and it was from Lowes. Here is a link to the one I got
8" VS Grinder with Tool-less Quick Change
Lt

[Feukair]

Googling I found more details at this site which says this is a 1/2 HP. I haven't used a wire wheel as we have a wire wheel permanently mounted to an old grinder so we just use the stones on this one. I really like the variable speed though...

Delta GR450 8" 1/2-Hp Shopmaster Variable Speed Bench Top Grinder

Lt

[RegionalChaos]

That looks pretty decent at the price lowe's quotes. Thanks for the tip

I'll have to see if there is a lowes near me.

[RegionalChaos]

Hmmm... nearest lowes is about 45 min one way.. Maybe I'll see if there is something comparable that is more local...

[djhammerd]

Do you have, or have you considered a belt grinder instead. I used wheel grinders for 40 years before I even knew belt grinders for metal existed. Now I don't even have a wheel grinder in my shop. I even sharpen drill bits with a belt grinder.
If you haven't used one, I'd recommed visiting a friend's shop to understand the benefits of both.

[Jim Pennock]

Look at what size wheels it uses and what the arbor size is. Some times those good deals aren't so great when you go to buy a new wheel. I have a 1hp. I don't use much anymore, I found a harbour freight angle grinder works just as good for me. Jim