kubiack Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 I have had a 2x48 belt grinder for a few years and am in the processes of upgrading to a 2x72. I also have a large Baldor 2x12 pedestal grinder with stone wheels. Since getting the belt grinder I have not used the pedestal grinder. Room is my shop is limited and I am thinking about selling the grinder since it has not been used in over year. Can anyone think of an operation where a stone wheel would be preferred to an abrasive belt? I hate to sell it if I’m going to need it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Yates Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 they both have a good use dont sell it you need to keep it . you have not even researched the use of either or the benefits of both . Sam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 Everyone I know has pretty much stopped using the stone wheel grinders after getting a *good* belt grinder. Now putting wire wheels on the pedestal grinder can be a useful thing; just remember that a pedestal grinder with a wire wheel can really damage you if you don't watch out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWooldridge Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 The only use for my pedestal grinder nowadays is to retip my tungsten for TIG - but if push came to shove, I could move that operation to the belt grinder by using a dedicated belt. They are simply much more versatile than a stone grinder. OTOH, you could also put specialty wheels on it (silicon carbide, buffing, etc). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kubiack Posted October 9, 2012 Author Share Posted October 9, 2012 Thanks for the replies. I’m just trying to determine the best use of my resources. This one seems like it might be a good one to free up a little space and cash which I could put towards something I would use more. I also have a pedestal grinder/buffer combo that I user for a wire wheel and buffer. The specialty wheels seem the most promising but I think that the proper sized ones for this large of a grinder are going to be cost prohibitive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigfootnampa Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 The safety issue alone is enough reason to dump the pedestal grinder! I only use my small one for buffing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macbruce Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 The safety issue alone is enough reason to dump the pedestal grinder! I only use my small one for buffing. Pish tosh, The small ones, can git you too. I've had my run ins with pedestal buffer/grinders and I learned from my mistakes and the mistakes of others which is the smart way. They have thier place and can be a valueable asset to any shop but KNOW what you're doing before you hit the switch........ ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timothy Miller Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 I like a stone wheel for sharpening HSS tool bits for my lathe. Large drill bits that don't fit n my drill doctor and other tool sharping tasks. I feel I can have slightly more control than with a belt sander. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VolcanoForge Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 Was going to say the same as Timothy. I have a nice belt grinder but for sharpening tool bits and drills stone works better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 But generally a fairly small stone grinder will take care of tooling no need for a monster Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ten Hammers Posted October 10, 2012 Share Posted October 10, 2012 I built a 2 x 48 belt grinder several years ago. It is my only grinder ( besides the drill doc and some side grinders). This said I still could use a rock (pedestal or bench ) occasionally. Good, clean dressed rock wheels do stuff in a fast manner but yes they can be dangerous. I still have the arbors I used in the past but never have added new wheels. Most importantly, good rests and guards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack hollingsworth Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 A good tip if you use a wire wheel on a bench grinder is to put silicon or gap filler into the wires near the centre of the wheel (not on the outside edge where you will be using it of course). When it sets it will help hold the wire in the wheel and prolong the lifespan of the wheel. Be sure to push it right in there though, it can be messy but its worth it. Having less pieces of wire flying off into your apron/clothing is also a plus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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