C-1ToolSteel Posted October 31, 2020 Posted October 31, 2020 Just a thought I’ve had for a while and was wondering what fellow metalworkers think. It seems like the more experienced I get at working with steel, the less I flip on the power switch to that cumbersome piece of cast iron. Angle grinder is so much more versatile for my personal needs, and having a good belt grinder or even a cheap 4x32 sander seems to cover everything I used to use a bench grinder for. Shoot, I’d rather clamp an angle grinder in a vise sometimes than use that chattery thing with a motor that always manages to get in the way of whatever I’m grinding on. So what do you guys think? Quote
localsmith Posted October 31, 2020 Posted October 31, 2020 I don't even like belt grinders let alone bench grinders. Angle grinders are excellent and one of the most versatile tools but the problem I have with all grinders is that they produce a lot of dust when using abrasives. I'd like to have a grinder that operated at a very slow speed that you could apply water to as you use it, maybe something like a treadle grinder as this would eliminate the dust and noise problem regarding grinders. Quote
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted October 31, 2020 Posted October 31, 2020 They are not obsolete in my shop. I have three in service all set up with different wheels for what ever I need. For other needs, I use the angle grinders (3) 4 1/2 in. a 7 in and another 9 in. set up with different wheels grinding, cut off, flap. I also have a large sandstone powered wet grinder for finish work. Gee, it looks like I'm lazy and don't want to change wheels very often. Not to mention a large selection of hand files. Quote
Daswulf Posted October 31, 2020 Posted October 31, 2020 All types of grinders and sanders have their uses for those that need them. My bench grinder gets its share of use still. I haven't used the 1hp. on the pedastool in a while but that's just in what I've been doing. Angle grinders are very handy and versatile, and get more use, but I still find my bench grinder useful for some production type applications. Quote
George N. M. Posted October 31, 2020 Posted October 31, 2020 I rarely use the abrasive wheel on my bench grinder. I most commonly use it for spark testing. I do use the other end often for wire brushes and buffing wheels though. "By hammer and hand all arts do stand." Quote
Frosty Posted October 31, 2020 Posted October 31, 2020 I sharpen drill bits and lathe cutters on my bench grinder's fine wheel, the coarse wheel gets the: burrs, cleans up cuts, breaks edges, corners, etc. Without having to wrestle with a disk grinder. I love my disk grinders, I have 7-8 I think: two 9" and a 7" Milwaukee and various "peanut" 4"-5" angle grinders dressed in different ways. I use them all the time but the bench grinder has its own stand near the drill press and there's another one out by the lathe. Anything is "obsolete" if you don't know how or when to use it. Frosty The Lucky. Quote
Welshj Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 I've had a bench grinder for 20+ years in every garage and work shed. I haven't had a grinding stone on one ever... i bought it new, brought it home- and put on the wire brush on one end, and buffing/polishing wheels on the other. Primarily automotive uses for a long time- the wire wheel is indispensable for cleaning 30 yr old bolts and parts on the aircooled vw's i worked on alot. Knife making after that, and metal sculpting. Quote
Glenn Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 There has always been a bench grinder available. Some have has a fine and coarse wheel, some an abrasive wheel and a wire wheel, some a buffing wheel. All have proven their worth over the years. Quote
JHCC Posted November 2, 2020 Posted November 2, 2020 Mine has a medium wheel on one side for sharpening drill bits, and the other has a wire brush for, well, wire brushing. Both get used pretty often. Quote
anvil Posted November 2, 2020 Posted November 2, 2020 I can't imagine a grinder of any sort being obsolete in a contemporary welding/fab shop. In my shop I have little use for a grinder of any sort. I use my old pedestal grinder for sharpening drill bits. My side grinder mostly draws dust. Quote
Scott NC Posted January 8, 2021 Posted January 8, 2021 On 10/31/2020 at 11:44 AM, localsmith said: I'd like to have a grinder that operated at a very slow speed that you could apply water to as you use it, maybe something like a treadle grinder Not very good for rapid stock removal, but it bolts on a bench and vibration is minimal... Quote
JHCC Posted January 8, 2021 Posted January 8, 2021 Works even better with a motor, a wheel, and belts! Quote
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted January 9, 2021 Posted January 9, 2021 We have two of those wet grinders (one diamond wheel and a very fine wet stone) that were used for beveling glass (when we did stained glass) I thought about using them for knife work but was threatened with bodily harm by the boss if I did. Quote
Scott NC Posted January 9, 2021 Posted January 9, 2021 Stained glass is very pleasing to look at and I always thought it would be a fun and relaxing hobby. One of my aunts used to do it. Quote
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