Llabak Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 (edited) Hi everyone I have a grinder question. When I searched the forum for grinder, I found most people talking (and showing pictures of) largeish-looking things, and talking about prices in the hundreds of dollars. That, and making their own grinders and I know for a fact that I'm not that proficient with metalworking yet. I'm just starting out and am trying to get as educated as possible about the other tools I should have for my shop. Grinder offers on Craig's list tend to be much smaller grinders, such as this jobbie, and are quite a bit cheaper than a hundred bucks. To be honest, my first interest in a grinder is to spark-test stuff I get from the scrap yard for carbon content, and then I'd figure out what else to use it for as I went. Sharpening tools and whatnot, I guess. So here's the question: Is a bench grinder like the one posted above sufficient for basic forge work? Or am I going to be disappointed once I get it? If that sort of thing isn't good enough, what would be the minimum specs so to speak for a blacksmith grinder? Thanks in advance for any responses! -Dave Edited February 8, 2009 by Llabak Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt in NY Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 That's a good start. You may be able to find another about the same for less or one a bit better for not much more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flaming S Forge Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I have been using a grinder that size in my shop for over 30 years. I would say it is a good size to start with. My other grinder has 8" wheels. I bought that one about a year ago. On my 6" I have a wire wheel on the one end. It is nice for quick rough polishing. I have also seen brand new 6" grinders at Tractor Supply for under $50. I have some of their metal working tools in my shop and have had no problems. Of course they are imported. But then again, what isn't. They work and that is the main thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rthibeau Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I have a grinder like that in my shop, but don't hardly ever use it. I use a 2 x 42 belt sander instead along with angle grinders with 60 or 80 grit flap disks for almost all grinding and sanding work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Evers Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Had someone tell me once that when he was contemplating a new tool, he usually bought a cheaper version - If he wore it out, he knew what to replace it with. If he didn't wear it out, it was good enough. Seemed like a reasonable approach on less expensive stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Einhorn Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 It looks like a good start for spark testing and dressing the ends of bars after cutting. Different grinders serve different purposes. Angle grinders, flap-wheels, belt-grinders also have other uses and can do things that the bench-grinder either can not do well, or would be unsafe for. Form follows function. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orgtwister Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 i have two of them with different wheels on them i have the cheap wheels they came with on one and the othe i use with very fine wheels for sharping and shaping tool bits for my lathe and they were used when i got them and i've had one for over 15 years and the other 10 years and still work and they were used when i got them and i think i paid 10 bucks a piace at the flea maket Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saintjohnbarleycorn Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 thats probably good for a start, I started with cheaper than that, but you learn what you want. Actually I would buy a 4" hand grinder it is more versatile you can get cut off wheels, flap disc, grinders and much easier to move to pieces in a vise and all. good luck. kevin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llabak Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 Thanks for the replies everyone! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimbob Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 your money would be better spent on and angle grinder or a belt sander/grinder. I have a grinder simular to that one ...I took the wheels and guards off and added arbor extensions on each side and put buffing wheels on it to make a dandy buffer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
divermike Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 take a look at the multitool, it is a belt grinder that attaches to a bench top wheel grinder, it is a very versatile unit, and it was what I started with, and still use quite a bit. Also take a look at Coote grinders, you have to supply the motor, but they are pretty reasonable once you get settled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kasaino Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 I use a 6'' grinder like that one, I like it, I also have a belt sander that I find very useful, I use my angle grinder quite a bit as well... I would check out some local pawn shops, they usually have a lot of carpentry tools that work well for a start. I have seen belt sanders and grinders going for twenty bucks... thats a simple start, you can always upgrade from there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 I've been surviving for some time with a 4 1/2" grinder or two. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.