Bench grinder questions

JDJACK

Member
I am looking at making a purchase on a bench grinder.
There is alot of junk out there from $50-$180.00.

I am looking at a baldor 6 inch grinder 1/4 hp 1800 rpms, verses the common 3600 rpm's.

Are the slower 1800 rpms ons better?
I heard they don't burn the metal as much, and dont stall out.
Price is around #450.00 and should last my lifetime, think they are still made in the usa.
 
You can probably get the same grinder at Harbor Freight for around a hundred and fifty. I bought one three years ago but haven't taken it out of the box yet. My machinist has one and says it is a good grinder.
 
If you got the bucks to spend, you can't go wrong with a Baldor unit. You'll have it a lifetime. Just my opinion.
 
I do average shop work , and I wouldn't recomment those spec's. Baldor is a top brand , but get the 1/2 hp , 3600 rpm for grinding steel . The slow speed low hp sounds like its for sharpening knives or small drill bits
 
I have a Jet 1hp 8" bench grinder. I have a grinding wheel on one side and a wire wheel on the other. Been very happy with it...works just as well as the Baldor I had at work. New they run around $250. Mine was $45 at an estae sale.
 
Not even close! Comparing a Baldor to a Jet, HF, Craftsman and any other consumer grinder is like comparing apples and peanuts.
 
I've got a Baldor I got used when the old P&H diesel plant closed, back in the 60s. Been performing well ever since.
 
I have a Baldor 7" 1800rpm commercial grinder that I bought at auction for $60. Wonderful machine. It is my most treasured power tool, even in front of my Delta Unisaw.

I find the MOST important thing in a grinder, is cast iron tool rests. If it has sheet metal tool rests they get bent and are impossible to keep square to the stone. Look for a model that has good tool rests.

Cliff (VA)

I had a 6" Baldor hobby grinder. I burned it out. Baldor makes junk too.
 
A 1/4 hp 1800 motor is good for a wire brush. To sharpen mower blades you want a minimum of 3/4 hp 8 inch, 3600, and a 36 grit wheel.
 
I have a Baldor on a metal stand that I picked up off Craig's list for $50. It is 1/3 HP 3600 RPM and does a good job for what I need.
baldor%20front.jpg
 
I too have the same grinder, only it says "Delta" on it. It is an 8" model, with variable speed dial. I like it a lot. Highly recommend it to anyone wanting a good all around bench grinder. The wheels are not the best quality. After dressing them, they turned out to be ok. You can always buy higher quality wheels when the time comes. I"m still on my originals after about 10 years now.
 
I have a 40 year old Craftsman 8 inch that is used once a day. Still going great, 4 sets of wheels. ordered a 6 but sears didn't have one so they sent the 8 for same price, 32.50
Hawk C/L Ebay, and auction and estate sales. You can get something much better for 1/10 the price.
 
Been looking for one for 2 years, anything new is a real piece of junk "china".

Nothng at any sales.
 
Ever think of making your own grinder? I have a 50 year old craftsman 6 inch grinder and an 8 inch dewalt. I made a 1/4 hp 1800 rpm with a wire brush on it, love it. Made a lawn blade sharpner by using a 10 inch radial arm saw. I put four 10 inch cutoff disks on it. Removes a lot of metal real fast. I have 2 ft mower blades. It works just like a blade sharpner you can buy, but has way more hp.
 

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