Opinions on a bench grinder

Bob
The one on my bench in the garage is a 6 inch variable speed. I use it for 95% of my stuff. I have a 8 inch in the shed for rare projects.

Steve

How are you going to use it?

 

I had one in my shop with a wire wheel on one side for years. I used the wire wheel quite often for rust removal, but rarely used the grinding stone. That grinder bit the dust. Picked up another one. If I use it twice a year, that is a lot.

Variable speed is always useful I think, and 8 inch is probably better for a flatter surface to grind against. I actually find the vertical belt sander to be much more usful than the grinder. It's a wider surface, maybe an inch and a half with a long vertical support behind the belt to easier shape whatever I was grinding.

I have only used a bench grinder to cut the flange off of some wheels I have, other then that a bench grinder just isn't of any use for me. Borrowed the use of my friend's bench grinder for the wheels.

Instead I use a dremel tool for polishing or light cutting work.

 

Lee Fritz

Bob,

I have both.  The 6" was purchased first and replaced with the 8" after discovering how easily the 6" bogged down when using it for more than touching up the edge on the mower blades.  The  6" now has polishing wheels/buffing discs mounted & the 8" does the grinding.

 

Dave

+1. For train work a small belt sander is much more useful. Rather than a high speed bench grinder I would suggest getting a bench mandrel driven by an old washing machine AC motor or similar. You can mount wire brushes, grinding wheels or polishing wheels. The slower speed is more suitable for brushing and polishing.

 

 

Pete

I agree, a vertical belt/disc sander is much more useful and much more cost effective. there are inexpensive bench grinders out there, but they are poorly made and most times do not have a true spindle which makes the machine vibrate. a good bench grinder will run so smooth that you won't know it is running, and those cost three hundred and up. then there is the task of truing the stone and the tool and skill to do that. with the belt/ disc sander you just change the abrasive. you will be able to accomplish many more tasks than a grinder.

For modeling uses I found a combination disk/belt bench sander from Sears helpful.  I do have a small hand held (4") disk grinder that is used occasionally.   A lot can be done with a Dremel and cut-off wheels.  

Bench sander.

Yes, but I'm not a fan of the wide horizontal belt sander. The Vertical one is much more useful and the belt stays where it needs to be.

Good idea on using the grinder motor for a polishing wheel and wire brush. More useful than the grinding wheels in my needs.

And, I bought a cheap grinder once...vibrated all over the place. Took it back. Good tools are good tools. Cheap ones are cheap.

I have a grinder that I never use. If I did it would be for sharpening, not for modeling. I also have a combination 8" disc and 1" belt sander. I would be lost without it! I use the belt to smooth and adjust cuts on Gargraves track. It's a Delta, and I've had it for more than 20 years. Not sure if they make it anymore.

Thanks for the quick replies. Sounds like many of you are recommending a belt/disk sander. Which one should I get? Is a lower priced sander ok for model trains?

 

Bob

my feeling on power tools today is to shop the auction site for vintage well made real tools as opposed to the new crap they try to pass off as tools today. you will pay less and have something that will last, most made in the USA back then. here is a perfect example, all cast iron, no plastic or tin  http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sears-...;hash=item3395c3f287

I did a quick search, and found 3 units that I would consider. All have a 1" belt and a 5" disc. I would avoid at all cost, any unit that had a fluted table, you want flat and smooth.

 

I hope you can see this list. I'm not sure if it will share.

 

Here's a link to my choice. I like it because of cost, size, smooth tables and slot for

changing the belt.

 

Here's the same unit for $50 less

I have a Sears Craftsman from about 10 years ago. It looks a like the one mentioned except the disk sander is on the opposite side. They may still have them at one of the new Sears tool stores. Works fine.

Thanks to everyone. Ordered a bench grinder and will get the sander this weekend.

 

Bob

    CP BOB I bought the belt / disc sander from H.F. and the belt portion is adjustable horz. or vert. I don't recommend any of the sandpaper from their the glue is no good and the grit falls off. Choo Choo Kenny