Grinder Combo, What Do You Think???

My dad bought a Delta 6X48 with 9" disc for just a little bit more than that off amazon.com not too long ago. Doesn't have many hours on it yet, but seems like a good machine. I've been very happy with all my delta tools for what they cost. I'd be hesitant to try a no name machine for the small cost difference.
Also, harbor freight carries a very similar machine made by central machinery that runs right around $200 from what I've seen. If you've got a local store you might get one there and save on shipping.
 
Shop around and find one with a belt drive.That way you can either change the pulley to lower the belt speed,or put on a variable speed motor.The old craftsman 6X48's were belt drive (One of my 6X48's is an OLD craftsman with a milled cast iron platen.I retrofitted it with a 1.5HP variable DC motor.).Those combo units generally run a bit fast for most metal work.After HT they are way too fast.You are right to want one,though.They make the best flat grinds around.Pop's has all the really good belts for them.
Stacy
 
Mike,
Avoid the cheaper no name crap. I bought one like that and it is a piece of junk! The disc on it is unusable it wobbles so much. I have thrown the unit away (except I kept the motor for future projects). Money wasted.

Rick
 
bladsmth said:
Shop around and find one with a belt drive.That way you can either change the pulley to lower the belt speed,or put on a variable speed motor.The old craftsman 6X48's were belt drive (One of my 6X48's is an OLD craftsman with a milled cast iron platen.I retrofitted it with a 1.5HP variable DC motor.).Those combo units generally run a bit fast for most metal work.After HT they are way too fast.You are right to want one,though.They make the best flat grinds around.Pop's has all the really good belts for them.
Stacy
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:thumbup: I also retrofitted a Craftsman 6x48 that came with the 9 inch disc. I'm running a 1 hp Lesson [variable speed]. I had no real use for the 6 inch belt but found the machined table surface real handy for sheet abrasives.
I purchased a new 9 inch disc, from Rob Frink. Sweeeeet! I bought this machine new in 1970. I wore out a set of bearings, using it in my woodworking shop. I put a knew set of bearings in it when i added the variable speed motor. Talk about value for your dollar. The V.S. is a must for the knife shop. I am surprised you don't see many of them on the market. :D Fred
 
I have seen a Tradesman brand variable speed 4X36 at Lowes. I cannot remember the size of the side disc. I beleive this machine comes with a 1 HP motor.


Ken Beatty
 
ragnoor said:
I have seen a Tradesman brand variable speed 4X36 at Lowes. I cannot remember the size of the side disc. I beleive this machine comes with a 1 HP motor.


Ken Beatty
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I can name half a dozen, knifemakers, that are in the process of building their own V.S. disc sanders. Industry will catch up with demand and you will see more of the V.S. machines offered. Knife makers are cutting edge as far as machines go. No pun intended, Fred
 
Ok bringing the post back, i'm going to go for it. i could really use the disc for dovetail bolsters, and its a 9" so i could use sheets of abrasive. and i'm sure the 6X48 will find its place in flatteneing things, thought i might need some pyroceram for it

i'll make sure i let you guys know how it turned out
 
well i then if a bunch of you say the disc isn't worth beans, then i'm going to say no to it because the disc was the main reason for getting it, so i could dovetail bolsters, i was hoping to go to wholesale tool seeing as they're close enough to drive to and save on shipping. has anyone had experience with a good disc grinder from there???? thanks guys
 
Ive used a craftsman 6x48 belt sander and disc since 1982.....rebuilt the motor just last month......platen is great for flattening handle mat....with or with out the belts......very useful tool......also have tried to taper tangs with it....
 
I have one of those things with the same table mechanism. I'm about to trash it and find a disk sander only with a cast iron table casting and support.

The guys have given you good advise. :D
 
Buy a good 9" disk from Rob Frink and VS motor. I use a treadmill motor.

You cain't beat it .
:D :D :D
 
i'm looking for something off the shelf for now. like i said i'm only using it to do dovetailed bolsters, nothing special. there are a few listen at Wholesale tool i'll just got for a 12" model
 
Michael J. Spangler said:
i'm looking for something off the shelf for now. like i said i'm only using it to do dovetailed bolsters, nothing special. there are a few listen at Wholesale tool i'll just got for a 12" model
Click to expand...


mike if you want it to do just dove tails and have a table saw
get a sanding disk for the table saw. I used one for some time..
and really thinking about setting it back up again..for the one reason:)
 
looks good sweany, i'll probably go for the Wttool one since i can drive there.
Dan could you elaborate on that set up please?? thanks
 
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