Grinder ergonomics set up

Chiro75

Chiro75

Joined
Feb 4, 1999
Messages
5,786
Well, I finally bit the bullet and Coote is coming my way. Good grinder, Norm seems like a nice guy, and has good resale value for the future if I feel it's holding me back and I gotta have a KMG. Anyway, before it gets here I'd like to really get things prepared for it so it doesn't take forever for me to get it set up to use. What's the ideal height, relative to the person using the grinder, for it to be set up? Mine has a 10" wheel and the flat platen and it's a 2-wheel model, so I know there will be a little compromise because the wheel will either be a little low or the platen a little high. I see myself doing a lot more flat grinding and slack belt grinding than hollow grinding, so I would want the platen to be set up better than the wheel.

In any case, do I want the platen low enough that my arms can be tucked in at my sides and my elbows bent about 90°, or higher or lower than that? I'll probably need to make another worktable for it, and I'll probably plan on sticking my drill press and all that stuff on one table if possible. May be able to find adjustable table legs pretty cheap at one of the local furniture company stores, so that would be a good idea for me to dial it in. Anyway, any tips for setting this thing up would be great. I'll probably try to make it so the wheel hangs off the side of the table I put it on for now, but that would have to change if I get the disc grinder attachment later... Anyway, any input is much appreciated. Thanks!
 
haha trading in the file for a Wheel this is going to be fun :D

my grinder bench is a steel welding table at 34.5 high and
I'm 5-10 if that helps..
but I have a willton..( inside I'm really 6.3 :D )
 
haha trading in the file for a Wheel this is going to be fun
Click to expand...
Yep. I figure my junk drawer is going to get substantially fuller in the very near future!
 
Chiro75 said:
Yep. I figure my junk drawer is going to get substantially fuller in the very near future!
Click to expand...

it's going to feel funny for some time to you for sure..

start with a bigger piece of steel :D
 
I just sat up my KMG a couple weeks ago. It is on a 36" bench and I am 5' 10" and it seems to work fine.

Rest easy on the grinding. I just ground out my first blade Saturday and it looks pretty good. Need to work on my plunge grinds though, but practice makes perfect. I'll post some pics when I get it handled.
 
Hi guys

You will have to find out on your own where the best height for your grinder is.You will Know when it is the right height when it is the most comfortable for you to grind ,without back pain or fatiuge. I had to shim my up until it was too high then bring it down a bit. Have fun with it and be safe!!! The grinder always wins, Don,t have to be right but it always wins.
Well thats my 2cents

cya
jimi
 
I put my coote on a 39" tall bench, with a 2" thick base. So I guess its around 41" high at the base casting. I'm about 6'3" and really hate having to bend over or lean forward to use stuff. That puts the wheel just right for hollow grinding for me after tilting the machine back about 15 degrees. I can still easily use the platen, table, or slack belt portion.

You have a benchgrinder don't you? How is it set up? If its comfortable for your to use, then measure how high the centerline of the wheel is and use that as a starting point. Everyone is different, you'll have to fine tune it when it gets there to get it just right.
 
My benchgrinder is set up too low. I hate it, anyway, and use it very, very little, so fatigue and ergonomics aren't an issue when you only use something about 10 minutes a month. I'm just happy the wheels have never shattered and smashed my face in, quite frankly! :D

I'll either use adjustable height legs, which are relatively inexpensive in this area because we have some of the top office furniture makers in the country here in west Michigan, or I'll use shims. Doing what I do for a living I've found there is a lot of difference between textbook ergonomics and what actually works for the operator. Sounds like trial and error it is!
 
Hello,

You of course don't want back achs. I have my grinder set up whether I use a contact wheel or the platen, I can comfortably set my hands on my organic tool rest (stomach). To steady your work in your hands. My 2 cents worth.

Jeff
 
I just measured and the centerline of the wheel on my grinder is right at 46" high. If I bend my arm at the elbow so it stays againsts my side, my middle knuckle is at the center of the wheel when my forearm is parallel to the ground. This is really comfortable for me. You might use that as a starting point.
If your planning on using the table with the platen, you can probably put it a little higher. The table will support the work for you so it won't matter if your up a little higher. Then the wheel will be up at a comfortable height too.
 
I'm with Jeff, my wheel/platen is at the level where my arms are bent about 90 degrees, which fortunately rest right on top of my comfortable gut.
 
when I feel I need my grinder to be just a little lower I raise the floor with a few pieces of 3/4" plywood. Easier than building the benchtop over ;)~
 
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