H F surfice grinder

jrhart50

jrhart50

Joined
Mar 11, 2007
Messages
261
I was wondering if the H F surface grinder and mag chuck will hold close toll like .0005 or less?
Thanks for any res ponce. JRH:jerkit:
 
I haven't used one, but I have to think it would because I doubt it could take off much more than that per pass.

.0001"? Probably not, but .0005" shouldn't be unreasonable.

Now, measuring in the tenths accurately is another story.

I have found that grinders need to stabilize in temperature to grind accurately. So, get all your rough grinding done on everything first, and only attempt sneaking up on those tenths once everything is up to temp.
 
Something else about surface grinders. The side you're grinding gets hot. So it expands. And, like a bimetallic strip, it bends because one side is hotter than the other. And you grind it in this hot state. Once it cools, you have a part that is thinner in the middle than on the ends. Sneaking up on tenths is a pill. And it is messy and finicky. I hate grinding.
 
Hi,

I do a lot of grinding, cylindrical and surface. And like Nathan, I think it sucks.:thumbdn:

I looked at the Harbor Freight picture. I think you might get it to hold +/- .0005 if you hold your tongue just right and go to church every Sunday.

Grinders are pretty simple machines. Not a lot to them. But what there is of them, is important. This particular machine has a few problems. First it doesn't have much mass. When it comes to "tenths" size does matter. The more you have the better. It helps to minimize vibration and equalizes machine heat. Which limits distortion. Secondly, as Nathan pointed out about part warpage, heat build up in your part is a killer. The instant that part warms up, she warps. And you can chase that warp from side to side and never get it. But flood coolant can be added. It just won't be easy or convenient. And lastly, a 3/4-hp 110v spindle motor is just asking for trouble. And Chinese one at that.:) No where near enough power. And that will totally aggravate part heating a warpage. You won't be happy.

If you really need a surface grinder, you can find good used industrial machines for not much money. A used Harig can be had for the same money and is 100x's the machine. Check out the evil-bay or Craig's list. A bit of patience and you will find one.

Good Luck!
dalee
 
I agree on the Harig grinders. I purchased a Harig super 12 with chuck for less than $600. When I arrived to pick the grinder up I was pleased to find the under cabinet loaded and I mean loaded with dozens of new wheels, new spindle bearings(no idea of cost on these but I am sure they are not cheap) and other misc. replacement parts. The Harig grinders are really nice little grinders IMHO.

Good luck with which ever route you plan on going!

Ken
 
I just bought a Grizzly, everyone says that they are the same machine but it just cost more. the issue I ran into was that I did not know enough about a used older machine to make a good purchasing decision so I bought a new china one don't know about that but I am very pleased with the purchase. I just started making folders and the parts are small and it seems to do a good job no problem to hold .001 and it is probably a little better. I have not seen any issues with heat but I don't try to remove alot of material at one time. I bought a new norton stone and a good fine pole chuck so far so good.
Good Luck
Ted
 
I own one of the HF 6X12 surface grinders. The chuck that comes with it is worthless...sell it off and buy yourself a high quality fine pole chuck. As for the tolerance holding....mine does between 1/2 thousandth and a thousandth.
My opinion is that its all in how you setup and use the machine. Something I have found about most of the import 6x12 machines.....most have aluminum windings in the motors.....I had mine rewound with copper, and afterward it was a totally different machine.

Finally, be aware that ALL import 6x12 surface grinders that come into this country are produced on the same factory floor. Whether the end product says Jet, Grizzly, J&L, or whatever, they all come off the boat essentially the same. The importers are the ones who unpack the machines, paint them and apply decals, then repack them and ship them to the retailers. Those machines that go to HF never get unpacked...just forwarded to HF. That being said, if you look at the machines from the various retailers and their prices, you quickly realize that the only difference between a $1,000 HF 6x12 and the $2,500 machine from another retailer is the paint color and the decals. The only reason I know that is because I spent the better part of a year researching and looking for a surface grinder, and along the way I learned a great deal that would have otherwise gone unseen.
 
Ed Caffrey said:
Finally, be aware that ALL import 6x12 surface grinders that come into this country are produced on the same factory floor. Whether the end product says Jet, Grizzly, J&L, or whatever, they all come off the boat essentially the same. The importers are the ones who unpack the machines, paint them and apply decals, then repack them and ship them to the retailers. Those machines that go to HF never get unpacked...just forwarded to HF. That being said, if you look at the machines from the various retailers and their prices, you quickly realize that the only difference between a $1,000 HF 6x12 and the $2,500 machine from another retailer is the paint color and the decals. The only reason I know that is because I spent the better part of a year researching and looking for a surface grinder, and along the way I learned a great deal that would have otherwise gone unseen.
Click to expand...
I wondered about that! My HF bandsaw looks a lot like other people's imported bandsaws, and that clarified a lot now. Thanks!
 
I paid $700 for a good old USA made 6x12 grinder and a one hour drive to get it. I just started calling all the machine shops within a 100 miles and scored on the 4th or 5th call.
 
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