heat controlled bench grinder

[FortyTwoBlades]

WEN and Grizzly both have Tormek-style grinders for not too much money.

 

[BeSharp]

I have sped up three of my Tormeks to run at 154 rpm (stock is 110 rpm at 60 Hz). I'm now experimenting with a Tradesman DC variable speed grinder running at 600 rpm. Awesome machine, but not cheap. Arguably the best available.

I have yet to find a Tormek knockoff that works as well, or is as accurate, as a Tormek. Been there, done that.

 

[eKretz]

Two words- belt grinder.

Further to that: 2 + 2 words... Water cooled belt grinder.

 

[Spey]

So, just got a Worksharp Ken Onion, and run it at low speed with a factory spec. of 1200sfm. I am getting little heat on edge by feel, the motor housing gets hot by feel. I have some small fans to carry heat away for the motor. My other thought was slowing down the motor with a 50 buck Variable Frequency Drive from the bay (for the sake of motor, and knife edge as secondary gain). Tormek's run like, not sure but maybe ~175 rpm.
For the edge, a plate with a wet sponge works. But I found some water proof belts for the grinder attachment, which means the knife can get misted by hand if I place a silicon dental dam barrier between the grinder n motor assembly. Grinder assembly is casting and all parts attached can be cleaned and lubed / maintained appropriately.
What do you think?
motor spec-
Variac Transformer Variable 500VA AC Voltage Regulator Metered 0-130V 110V with one AC outlet built in.

I burned out a Ken Onion Work Sharp from running it at low speed.

scottc3,
Running KOWS at low speeds for extended times RE:"the motor housing gets hot by feel" is a known recipe for burning out the motor that many folks have learned the hard way (KOWS manual recommends placing the blade against the belt before triggering the on switch). This has been covered in a number of threads on various forums, and also referenced by WS specifically (running low speed extended time = motor burn out from overheating). Post #15 above is but one example.

I have used a Variac for many decades and multiple uses, and would recommend against using as a voltage reducer as described.