Novice looking to buy a bench grinder

O

ohen cepel

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Sep 19, 2002
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I'm looking for a bench grinder for home use. Nothing fancy, put some paper wheels on it and see if I have the success others here have had. Also will use it for occasional house projects but nothing heavy.

Suggestions? What should I look for in them? How much power is really needed? Size (6, 8, or 10)? Does variable speed really matter?

Are any made in the US these days?

Any basic suggestions would be great.

Thanks!
 
if i were in your shoes i would start by checking with your local sears.they wont be the rock bottom cheapest price on a grinder but chances are you will get a good grinder that will serve you for many years.also if you check you may have a sears outlet or a sears service center in your area.they get all the stuff that was a demo or damaged box and sell it cheaper.
 
Look for a 1750 RPM model, or a variable speed. 3650 RPM is too fast.
Harbor Freight has a 1 HP 1750 for $118. It's a pretty big machine, but can also be used for buffing.
 
Great input, thanks! Didn't think about needing more power in order to buff stuff.

Looked at Sears, they were my first stop. Just wasn't clear on what I really needed.

Any other input/advice?
 
I'd take Bill's advice if I were you.

I did not though. Only because I was being cheap. I got a standard 3450 rpm bench grinder from Harbor Freight. I watched the ads and used the 20% off coupon and paid just over 20 bucks for it, and it has a built in light which actually works well for seeing the burr. So with the cost of the wheels and grinder I was a bit over 60 bucks total investment. Even if it didn't work out, who cares its only 60 bucks. It's working good though. ;)

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=1276399

Get your coupons there. Even if you buy the one Bill says, it'll save you more than I paid for my entire unit.
 
find a 1/2 hp motor and get an arbor to fit the shaft. then you can attach your wheels to the motor. if you plan on using it as a grinder then get a variable speed buffer or grinder. remember if the motor housing is 6" you need the 8" wheels. (and there is a difference in wheel quality. i have both the good ones that run smooth and the cheap ones that dont)
 
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