surface grinder

[johnnym]

does anyone have any experience with the harborfrieght surface grinder? I am looking to add one to the shop and was hoping someone could make a recomendation. Grizzly also has one that looks like it may be a good choice.

Thanks,
-John

 

[Chris Meyer]

John,

I assume that you are talking about this model:

I have an older one from MSC, but they all appear to be made by the same company. Mine works quite well. My only complaint is that it doesn't have power feed, but you get what you pay for. I do not have the optional stand for mine. It's currently on a low table that is too tall to sit at, but to low stand comfortably. I don't know if the stand is at a comfortable height, but you might want to consider getting one.

 

[johnnym]

Yes that is the model Chris. Thanks for the info, i think that i will order the base and the magnetic chuck.

-John

 

[Arthur Washburn]

I've been using that same machine for almost 10 years. It is well worth the 1k I paid for it.

 

[Ed Caffrey]

I've owned/used a Harbor Freight surface grinder for about 7 years. Prior to buying one I spent about 6 months researching 6x12 surface grinders. I was concerned about the quality of the different brands offered. After a few months I stumbled upon a west coast import company that handles the 6x12" machines. Once I convinced the fella that I was not interested in importing machines, he started talking to me, and I learned from him that ALL import 6x12" surface grinders in the US, come off the exact same factory floor. The machines arrive at his port in huge crates of 36 machines. They are unloaded from the ships, the large crates are opened, and then they are counted out by which company wants how many. The machines that go to Grizzly, Jet, J&L, etc are taken to separate places in the warehouse, unpacked, painted, and company stickers/logos are applied. They are then repacked, and sent to the specific companies. The machines that go to Harbor Freight are never unpacked, just counted and forwarded to their final destinations.

In the end he told me that ALL import 6x12" surface grinders in the US are basically the same machines. The only differences are the paint and labels. So from this you can deduce that all you pay for from most companies are a paint job and labels. For example: You can catch the Harbor Freight machine on sale for $999, with free shipping, or you can go to Grizzly and pay and pay $1,839.00 for the exact same machine......for the extra money you get a different color and a couple of labels/stickers......for me its a no brainer.

 

[ken erickson]

I think your right about them being the same machine. I purchase the Harbor freight knee mill , painted red. Grizzly sells the same machine painted off white. There was a thread on a machine forum
were the guy was saying how much better quality he thought his grizzly was compared to the harbor freight until he chipped some paint and discovered the Harbor Freight red paint under the Grizzly white.

When I purchased a surface grinder I spent tons of time on ebay until I found a really nice Harig 6x12 with chuck and tons of wheels for $560. This thing was like new and If your familiar with Harig grinders, high quality! For some reason surface grinders go much cheaper on Ebay than used lathes or mills.

Good luck what ever way you go, a surface grinder is a nice addition to any shop.

 

[johnnym]

You guys are great! thanks for taking the time and providing the information.