Grinders

[Section10]

I'm trying to furnish a shop and I need some advice. I've never used turning tools before and though I can sharpen a lot of things, I feel I should get a new grinder along with a Wolverine Sharpening System and the Vari-Grind accessory. I've already cleared it with the boss, but I don't want to strain the budget too much. I see HF has a 3/4 HP 8" bench grinder with 3450 RPM and a 5/8" shaft. Can I get by with a 6" grinder and would one with different speeds be better? Also, what is the best wheel to use on a grinder to sharpen lathe tools? Thank you.

 

[Rifleman1776]

3450 is too fast, it will burn your tools and eat away metal rapidly. 1750 is good, some reccomend slower. 6" gives too much 'hollow' grind. An 8" 80 grit wheel at 1750 will do ye jest fine.

 

[jeff]

You might consider a slow-speed grinder. I have one of these. A few of the other guys here have the same machine. I use the stock wheels, 60 and 120 grit.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=4605

Pair that up with a Wolverine and you'll be happy.

 

[woodbutcher]

If you decide on the Wolverine be sure to go to the Oneway site, click the media button and download the instructional video. The directions that come in the box for the most part are useless.
Jim

 

[alamocdc]

I have the same grinder as Jeff and I LOVE it! If you can afford it, get it. Otherwise, try to find a slow speed at HF.

Here's the only one I could find: http://tinyurl.com/qsm9f

 

[Section10]

Thank you all for your helpful advice. I'm probably going with the 8" slow speed from Woodcraft. I'm glad I can avoid making such mistakes that I might have done if I was on my own. You guys are doing a great job.

 

[Rifleman1776]

That looks like a good deal that Jeff reccomended. The 60/120 grit combo, so it can't be all bad. But, I'll toss in the opin here that 60 grit burns and removes too much metal too fast. And 120 is too smooth for our purposes and barely polishes the tools. 80 grit is what was reccomended to me by a genuine expert, I use and like. Doesn't remove too much metal and doesn't burn. I like. I still reccomend an old 1750 or slower motor (maybe free) with a $5.00 arbor and the blue 8" 80 grit wheel.

 

[DocStram]

You're going to really appreciate the Wolverine system. They have some helpful instructional videos that you can watch at their website. Here's the web addy for downloading the multimedia videos:

http://www.oneway.on.ca/multi-media.htm