Do I need a bench grinder?

[wombar]

Hi All,

I was hoping to pick the collective brain about bench grinders

I've never used a bench grinder before but a few people have told me they're the best thing since sliced bread. I think it would be useful to clean up edges that have been cut on my TCT saw, but what else do you use yours for?

Do they make it easier to level off box section ends as that's something I could definitely do with some help with.

I don't need much encouragement to buy new tools, but I don't have a massive amount of space, and only want to buy things that I know I'll use.

I'm looking at buying a decent one (~£150+) as I guess metal work needs a bit of extra power? Any recommendations in that price range? Are there any bench grinders that are worth a bit extra?

Thanks in advance

 

[Spark plug]

For cleaning saw cut ends up I use a angle grinder with a fibre sanding disc. As I only use my bench grinders for fringing and sharpening tools such as: lathe tools, drill bits, tig tungsten etc In order to keep the wheel faces as flat as possible.

 

[pedrobedro]

Get an 8" grinder if you are spending that much, I have a 6" which is good enough but the stones don't last too long.

 

[wombar]

Thanks for the (super quick replies) guys

For cleaning saw cut ends up I use a angle grinder with a fibre sanding disc. As I only use my bench grinders for fringing and sharpening tools such as: lathe tools, drill bits, tig tungsten etc In order to keep the wheel faces as flat as possible.

That's the thing, that has stopped me from making a purchase. I don't have a lathe, and (at the moment) I can't see me using it for sharpening as I don't have a lot that needs sharpening. Just depends what else you can do with them really.

Get an 8" grinder if you are spending that much, I have a 6" which is good enough but the stones don't last too long.

Yep, I've already decided on an 8" if I make the purchase. Have been looking at some very nice Creusen ones @~£200 but for that money I need to know it's going to get used regularly. I've considered buying a cheap SilverLine for £20 but I'm just worried a) it'll break quickly b) be a waste of money c) not show me what an bench grinder is really useful for.

 

[gavuk]

Have you considered a linisher ?sounds more your thing ,the cheap linsher.grinding wheel combo's are not great ,there are some posts on HERE

 

[Perry Owens]

I only use my bench grinder for sharpening lathe tools and ruining drill bits. I have a Clarke combined belt/disc sander that, with decent belts and discs, I use all the time for cleaning up cut ends, bevelling and general shaping. It doesn't have a lot of power for heavy use but I am sure there are industrial versions available.

 

[wombar]

Yep, a linisher is definitely on the list (along with a lot of other stuff ). I saw someone on here made a linisher for their bench grinder on here which looked like a nice little project. Must track the post down and ask the buildee how they're getting on with it.

I'm just at a hobby level so don't need anything too overpowered, I just like to buy good tools that are made right (even better if they're made in the UK). Saves me having to buy the same thing over and over again or losing time on projects because I didn't spend a bit more.

It's sounding more and more like I don't need a bench grinder (at least not yet)

 

[Luke]

I've a bench grinder and it pretty much just gets used for sharpening drill bits.

In my opinion, this is reason enough to own one. It's great to be able to put a new edge on a drill, or rescue a damaged drill rather than throw it.

Luke

 

[Bauxite]

Yeah, metal belt sander for cleaning up edges on steel, but expensive, true.

 

[Bauxite]

I saw a thread on here recently where someone made a little belt sander from a bench grinder, very cool.

 

[wombar]

This is the one: http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=36625

 

[Bauxite]

Thats the one.

 

[tab]

I don't need much encouragement to buy new tools

Yeh you need one

I use mine for sharpening quite a lot, drill bits, lathe tools, mill cutters, tig tungstens etc etc

From my experience your on the right tracks buying one with more power, i used to have a b&q own brand cheap thing but any real pressure and the thing would just stop. I've now got a proper one (so to speak) free standing and fairly heavy and its brilliant! can really tell the difference, push on it as much as you want and it doesn't stop.

Worth keeping an eye on ebay or gumtree for the odd bargain to pop up, i dropped on nicely with mine, £20 (or £30, forgot now)off ebay, both wheels as good as new and only 15 miles away, would of got more than that in scrap value

 

[wombar]

Yeh you need one

Stop encouraring me (actually don't )

That's the thing I can't see the Silverline cheapo one being good for what I'd want to use it for (leveling off box section). Might be good for grating cheese, but that's probably it Buy once, cry once is my motto. Once the buyers remorse has worn off I've never regretted spending the extra.

Saying that, I'm becoming less convinced that I need a bench grinder at the moment unless it's got a belt sander on one side (or I build one). I don't have a lathe and I don't have many drill bits so it might be worth putting it to one side for now.

I'll keep an eye out for a cheap second hand one, but I'm in the black hole for tools called the South Coast Very little comes up on ebay/gumtree, and what does come up goes for silly money compared to anything north of Watford

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

I have a 6" Aldi jobby,cheap and cheerful.....don't get used much but its for sharpening me wood chisles,lathe tools and the odd job now and again.

I find there is no need to spend out that much you're willing to fork out.

 

[astro_al]

I don't think a bench grinding wheel is what you need at all.

Sounds like you need to expand you stock cutting capabilities and hand held grinding / linishing tools as a priority.

My bench grinders hardly ever get any real use. They are pretty useless for cleaning up the ends of bits of stock etc, better used for dressing tools as said.

Al

 

[wombar]

I don't think a bench grinding wheel is what you need at all.

Sounds like you need to expand you stock cutting capabilities and hand held grinding / linishing tools as a priority.

My bench grinders hardly ever get any real use. They are pretty useless for cleaning up the ends of bits of stock etc, better used for dressing tools as said.

Al

Yup, that certainly seems to be the way I'm leaning at the moment. I'm thinking another angle grinder (only have one) would be a sound choice so I'm not having to swap discs out all the time.

 

[astro_al]

Definitely, at least 1. Plus a bunch of various tooling for it, flap wheels are best imho.

Sounds like you need a decent saw too.

Al

 

[wombar]

On the saw front I've got one of those Evolution TCT mitre saws (the orange one). It doesn't do a bad job but the blades don't seem to last too long cutting steel (even being really careful). It's fine for what it is, but as the blade gets blunter, the cuts get worse (obviously).

I've just sent a blade off to be sharpened, so I'll be interested to see how it comes back.

I bought some flap discs from Weldequip which have been good, but I'm a bit nervous using them on the end of box section. Not sure whether that's going to knacker them quickly? Will look at getting a backing pad and some sand paper-ish pads I think.

I've also got some 1mm cutting discs for my grinder, but I need a bit more practice with it. Always seem to come out wonky, but I think that's probably down to lack of practice/impatience. Thats one of the reasons I wanted something like a linisher. Seems like it would be easier to control than my angle grinder, and a lot quicker than a manual file.

 

[KemppiFrog]

On the saw front I've got one of those Evolution TCT mitre saws (the orange one). It doesn't do a bad job but the blades don't seem to last too long cutting steel (even being really careful). It's fine for what it is, but as the blade gets blunter, the cuts get worse (obviously).

I've just sent a blade off to be sharpened, so I'll be interested to see how it comes back.

I bought some flap discs from Weldequip which have been good, but I'm a bit nervous using them on the end of box section. Not sure whether that's going to knacker them quickly? Will look at getting a backing pad and some sand paper-ish pads I think.

I've also got some 1mm cutting discs for my grinder, but I need a bit more practice with it. Always seem to come out wonky, but I think that's probably down to lack of practice/impatience. Thats one of the reasons I wanted something like a linisher. Seems like it would be easier to control than my angle grinder, and a lot quicker than a manual file.

I am hoping your grinder is hand held for the 1mm discs? Not the bench jobby?
Like the others, I find I use the bench grinder only for facing up tools, or the occasional work on stock. Virtually all other work is by small hand grinders, or big ones if grunty.
BUT, the local B&Q has a mixed grinder at €25 with a water wheel at low speed and a normal hi speed on the other end. Tempting for the wood tools.

Silly but, the cost of new wheels for my old bench job is more than the cost of the new one from B&Q. Daft...