Wishful thinking - wanted 8" 1hp low speed grinder

[jcdammeyer]

I've thought about it but never needed the capacity that they have, nor do I have the space for one.

Space is a big thing. I have a small no-name 6" under the bench with a green wheel for carbide. Haven't touched it in years other than to move it around.
The main grinder that is up and ready to go is a Mastercraft 8" with white wheels. I turned custom hubs to hold the wheels with less wobble but it still vibrates. That video looks interesting for making it smoother.
The other grinder, Lee Valley Tools, rarely gets taken out because it then requires some cleaning, oil into the cups (which eventually leaks out all over) and water. I bought this to do hand plane blades, wood chisels and knives. Again hasn't been used in a long time because there is not clearly defined spot for it.

 

[YotaBota]

Alright another bleeping course change...

I have the same issue. I'll go to do something and change my mind six times, the only problem is after the sixth change I forget what I was doing in the first place.

 

[Former Member]

@David_R8 I have a 6" grinder and the belt grinder, strangely enough both take almost the same space just in different directions.

As to belt wear and replacement, couple of comments here. First, belt grinding is faster, cooler and more controllable. Second, it a learned method and once mastered belts last. Third, you generally get away with larger grits (I use 80 grit) for most work even for finer finishes, though finer grits leave even better finishes. Finally, the smaller belts well do wear out quicker, the larger belts longer belts last longer.

My machine is single speed and on the slower side (don't ask I forget the specs I measured). Though until I see a need to increase it its great.

I do aluminium, steel, stainless steel and tungsten (tig rods, I use a drill to spin them to get the correct grain structure on the point) on the same machine.

One final foot note get a crete stick (cleans the belt and increase belt life dramatically). You can use wax a release/lubricant, it works but I find its not needed in my applications.

 

[DavidR8]

@Degen I do have a 2x42 belt grinder that I use for metal shaping and for HSS lathe tool grinding. Works great for me. Messy though which I find a challenge in a small shop.

 

[historicalarms]

another tip for the belt grinder folks.
I usually buy from a local hardware and usually the finest grit I can get is 400 so that is what I use for any general grinding/sanding. As someone else mentioned, with practice you can extend belt life considerably, mine sometimes last a year and it is the most frequently used machine in the shop.
Now for the tip....a new belt will remove metal & wood quickly and will leave minute' scratches on the finished workpiece. I save all my old belts that have been used LOTS and use them as a finish belt....the new, course grit has been long since wore down to leave a fair to middlin "fine grit" belt that leaves a much more polished finish.