I am trying to decide what to buy for my beginning kit for making stained glass objects. One thing that I am unsure about is which grinder to start with. Any help in this area is appreciated.
Thanks, Caroline
best beginner grinder
Feb 08, 2006
5 Replies
I have an Inland "Wizling" that is over 20 years old and still in daily use.
Either Inland or Glastar makes good products. All the tilt tables and pressure sensitive on-off switches are nice but totally un-necessary. The cheapest model will grind your glass just as well as the most expensive ones.
Be careful with the Diamond Tech brand (from Delphi). I had one that the motor bearings failed. There are a couple more other "off brands" that are out there. Caveat emptor.
I agree. I have the same Wizard for over 20 years. Checkout your local SG retailer to see which one you like the best, and what's on sale.
As an occasional hobbyist, I have been using my Wizard "Wiz" model for about
20 years now, just changing out the bits as they wear out. Get a shield also (a clear panel on a stalk that you look through so it does not spray the grindings into your face) - mine says Inland on it - wash it clean, do not wipe so it does not scratch (you are creating glass bits...). I also made a rear and side splash panel out of an old kitchen vinyl tile that I cut to fit into the gap between the grid and the grinder wall - it catches all the spray and the water drains right back into the pool - I just remove a side if I am grinding a long piece. Hoping this might help, Tomes
tip: an old 10 gallon fish tank on it's side makes a great splash shield, viewing shield, and holds the overspray in the bottom also.
regards, charlie
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I agree...anything mechanical that come from Diamond Tech is pretty much a knock off of someone else's product. Heck, Gryphon had a bandsaw maybe 20 years ago and then when DTI hit the market, suddenly they had one that looked awful similar...call it a coincidence. Same with their circle cutter and about every other tool they've come out with.
Andy
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