Selecting a 6" bench grinder for turning tool Sharpening

Ronn

I have the 3500 rpm model and find it to be a good choice for what I need - spped.

I use the white 80 and 120 grit wheels - some say to use the 60 and 80's but I like the 120 as it gives my gouges a better edge - but that is subjective for each individual

As far as brand name - I would go for the cheapest one - the thing just needs to spin and run true - but get good wheels and a wolverine jig with an Ellsworth gouge sharpening jig.

Ray

Woodcraft has an 8" slo-speed grinder for about $99. As for wheel grit,

60 and 120 works pretty well. I use a 60 grit pink and a 120 grit white. There really isn't an appreciable difference in the tool edge from each. The 60 grinds cooler and faster.

Barry

1600 > rpm model, am leaning towards 1600 rpm model? >

Sounds like you're leaning in the right directions.

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September 11, 2001 - Never Forget

Ron I think the wheel used is less important than setting up the grinder to be a sharpener. I use a house brand 3500 rpm grinder with standard wheels of 80 and 100 grit, one for HSS and the other for carbide although both do a good job on HSS. However, the wheels are balanced and dressed round and kept that way. Also I use jigs for sharpening whenever possible and yes I can hand grind and why would I want to? However, at this time I have ground my wheels too small to use properly and I have the new ones to install. My intention is to upgrade my jig system and set up the grinder with a digital and a cam corder to make a tape and a web page. If you can hold out for a few days, this may be a help. On the other hand this is all my opinion and I am not a professional turner. I am a hobbyist who needs sharp tools to get as much turning as possible in the little time I have to use, and with a more than limited budget.

White wheels (Aluminum Oxide ... they come in blue, pink and other colors as well depending on manufacturer and model) are fine. I prefer the Silicon Carbide (grey wheels) myself but then I don't normally *sharpen* on a grinding wheel. I just grind/profile on it. If I have to sharpen on a wheel then the AO wheels are preferred.

60 grit on one side, 100 grit on the other is fine. Or 80 / 120. I prefer the 80 / 120 when I have to use a grinder to sharpen anymore such as at a demo or show. 8" grinder is my prefered choice but you've made up your mind. I throw my grinding wheels out if they get to 6" diameter. The slower speed is probably better if you are new to sharpening. The higher speed is preferrable to me as it gets the job done faster. I don't get paid to grind/sharpen/hone so anything that makes it faster is better. Come to think of it, I barely get paid at all. Probably a reason for that one but that's another discussion.

- Andrew

Hi Ron, I think your choice of grits is fine. I prefer a 3450rpm but if you feel more comfortable at slow speed thats fine. You might want to rethink your choice of a 6" grinder. Go to the Oneway website and read thier suggestions on grinders. I don't recall thier url but it's on my links page.

Bob, Naugatuck Ct.

Thks everyone for your input. I found that I was sort of on the right track. After my birthday party (yeah, I'm 61 and still enjoy them) on Sunday (yeah its mixed in with Mom's day) I'll count my pennies and next wk head to my local various tool stores. Plan on buying a cheap 6" maybe 8"

3450 rpm grinder with a 90-120 white stone wheel.