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Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

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Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#1

Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

Mark Kauder, Phenix City, AL

>I am looking for the opinion of my fellow WC Turners here.

When do you replace your Grinding wheels? I have pink wheels that I have been using for many years. They were first on my cheap Harbor Freight 3400rpm grinder, and now on my self-made variable speed grinder. I usually sharpen at under 1000rpm (virually no sparks - almost like grinding on an Olde Tyme Treddle Wheel). Anyway, they started out as 6" wheels, and are now down to just under 5". I have considered going to 8" wheels (as much for the additional width as anything) thoug the additional cost over the 6" wheels is a bummer.

I am not so sure the the tighter radius on the worn wheel is all that much of an issue in sharpening, but?????

I will be at the Woodworking Show this weekend, and thought I might pick up a new wheel or two.

Opinions Folks??

Feel free to comment on Grit, brand, color, etc.

Thanks,

Mark

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#2

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out? *LINK*

Sean Troy

>I use 1"x8" wheels on a slow speed grinder. Once I lose about an inch, I replace them. I,m just picky that way. Sean


http://www.arizonawoodturners.org

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#3

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

Mark Kauder, Phenix City, AL

>Sean,

Where are you in Arizona? In the Valley?

I grew up in Phoenix/Glendale, my parents and brothers still live there. I might get out there in March on my way to a business conference.

Mark

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#4

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

John Lucas

>Mark

Mine were down to 4 1/2" before I pulled it off my good grinder. I now have 8" I don't remember noticeing a difference in cutting action when I changed. I mostly changed because I wanted wider wheels.

Try ENCO or www.travers.com for wheels that are much less expensive.

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#5

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out? *LINK*

Wally Dickerman at Green Valley, Az.

>Mark, Kestrel Creek website has some good information on grinding wheels from some experts. Might be worth a read.

Wally


http://www.kestrelcreek.com/toc.htm?id=26&cat=review

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#6

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

Sean Troy

>Hey Mark, I,m in Gilbert. Buy all means let me know when your out this way and we'll get together, Sean

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#7

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

Jennifer@Indy.USA

>Hi Mark,

I replaced my 6" wheels when mine went under 5"....with the Wolverine jig system there comes a point when, in order to get the correct angle on the grind, I was teetering on the center/below center line of the wheel and it got kind of scary.

I opted for the Delta 8" VS grinder when I replaced them. The higher price of the wheels is a drag....but that's just the way it is : (

Jennifer

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#8

Richard Allen

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

Richard Allen

>Hi Mark

I went through the same thing a whike back. I went with the 8". The wider wheel is nice for larger tools (1/2" bowl gouge and larger in my case).

Becasue the hollow grind is different I found I had to do quite a bit of grinding to establish the new bevel.

I also noticed that the bevel on my larger tools (5/8" bowl gouges and larger tools) was easier to work with at the lathe. I was unable to detect any difference in the usablity of my 1/2" bowl gouges and smalle tools.

The 8" wheels I bought cam attached to a dual speed grinder. I found that when I sharpen at the higher speed the wheels need to be dressed less often.

Thanks

Richard

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#9

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

Peter Teubel

>I guess I'm MORE picky (grin). I replace them after they wear down 3/4". Beyond that, the grinds on my tools change. I like my tools consistent. Generally, I go thru two wheels every 6 to 8 months.

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#10

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

Doug Leite

>Wally,

Very good article on grinding wheels. Everyone should read it. Thanks for posting the link.

Aloha

Doug

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#11

Keith Tompkins

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

Keith Tompkins

>Hi again, I use 8" pink and grey wheels. I like the additional width also.

I may be one of the few who prefer a high-speed grinder. I think it's faster,smoother, and produces a finer finish. the secret is a light touch....I have no problem using the grey wheels.

I would use an 8" wheel until it wore about an inch.

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#12

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

Russ Fairfield

>Am I the only one who uses an 8" wheel until it is so small that the guard keeps me from getting at it with the tool? That's about 5-1/2" diameter on my grinder. And, I have been known to remove the guard to get another inch off of it.

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#13

Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out? Thanks

Mark Kauder, Phenix City, AL

>Well, I guess the general drift is - there is no reason to change my current wheels, if I don't want to, and they are doing the job - which they are.

Thanks all, this has been a good thread for me. Wally - thanks for the pointer to Kestrel Creek - I had not been there is guite a while, good site, and great article.

Thanks

Mark

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

#14

Re: Grinding Wheels - When are they worn out?

Bill Howatt

>You might be with the 8" wheel but my originally 6" wheel is down to 4+" and I'm starting to hit the grinder motor.

Hmmm, with a belt drive and a shaft to mount the wheel on I'd be good for another...

Bill

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