I need a new grinder ! Advice ?

Re: I need a new grinder ! Advice ?

JL

>Don't get the 6" Delta variable speed. It has "ears" that don't play well with the Wolverine jig mounting system. Terry Daniels doesn't like the 8" Delta VS. I would go for the inexpensive 8" from Woodcraft or something similar.

Re: I need a new grinder ! Advice ?

David

>The slow speed from Woodcraft is the one I'm using - I'm a newbie by the way. This topic comes up all the time. My own experience was that the one I got (by mail) had to be replaced because of manufacturing flaws. The replacement was a decent one, and I think represents pretty good bang for the buck. There are lots of people, however, who have problems like I did right out of the box. If you can visit a store and fire it up before you buy it, go for it. If you have to order one by mail, keep the customer service number handy (they are pretty responsive).

Re: I need a new grinder ! Advice ?

Pete Langevin

>i'd buy the woodcraft one, it comes with the 60 and 120 grit wheels, i'd also invest in a 36 grit wheel if you want to do some rough shaping.. also there is a balancing kit that is available (not sure thru which retailer).. helps make the grinder more efficient..

get the oneway wolverine.. you won't regret it..

Re: I need a new grinder ! Advice ?

theeviltwinn

>As Pete says balancing your grinding wheels greatly improves any grinder but the Oneway balancing kit doesn't fit on the wheels that come with the Woodcraft slow speed grinder. BTDT.

The Oneway system requires wheels with a 1" arbor hole and the Woodcraft wheels only have 5/8" holes.

Mike

options:

tdaniel

>Delta 8" 1800 rpm old style, soon to be discontinued? About $179 to $199 with white wheel and dresser; no balancer needed.

or Woodcraft for about $99 to which you should add $50 for a balancer.

Either of these will do the job. I like the old Delta and I think they should rethink replacing it with the VS model which is junk. The Delta 8" 1800 rpm grinder should be the only one you ever need to buy; mine has performed well for 2 years. On the other hand....a customer just brought in the newer VS model and it lasted through one sharpening of a gouge, then the rpm started varying all over the place. The VS has no power and comes with poor wheel mounting plates. If you want to spend another $50 to add the One-way plates then it is useable but still not durable. Find the 1800 rpm delta while they are still available, you'll be gald you did.

TD

Re: options:

Chris In W. MI

>The Woodcraft is on sale.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?DeptID=2054&FamilyID=4605

Re: I need a new grinder ! Advice ?

Don Evans

>David:

What are you going to use the grinder for? That would have everything to do with which grinder would be best.

If turning tool sharpening will be it's main job then the Delta 23-725 1800 rpm with white wheels is my chose. I've had one for 2 or 3 years.

I use a Baldor with grey wheels for general grinding that is 3450 rpm. Yes, Baldor is expensive up front but this grinder I have is around 25 years old and still going strong.

Don

Re: I need a new grinder ! Advice ?

Barry Irby

>I have the slow speed one from Woodcraft and it is fine for sharpening lathe tools etc.. Mine runs fine without the balancing kit. In fact I did not such a thing existed. I just dressed the stones carefully and went to work. I use a home made version of the wolverine. Had the grinder about five years. The newer ones have one inch thick stones, mine has 3/4 ones. The wheels are worth nearly as much as the grinder.