Uses for a bench grinder

[SwingKing]

I've got a 6" Craftsman bench grinder that I got 10 years ago and then never got around to actually setting it up. I'm to the point where I need to either start using it or get rid of it. It's a fixed 3450 rpm grinder with aluminum oxide wheels, so I don't think it would be a good choice for sharpening chisels, etc.

If you have a grinder, do you find it a useful tool? If so, what do you it for? The only use I can think of is sharpening mower blades and I don't do that enough to justify making space for it in my shop.


Thanks!

-- Ken

[Thom2]

put a wire wheel on it, you'll find yourself cleaning up every bolt you ever take out of anything

[wardprobst]

put a wire wheel on it, you'll find yourself cleaning up every bolt you ever take out of anything

Thom's right. I'd get a decent Norton wheel and put it on one side, wire or abrasive nylon wheel on the other. I don't use mine much but it's handy for some repairs, metal work and stuff. I have mine in a different area than the wood shop because of the metal particles and I use it now and then. If you run across an abused chisel (I have a "beater" set that I abuse for home repairs) it's great for removing major nicks quickly or changing a bevel angle.
On the other hand, since you have gotten along well without it so long...????
DP

[TheRic]

I have had one off and on over the years. When I had one I used it for all kinds of things. When I didn't have one I did without, without major lost (yea there was times I wish I had one). If I had my choice I would have one. Thinking about upgrading my current one.

To help save space mount the grinder to a sheet of wood. Store setup on shelf somewhere (yea, if your shop is like mine your LOL). When you need it clamp it to your workbench.

[LCHIEN]

I got one a while back, A RYobi 6", but I don't use it all that often. When I do, its handy for minor reshaping of steel parts and stuff.

[Daryl]

Get a couple buffing wheels and a set of polishing compound. You will be polishing every piece of metal in your shop.

[SwingKing]

Thanks for the suggestions. You've convinced me that there are enough uses for this grinder for me to keep it in the shop.

I have decided, however, to change how I was planning to mount it. I was going to mount it on a plate so I could fasten it down to my workbench when I needed it. Reading wardprobst's comments, I realized I'm not too comfortable with metal sparks landing in the sawdust that is always around my workbench. I think I'm going to build the plate up so I can attach it to my Workmate portable bench. This will let me move it out to the driveway when I'm using it.

-- Ken

[LinuxRandal]

Thanks for the suggestions. You've convinced me that there are enough uses for this grinder for me to keep it in the shop.

I have decided, however, to change how I was planning to mount it. I was going to mount it on a plate so I could fasten it down to my workbench when I needed it. Reading wardprobst's comments, I realized I'm not too comfortable with metal sparks landing in the sawdust that is always around my workbench. I think I'm going to build the plate up so I can attach it to my Workmate portable bench. This will let me move it out to the driveway when I'm using it.

-- Ken

Any old odd metal boxes you see, you might consider a conversion. I saw a metal frame surround for a grinder a while back, and it made me think of a box I missed at a yard sale. I could have easily put some latches on it, and made it a portable case, that seperated into a shield.