Benchtop grinder question

[Anna]

Finally getting around to setting up my sharpening station with my slow speed bench top grinder. There are a couple things that are supposed to be installed: the eye protector and the spark protector (or something like that). The wheels came already installed, and I don't really feel like taking it apart. Is it absolutely necessary to have those two things, or are they pretty much optional (meaning, it's still safe to operate the grinder)?

I just want this set up for my Wolverine jigs to sharpen the turning tools with. Of course if safety does become an issue, then I will have to install these eye/spark protectors. (But I'm just feeling so darned lazy now after being out in the 100° temp all day.)

[jackellis]

I have a used benchtop grinder sitting in my car that I need to find space for and I've given this a tiny bit of thought.

I think you ought to install the protective devices. You don't want sparks flying around and you certainly don't want bits of metal being flung at your face.

However, you might wait until Wednesday, when it's supposed to be a little cooler in the Golden State.

[Anna]

I'm wondering if those protective devices are redundant since I already wear a face mask whenever I sharpen my tools.

(Isn't the weather crazy, though? It's been cold and raining, the temps in the 50s, then all of a sudden we have 5 days of 90+ degrees. This week, it's plunging back down to the 60s.)

[Uncle Cracker]

Even with a face mask, you still need to control the sparks. They can set things on fire...

[Anna]

Even with a face mask, you still need to control the sparks. They can set things on fire...

Yeah, that is a consideration, especially with all the shavings on the floor. Okay, will install the spark guards. But I don't think I need the eye protectors. I always wear a face mask at least, and the eye protectors just seem to get in the way.

[dkerfoot]

I had a small fire event with my stationary belt sander the other day. I was using it to put a new bevel on a very rough plane cutter when I started smelling smoke. Not too scary until I started to smell plastic burning. Eventually, when the shop got hazy I grabbed it and ran outside with it.

It was never more than smoldering sawdust that caused a bit of the plastic cowling to blister, but it was enough to make me consider buying a Norton wheel for my grinder instead...