A good bench grinder?

[ChrisD]

I'm just dying to break in the new lathe, but I'll have to hold off until I have at least one sharp gouge to start with.

After doing some research on grinders here and elsewhere, it seems that the the DELTA GR450 and the WOODCRAFT model are the popular choice. The other two that I am considering are the DEWALT DW758 and the RYOBI 8", which are both single-speed.

I'm a little concerned about the mixed thoughts on the DELTA. Would the WOODCRAFT be a better choice between the two then?

Should I avoid single-speed models altogether or is this attribute really not that critical?

Thanks in advance!

[Hoover]

The Woodcraft 8" grinder 1800 RPM is regularly on sale for $79.95 or there abouts, and is a good grinder with grinder wheels already there for the lathe sharpening. (White Wheels, good quality). There are many opinions out there slow speed, or the high speed grinders. Lower speed grinders do not tend to overheat the metal being sharpened.

[Ken Massingale]

Chris,
I have the WC single speed 1750 rpm grinder and really like it. In my current stage of confusion over correct grinder speed for sharpening turning tools, I may have gotten the dual speed if it had been on sale. I got the slow speed because everyone said 1750 is optimum for this task, and I saw the logic. I never saw a turner post that 3500 is better.
Then, I got the Wolverine jig from Oneway. They clearly state in the instructions, and show the numbers to back it up, that 3500 is the best speed.
Sooo, I am using 1750, happy as can be along with zillions of turners, and the people who 'ought' to know are saying this is wrong. Go figure.
ken

[Rounder]

I have the WC dual speed grinder and would highly recommend it. It has other uses than just sharpening. I waited till it was on sale and got it.

[Tom Miller]

The grinder for my turning tools was my first grinder ever. As usual, for me, I wanted to get something that would really be universal, and planned to change wheels accordingly.

Boy, did that get old fast. So now I have a variable speed grinder that I ALWAYS use at low speed (read: wasted $$), with two white wheels on it. And a cheap Ryobi grinder that I do rougher grinding with.


Regards,
Tom

[ChrisD]

Thanks for the advice, guys. Sounds like variable - or at least, low - speed is the way to go.

A follow-up question if you don't mind: Will I burn in turners' **** if I got a 6" instead of an 8" model? I understand that the hollow created by a 6" will be more pronounced, but is the difference really that critical?

Thanks again!

[Tom Miller]

quote:Originally posted by ChrisD

Will I burn in turners' **** if I got a 6" instead of an 8" model?

If you go with a 6", I'll save you a seat next to the furnace.

But I will say, knowing what I know now, that Woodcraft slow 8" for $75 looks like a pretty nice deal, with the wheels you need already on it. That's what I paid for my 6" Delta variable speed, not including having to buy better wheels.

Regards,
Tom

[Whaler]

I'll throw in another vote for the WC 1750rpm single speed and the Wolverine jig.

[ChrisD]

Thanks. The WC it is then!

[ChrisD]

I finally found that issue of Popular Woodworking where Judy Ditmer discusses sharpening of turning tools (November 2004). There is an entire paragraph describing her ideal bench grinder. It was just short of saying 'Go to Woodcraft and get the slow-speed grinder.'