Grinding Wheels

[ironman123]

Going to buy a new grinder, just got my sharpening set from PSI and not sure as to the grinder or wheels I should get for sharpening lathe tools.

6 inch with 1/2" or 8 inch with 5/8" arbor?? Either one presents some difficulty in getting good wheels in the 3/4" thickness. Need good supplier of good quality wheels also.

Can't afford the CBN wheels.

Open for suggestions and recommendations please.

Ray

 

[Jim Burr]

I'd stay away from the 6" stuff...it will leave a concave cup on the bevel side of your gouge, great place for heat and debris build-up and no bevel to ride. 8" is more compatible with turning tools...but JMHO.

 

[ironman123]

Jim, I appreciate your reply. I see grinders 8" X 3/4" and when I look for wheels most 8" are 1" wide that I find.

There are so many options now days. It is frustrating for me to even buy a toothbrush.

Ray

 

[JTisher]

Are you sure that's not 3/4 hp? Most 8 inch grinders use one inch wheels.

Don't buy CBN wheels unless your using it for carbide though. Your best bet is aluminum oxide.

Camel Grinding has a very good selection and I've had good luck with their brand (no I don't work for them, Just a satisfied user). Just make sure the grinder doesn't exceed the wheels rated speed.


Joe

 

[kovalcik]

Go for an 8" slow speed grinder. The 5/8" arbor is not an issue. You can buy bushings to fit a wheels with larger holes.

Just for the record, CBN wheels work great on HSS tools. Look at d-waytools.com for more info. I just got a pair for my Woodcraft 8" grinder and they work great. No more white dust from dressing the wheels and they run perfectly true. If you can swing it go for the 180 Grit one. You can keep a standard 80 grit on the other side.

 

[Jim Smith]

Also, if you're planning to use the grinder mainly to sharpen tools, I would recommend you consider buying a slower speed grinder of 1725RPM instead of the 3450 RPM models as it is less likely to overheat the steel.

Jim Smith

 

[ironman123]

I want to thank you all for the replies. I will try to find a grinder with slower speed (1725) because this will be a dedicated grinder for sharpening.

Thanks again.

Ray

 

[MarkD]

Woodcraft often has their 8" slow speed grinder on sale.
As for wheels I got a set of CBN wheels from Wood Turners Wonders for $250 ( yes, for the set ). I don't know how he is selling them so inexpensively but several guys in our club have purchased them and all are very happy with them.
Products – Wood Turners Wonders