Looking for a cheap slow or variable speed grinder

[Crashmph]

Hi all,

I am looking for a cheap slow or variable speed grinder for use with a Wolverine Jig. It will be a gift for my brother who wants to get into turning. God help him.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Michael

 

[jleiwig]

The woodcraft slow speed grinder is your best bet. I think I saw that they had them for 79 bucks.

 

[KenV]

Woodcraft has an 8 inch slow speed that goes on sale periodically - comes with or without a stand. Stand on mine did not have enought space for the wolverine but a plywood spacer took care of that nicely. I think I have less than $100 in the grinder and stand. The wheels that come with it are soft white one that are Ok for high speed steel, but there are wheels that are higher grade if you want to move up.

Note that there is wide variation in opinions on what grits are best even amongst (maybe especially amongst) those who turn a lot.

Then there is the Baldor line of very very high quality vibration free and lots more spendy grinders for the discriminating tastes --

How well do you really really like the recipient?

 

[Crashmph]

It's my only brother so I guess I like him a lot Ken. He is turning 30 this year, and he has 3 little girls to drive him crazy. With a house full of estrogen he needs an outlet to have something other than Tinkerbell, princesses and barbies, so I am giving him the addiction of turning.

 

[stolicky]

I think the Woodcraft slow speed grinder option is really the best bang for the buck. For the price and decent wheels, its really hard to find a better deal.