MetalworkingFun Forum

I have a Delta 8” grinder that I'm not particularly fond of. It takes 3/4 inch wheels, and it's a lot easier to find 1” wide.

I'm looking at the Dewalt. Do I want a 6” or an 8”? It sems to me that the surface speed of the 8” is really high, around 7540 sfpm.

The 6” is about 5400 sfpm.

Does it matter?

Actually, there may be another option. There is enough room in the housings to take 1" wheels, but not enough length on the shaft. If I changed the "dimpled" flange for a flat one, and (maybe) swapped the standard nut for a jam nut, it would fit. Bad idea/good idea?

I like the speed of the 8 inch wheels, if its for grinding HSS a little heat won't hurt it.
DON"T replace the cupped washer with a flat one, they act as a spring to cushion the wheel and spread the force, a flat one could cause a crack. Can't see a jam nut being a problem, most grinders use a thin nut to begin with.

I'll take a look at the jam nuts, and see of they will give me enough room.

Thanks!

Here's my suggestion: save up your pennies and return all your cans and bottles, and then go on Craig's List and get yourself a used industrial grade grinder. I got a 3-phase 8x1" Baldor with new wheels and a nice stand for $125 last year. The 3 ph isn't a big deal since I already have a phase converter for my lathe & mill. The thing is SO MUCH BETTER than any grinder I've ever used, I almost wept with joy.

That said, big single phase grinders usually bring lots of coin because more people want them. In fact, the typical price difference would more than cover the cost of a solid-state 5hp phase converter. Just sayin.

I second Al's recommendation.  I got a Powermatic 8x1 with light for $30.  208 volt 3 phase.  Went on ebay and the manufacturer of a static phase converter for this grinder was on sale for about $40 (it was $90 at all the tool places).  I'll post a pic momentarily.

ok, moment's up. Here's the pic

The CL option sounds good. Thanks!

Craigslist came through almost at once. 80's era Jet, on a stand. And what a stand! That base is 24 x 24, 3/4 inch steel. Dang near busted my babymaker getting it out of the Suburban. Runs smooth and quiet. Needs a new cord, toolrests, and a good cleaning.

Any recommendations as to what wheels I should pick up, for sharpening HSS, and general purpose grinding?

Coarse and fine aluminum oxide stones assuming you're sharpening HSS, and a dresser.

Wheels have a "friability" number - i.e. how fast they break down and expose new sharp abrasive. Google will help you with the numbers.

If you're ***only*** going to sharpen HSS on this grinder, get a softer wheel.

If you're going to mix HSS and mild steel, get a harder wheel and dress it more often.

If you're going to mix, consider getting a second grinder, one for HSS, one for mild. That hefty-duty stand will support 2 grinders, no problem.

If you have to lean on it to make it cut, bust out the dresser. If the face of the wheel isn't completely flat, bust out the dresser.

Most people don't use the dresser nearly often enough.

(10-30-2015, 03:57 PM)Roadracer_Al Wrote: [ -> ]Most people don't use the dresser nearly often enough.

I'm guilty of that.

(10-30-2015, 03:41 PM)wawoodman Wrote: [ -> ]Dang near busted my babymaker getting it out of the Suburban.

I would have used my hands to lift it out...