bench/pedestal grinder advice

[welddoc]

Hobbyist trying to expand my shop. I am looking for a strong bench grinder to work on 1/4 inch plate steel pieces. I am wearing out too many flap discs on my angle grinder. Any suggestions on a bench grinder with "industrial" capability? I have read about Balco and 8 or 10 inch wheels that works off of 115 volts. What do you advise? This forum has always given me good advice. I appreciate your thoughts.
Bruce

[GWIZ]

You did not say how much material you need to grind off.

The things I look for is hp, tool rests and guard, a light would be nice.

You want a strong tool rest which means sheet-metal guards that hold the rests are out.

This grinder does not look bad.
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/tls/4357118309.html

[Shade Tree Welder]

http://www.baldor.com/products/detai...uff%5FGrinders

[Dr_Stan]

Look on Craigs List or EBay for a Baldor 8" or larger grinder. I found one using Search Tempest that was for sale on the Boston CL site for only $100. I paid the seller an extra $100 to have him take it to the UPS store and ship it to me in KY. Even at $200 it was a steal as the grinder was brand new.

Another option would be an old, emphasis on old, Sears/Craftsman industrial grade grinder. Probably have to be 20 years old or better to be worth your time and effort.

As GWIZ said sheet metal guards are a sure indicator of a cheap grinder. Look for a cast iron tool rest and wheel guards.

Here's one place to look: http://hgrinc.com/ and another is http://www.lostcreekmachine.com/ (metro Chicago).

Good hunting.

[gimpyrobb]

Sounds to me like you are sanding when you should be grinding. Why use a flap disk on 1/4 inch plate?

[digr]

What I have told all the yunguns I have worked with that a bench grinder is for sharping drill bits and other cutting tools, not for grinding plate unless you have a 10" or larger. Even with one that size i would never use it. If you have to do a lot of grinding chances are you are not getting a clean cut with what ever you are using and a weldment should hardly ever have to be ground. Grinders are for mistakes and general clean up and weld prep. Also I never use flap disks. IMHO

Ted

[dubby]

Originally Posted by gimpyrobb

Sounds to me like you are sanding when you should be grinding. Why use a flap disk on 1/4 inch plate?

It's been my experience that they're faster. I've got two bench grinders, like digr says, they never get used. I've pretty well switched completely to belt-type grinders/sanders. They're fast, easy to use, and the belts last longer than a flap disc. Does the same job though on parts you can hold in your hands.

[cutter]

Originally Posted by dubby

I've pretty well switched completely to belt-type grinders/sanders. They're fast, easy to use, and the belts last longer than a flap disc.

Buy or build a belt grinder & change your life 100% for the better.

[GWIZ]

Originally Posted by GWIZ

This grinder does not look bad.
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/tls/4357118309.html

That did not last long, it was like this one but had ALL the guards and rests for $100.

This one is missing the Guard and one rest unlikely too find replacements.
Looks like this second one did not last long also just deleted.

[welddoc]

Thanks very much. I looked up the used machine sites--great machines but I would not know how to repair/install parts. The craigslist site has been taken down by the poster but I will try with tempest later... I did not even think about a belt sander for grinding metal--I will research that as well. If any other thoughts/suggestions come up--please let me know.
Bruce