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  1. #1
    Senior Member Truckman's Avatar
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    Default Craigslist Bench Grinder - Worth Picking Up?

    I'm in need of a bench grinder/buffer and came across this ad on Craigslist. Is it any good? Or should I just go to HD and buy something new? What are some attributes to look for?

    bench grinder polisher

  2. #2
    I'm your huckleberry stdreb27's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Truckman View Post
    I'm in need of a bench grinder/buffer and came across this ad on Craigslist. Is it any good? Or should I just go to HD and buy something new? What are some attributes to look for?

    bench grinder polisher
    That is a harbor freight brand. Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices Personally I wouldn't pay that much for a used tool from there.

  3. #3
    Senior Member Truckman's Avatar
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    That is exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

    Would I be OK with a 1/2 hp, or should I go with the 3/4 hp? Would the new one from Harbor Freight be OK, then? Heck it's only $10 more for a brand new one. I know a lot of guys buy their stuff from them, but honestly I've always questioned the quality.

  4. #4
    Senior Member floppyshoes's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Truckman View Post
    That is exactly what I wanted to know. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

    Would I be OK with a 1/2 hp, or should I go with the 3/4 hp? Would the new one from Harbor Freight be OK, then? Heck it's only $10 more for a brand new one. I know a lot of guys buy their stuff from them, but honestly I've always questioned the quality.
    1/2 hp should be okay.
    The one on craigslist is too fast. look for 1750 RPM.

  5. #5
    Senior Member Truckman's Avatar
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    OK, great. Thank you guys very much.

  6. #6
    Hones & Honing randydance062449's Avatar
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    Yes, 1750 rpm is more than fast enough. The 3600 rpm can be downright dangerous. The issue is control.
    Randolph Tuttle, a SRP Mentor for residents of Minnesota & western Wisconsin

  7. #7
    Comrade in Arms Alraz's Avatar
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    Could the speed of a grinder be modulated by using a variac? I asked this before but did not get an answer. I also said that I would try it myself but I have not... ;-)

    Al raz.

  8. #8
      Lynn's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by floppyshoes View Post
    1/2 hp should be okay.
    The one on craigslist is too fast. look for 1750 RPM.
    +1 here. I would definitely go for one with less RPM's.

    Lynn

  9. #9
    Senior Member Truckman's Avatar
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    Great, thanks for the info everybody. I'll check out the local HD/Lowes to see what they have, keeping in mind to go for the lower rpms.

  10. #10
    Hones & Honing randydance062449's Avatar
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    The Variac needs to be matched with the amp draw on the buffer. There is also a requirement of the type of motor. I do not know the types of motors that work with a variac. I did try using a router speed control on an old 1750 motor and watched as the motor started to smoke and burn!

    One thing on my wishful to-do list is to take a motorized treadmill apart and use that variable speed DC motor and controls.

    The other is to use a commercial sewing machine motor (DC) with the clutch control ( knee bump).

    Anyone tried these motors?
    Randolph Tuttle, a SRP Mentor for residents of Minnesota & western Wisconsin

  11. The Following User Says Thank You to randydance062449 For This Useful Post:

    Alraz (02-12-2009)

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