Thread: 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

Originally Posted by Truckman

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.

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.

Originally Posted by Truckman

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.

OK, great. Thank you guys very much.

Yes, 1750 rpm is more than fast enough. The 3600 rpm can be downright dangerous. The issue is control.

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.

Originally Posted by floppyshoes

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

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.

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?