New Grinder

[Goldhunter]

OK, I'm getting some new tools for my shop :grin: and I need a grinder (sharpen chisels, rough shape knife blades, etc) So here's the questions from you building gurus; variable speed or constant speed?

I know this isn't a true muzzleloader question, but it will help in my ML and Accouterment building disease.

 

[paulvallandigham]

Variable speed. YOu want to be able to slow the rpm down a lot in order to grind edges on chisels without burning the edges.

 

[shmrck1]

Goldhunter,
I'm not a gun builder, but I do work
with tools and I agree with Paul for the reason
that he has given.
snake-eyes :hatsoff:

 

[chipper]

All my blacksmith buddies have grinders that mount on a bench that are hand cranked. They work really good. I'm trying to locate one locally but I'm not having any luck. Most fellas say they buy them in hardware stores.
Regards
Wounded Knee

 

[Goldhunter]

Thanks to all. That was the direction I was leaning, but I needed to ask anyway, just to seal the deal, so to speak. :thumbsup:

 

[Norskie]

My Grampa told me use the biggest, slowest stone you can find.

 

[fatboy]

If you look in your local Sears there is a bench top unit that is a grinder/sharpener it's elec and the wheel sets in a water trough to keep you tool thats being sharpened cool they were just on sale for 29.99 reg 39.95

 

[Zonie]

Well, I hate to admit it, but I have a little Delta 6 inch "Thin Line" single speed (3450 rpm) grinder.
It didn't cost much and I only have one complant with it.
That complant is actually with light that is on it, not the grinder itself.

I thought "Hay, that would be real handy to light up the work area." Unfortunatly, because of the slight vibration when the grinder is running, light bulbs last somewhere between 20-50 seconds before they burn out, and that is using industrial heavy duty bulbs! :cursing:

I removed the right sides guard and the grinding wheel, replacing it with a 8 inch buffing wheel. Works great. :grin:

Oh, if you get a grinder with a solid wheel, don't use it to grind brass, bronze or any other soft non ferrous material. Doing so has been known to cause the grinding wheel to explode.

Zonie

 

[Vaino]

I use an old tool grinder w/ grinding wheels that are the same as I used when a toolmaker. Most of the problem w/ "burning" the steel is caused by grinding wheels composed of abrasives that are too fine, too hard and are bound w/ the wrong mastic. Did all sorts of tool sharpening w/ these coarse wheels w/o variable speeds but did have to "dunk" the tool in cold water a lot and also had to dress the grinding wheel occasionally.......Fred

 

[Goldhunter]

So does wheel size matter? :grin: I was looking at that exact same grinder, but with 8 inch wheels.

 

[Zonie]

IMO, the only way the wheel size matters is that it determines the size of the grinder that will have to fit on your bench and the cost might be a little higher.
Having owned one years ago, I will say one of the little 3 or 4 inch grinders is IMO kinda worthless.