Thread: GMC Bench Grinder

Hmmm. The reason GMC is so cheap is because it is basically cr@p.

Having said that, it is also often a knock off of or even the same as (rebadged GMC) other manufacturers items.

Look especially at the bearings on their tools. If they only have bushes rather than roller bearings, then steer well clear of them.

Rather than saveing 10% at Bunnies, Id save the 100% and save your money until you can afford some better quality stuff.
Unless you want a machine for a one off, chuck away type job.

Al

Same gist, slightly different take though...

If you want a bench grinder to put an edge on the old axe, go for it. Bugger Bunnies though - for the $4 go Harris Scarfe if they have the cheaper price IMHO.

If you want a bench grinder to use with a turning tool grinding jig, regrind plane blades, or anything else remotely like precision work, buy an Abbot & Ashby - they're Aussie made, your grandkids will still be using it and it won't send you broke. I have 2 - damn good value.

Remember though, depending on what you're going to do with it, you may well want to get a white wheel, and you'll probably need a dressing tool - get the wide diamond faced type. That's assuming you're not sharpening axes

Jeff,

Here are my thoughts.

The GMC is last years model .... so the price match at Bunnies is unlikely. It is the same model that I have .... it spins grinding wheels well.
If you are sharpening tools you are putting very little strain on the motor .... after all it is designed for grinding of welds etc.
It should only be the lightest touch that you are putting on the wheels to get a fine edge.
The unit will have a three year replacement warranty.
The price is very good.
The bench grinder doesn't need to be as accurate as a table saw .... save your dollars and buy this unit. I am sure that you will end up with 10+ years use if you are just using it on the weekends.

A happy to buy cheap products when it will do the job as an expensive unit Stinky.

Originally Posted by GeoffVIC

GMC BG200 (8 inch) Bench Grinder $39.95, save $75.00

Seems like a good price to me - I'm off to Bunnings tomorrow to get one for 10% less hopefully.

Gotta love it......

Cheers,
Geoff.

Go for it, a bench grinder only needs to spin a grind stone. 3/4 HP is enough for most home jobs.
Even the top price models need the stone facing to true them up.
There is a two year replacement warranty, you just can't go wrong.

Go for it.
I have a gmc cordless drill, 2 batteries etc bought it last sept when i arrived in tass from qld , built a shed with it and all the jobs you need a drill for when you move house holds its charge and ready when you need it. have had the others and ended up throwing them in the bin.
also have gmc bench sander which could do with a bit more grunt,[it looks nice]
also a gmc hedge trimmer 2 batteries[$99.] hedge trimmer. its paid for its self already.
i,m off to our hardware store for a grinder as well at that price.

Bought a GMC bench belt sander.
Cut a heap of bits of wood for the pre-school and started sanding them on the GMC.
After about three hours of continuous use I thought I had better stop as the GMC sander must be running hot.
Turned it over and it was all but cold.
Off I went again and finished all the bits (just for the darlings to thump nails into)
I have not had any problems and would buy other GMC products. (Most are only rebadged units anyway)

My 2c.

Hi all,
and thanks for the feedback.

I went and picked up the grinder from Harris Scarfe today.
Funny thing was the display was marked $69.95, reduced from $115.00
So I showed them the printout from the website and they umm'ed and aaah'ed and said "OK...."

I didn't realise it came with an 8 inch wire brush wheel as well, so that was a bonus..

Buynnings didn't have stock of that model, so no 10% saving there, but $40 for what i got seems great.

Cheers,
Geoff.

Geoff
I went to Harris Scarfe at Airport West today - they had 2 grinders there marked at $115-00. I asked about them and was told they were that price and they had no record of them being $39-95.
I have now printed out the page and am going back tomorrow to ask again so hope I have the same luck as you.
The rest of the on-line catalogue seems the same as the one we had delivered here earlier in the week so maybe someone completely stuffed up in their advertising department.