Thread: Slow speed grinder vs wet stone grinder for a novice

Do they still have low speed grinders available? I've not been able to find any lately in Australia.

They seem to have either disappeared entirely or are just "out of stock".

None near you Leiothrix, so delivery cost will be a factor, but here are a few:

http://www.woodworkingsolutions.com.au from there you will have to search on "grinder"

https://www.timbecon.com.au/sharpeni...-bench-grinder

https://www.beyondtools.com/product/...-808-by-rikon/

Also same cheaper from https://www.jcwalsh.com.au/product/rikon-grinder/

https://www.beyondtools.com/product/...00vs-by-rikon/

http://www.amanstoyshop.com.au/produ....aspx?id=28150

First two are nominally half speed.

3rd and 4th at 1750rpm, (but as BobL points out below, it is more likely to also run at 1450rpm).

2nd last is 2000rpm to 2800rpm, so not as slow but any speed from there up to 2800rpm.

Last is 2000rpm to 3400rpm, so again, not as slow but any speed from there up to a nominal 3400rpm, (but as BobL points out below, it is more likely to only go up to 2850rpm).

Anyone got one of these models and a tacho?

Originally Posted by NeilS

3rd and 4th 1750rpm

2nd last is 2000rpm to 2800rpm, so not as slow but any speed from there up to 2800rpm.

Last is 2000rpm to 3400rpm, so again, not as slow but any speed from there up to a good 3400rpm.

1750 rpm is unlikely. This rpm is for a 4 pole 60Hz frequency motor. My bet is that it will be more like 1450 rpm at 50Hz.

3400 rpm is also unlikely. My bet is that it will be more like 2850 rpm at 50Hz.

Thanks for the in-depth answers.

I think I'll get a normal 8" A&A grinder and add a 180g CBN wheel some time down the track.

That seems to give me the most flexibility for sharpening and regular mild steel grinding/buffing.

Originally Posted by Leiothrix

Thanks for the in-depth answers.

I think I'll get a normal 8" A&A grinder and add a 180g CBN wheel some time down the track.

That seems to give me the most flexibility for sharpening and regular mild steel grinding/buffing.

Nothing wrong with an Abbott & Ashby 200mm grinder. I've been using one for over a decade. It sports two Alox wheels as I suggested. It has a now discontinued Heli-grind jig on the LHS for my spindle gouges and a Tormek BGM100 mount system on the RHS. Both jigs have the same horizontal bar diameter so swapping jigs across wheels and to my Tormek T7 is no issue.

The concave grind from the 200mm Alox wheels is somewhat of an added benefit when I shape on it then transfer to the much larger diameter Tormek wheel to sharpen / hone. It creates a secondary bevel on the spindle gouge fingernail grinds, and skews which makes touch up honing on an Eze-lap plate much faster in between sharpening again on the Tormek. Not so pronounced on bowl gouges but it is present.

I use the A&A to shape & grind & for maintenance of the hack tools and the Tormek to sharpen & hone bowl & spindle gouges plus my skews for the finishing cuts & finesse work.

Originally Posted by Leiothrix

Thanks for the in-depth answers.

I think I'll get a normal 8" A&A grinder and add a 180g CBN wheel some time down the track.

That seems to give me the most flexibility for sharpening and regular mild steel grinding/buffing.

Good start.

Don't forget to grab a diamond dresser to clean up the wheels. I typically dress mine whenever they appear slightly dirty or glazed; it's not a good habit to wait until you can visibly see them "out of flat" with grooves or ridges.

I'd recommend a T-type for ease of use - it dresses the width of the wheel in one hit - but a single-point dresser is significantly cheaper... although it can be a PITA if misused.

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

It has a now discontinued Heli-grind jig on the LHS for my spindle gouges and a Tormek BGM100 mount system on the RHS. Both jigs have the same horizontal bar diameter so swapping jigs across wheels and to my Tormek T7 is no issue.

Out of interest, Timbecon now have the Heligrind jig - https://www.timbecon.com.au/sharpeni...sharpening-kit.

Great bit of gear, and I have a similar set-up to yours Mobyturns.

Happy turning,

Alan...

Originally Posted by Uncle Al

Out of interest, Timbecon now have the Heligrind jig - https://www.timbecon.com.au/sharpeni...sharpening-kit.

Great bit of gear, and I have a similar set-up to yours Mobyturns.

Happy turning,

Alan...

That's very interesting. I wonder if it is made under license or if they have purchased the IP / design. The Heligrind is a very good jig. I love the spindle gouge fingernail profile grind that it creates.

I believe Timbecon purchased the design. It was originally developed and patented by John Crawford in Sydney along with one of our members (whose name escapes me at the moment) who had an engineering business. John was a member of my woodturning club and many of our older members have one of his jigs, and there is one set up on one of the grinders in the clubs sharpening area.
John Crawford moved to the Gold Coast maybe 15 years ago or so, and has now passed away according to Timbecon.

Alan...

Originally Posted by Uncle Al

Heligrind jig -

Great bit of gear, and I have a similar set-up to yours Mobyturns.

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

The Heligrind is a very good jig. I love the spindle gouge fingernail profile grind that it creates.

I also have one of the original ones. But it didn't do the grind I wanted on my bowl gouges, so I just use the platform occasionally now.

If either of you chaps would like a spare Heligrind gouge or skew holder your welcome to those. I think I still have all of the bits and pieces.

I would also be happy to swap the entire Heligrind kit for another platform (grinding tool rest) setup, as that is the only bit I need.

Thanks for the offer Neil, but I can't see myself wearing mine out any time soon. Hope you find a good home for it.

Alan...