Does CBN wheel quality differ from one supplier to another?

[LanceC]

I did some research into CBN wheels recently, but one question that I couldn't find an answer to is that of any quality difference between suppliers.

I am making the assumption that no branded wheel is actually manufactured by the brand themselves but rather outsourced to a specialist manufacturer.

So then, when considering the main brands easily sourced in Australia (Vicmark, Woodcut, Axminster, McJing), is there any difference in quality, or does it simply come down to price and shape preference?

Any thoughts appreciated.

[RossM]

I can't comment on all brands as I've not had the opportunity to try them, however I would offer these observations:

1. Unless you are a production shop, then I suspect that any brand will likely last you a VERY long time (assuming you don't abuse it).
2. The brands I have looked at all seem very similar in terms of quality of manufacturing & machining finish. That doesn't mean they will all perform the same, but I have not seen anything that looks really poor quality as far as machining goes.
3. You are right that there will be a preference for shape. Some have a much larger side surface, and these seem to be a bit more expensive.

I ended up buying the Vicmarc 200mm from Timberbits, as the shape was what I wanted, the price was great and I could save a bit on shipping by doing a store pick-up.

(BTW - I ended up buying some spherical washers for my Vicmarc slow speed grinder. It made a significant difference to the balance &consequent vibration reduction. Woodturners Wonders is often cited as a place for these - however their shipping killed it for me - $US60 shipping for a $US14 item that could be sent in an International envelope. I ended up buying from eBay)

[China]

As said above the examples I have seen aimed at the woodworking market all seem pretty similar, it is when you are talking tool room quality that things change

[justonething]

I am making the assumption that no branded wheel is actually manufactured by the brand themselves but rather outsourced to a specialist manufacturer.


From my own experience, there are a few things to consider when looking for CBN

Do you want a steel wheel or a aluminium wheel? This is important if you are using a wet grinder. Aluminium doesn't rust. I think while most are steel based, I have seen at least one supplier selling aluminium wheels.
Is the wheel round and balanced? My wheel was balanced by the manufacturer in the US, by drilling out materials on the opposite side of where there was excess weight.
While I have no experience on CBN coating - one previous post (https://www.woodworkforums.com/f127/cbn-wheels-production-run-229424-post2150459#post2150459) from another forumer might.

[GraemeCook]

Insufficient personal experience with CBN wheels to comment directly.

But Derek talks about an issue he had with a "radiused CBN wheel" here:
https://www.inthewoodshop.com/WoodworkTechniques/UltimateGrindingSharpeningSetUp.html

[LanceC]

Thanks all for your responses. It is much as I suspected.