Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Gippsland Victoria
    Posts
    706

    Default wheel sizes, wheel shapes, motor sizes for metal lathe tools

    Hey,

    Written from perspective of setting up to grind metal lathe tool bits.

    Would I really notice a huge difference if I upgraded my 20 year old el cheapo 6" ryobi 1/3HP grinder for a 6" grinder with bigger stronger motor ?

    How about 8" grinders - are they really worth it - for starters the wheels seem far more expensive.

    I think the white wheels are great compared to the grey wheels I got with the grinder.

    Do many people use those fancy recessed or the fancy flared cup grinders ? Seems to me that they would make life much easier for getting straight grinds on known angles for metal lathe toolbits but I get the impression that very few people use them.

    I also get the impression that lots of people grind on the flat side of conventional wheels despite manufacturers warnings.

    Saw this the other day ............. http://www.nortonindustrial.com//upl...ton%281%29.pdf

    Off down the shops now to ask the same questions.

    Bill

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Bellingen
    Posts
    587

    Default

    Mate, I reckon just about any 6 or 8" would be fine for lathe unless your really hogging out big cutters. Even then it just depends on if your in a hurry.

    But your allowed to want fancy tools! The diamond cup grinders look like the business!

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Gippsland Victoria
    Posts
    706

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Ben Dono View Post
    Mate, I reckon just about any 6 or 8" would be fine for lathe unless your really hogging out big cutters. Even then it just depends on if your in a hurry.

    But your allowed to want fancy tools! The diamond cup grinders look like the business!
    Thanks Ben,

    Thats what I am beginning to think.

    I cannot appreciably slow down my current grinder when I am jamming something into it so will curb the desire for a fancy tool and carry on using it.

    Bill

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,756

    Default

    I've had 6, 8 and 10" grinders and all manner of wheels over the years - currently I have 5 grinders

    Recently I modified an old 8" 3Phase grinder to be variable speed and I put a CBN and diamond wheels on it.
    See https://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/gmf-3p-1p-vfd-grinder-conversion-188429
    The CSN wheels are expensive but a big step up for HSS tool bit formation and sharpening since it grinds fast and cool, not that it worries HSS but you can hang onto it longer.
    The flat lapidary diamond wheels are cheap but should not be used on HSS but can be used to touch up carbide.
    CBN are specifically designed for HSS and a bigger step up than from a grey to a white wheels
    They work so well I am about to give away all my old grey and all bar one of my white wheels.
    Ideally to get better control with a CBN wheel you need to use a grinder that can run at about half the usual speed

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2010
    Location
    Gippsland Victoria
    Posts
    706

    Default Diamond on HSS

    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    I've had 6, 8 and 10" grinders and all manner of wheels over the years - currently I have 5 grinders


    The flat lapidary diamond wheels are cheap but should not be used on HSS but can be used to touch up carbide.

    Ideally to get better control with a CBN wheel you need to use a grinder that can run at about half the usual speed
    Thanks Bob I will check out CBN wheels - I could probably put one on my diy wood lathe to get it at the right speed.

    This bloke ( http://www.mechanicalphilosopher.com/kbsharpening.pdf ) seems to have had success with tiny $5 diamond wheels on HSS - I am quite impressed. I was wondering about trying them, Why dont you like the diamond wheels for HSS ?

    I did some experiments today with sandpaper on a faceplate and a simple jig, that surprised me - not as good as a white wheel but better than a grey wheel.

    Bill
    Last edited by steamingbill; 18th April 2015 at 07:51 PM. Reason: added $5 & changed to better weblink

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,756

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by steamingbill View Post
    Thanks Bob I will check out CBN wheels - I could probably put one on my diy wood lathe to get it at the right speed.

    This bloke ( http://www.mechanicalphilosopher.com/kbsharpening.pdf ) seems to have had success with tiny $5 diamond wheels on HSS - I am quite impressed. I was wondering about trying them, Why dont you like the diamond wheels for HSS ?
    The diamond does not like the steel and I guess it will not last as long - but for $5 who cares.
    The diamond wheel I'm using only cost about $10.

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 3
    Last Post: 12th September 2014, 11:51 AM
  2. metal lathe for wheel spacers
    By gazza2009au in forum METALWORK FORUM
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 7th August 2013, 05:53 PM
  3. Setting up a Buffing Wheel on the Lathe
    By steck in forum WOODTURNING - GENERAL
    Replies: 14
    Last Post: 15th August 2011, 08:13 PM
  4. I would like to add a hand wheel to my Jet Lathe
    By flutetears in forum WOODTURNING - GENERAL
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 18th January 2010, 08:33 PM
  5. Restoring a bronze motor boat steering wheel
    By gordonwindeyer in forum METALWORK FORUM
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 5th October 2009, 03:43 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •