Thread: Hand Grinder / Manual Bench Grinder — General comments

Can anyone supply names of tried-and-true trusted vintage brands?

Interesting article

Using a Hand-cranked Grinder - Popular Woodworking Magazine

grinder4.jpg

And more

What to Look for when Buying a Hand Cranked Grinder | The Renaissance Woodworker

Well, there are pros and cons for the hand grinder, but I find them awkward.
I have two old ones that are for sale over on the Market Place Thread if anyone is interested.
Cheers
SG

In case you want to see what the Wearing tool rest looks like - here's a blog post about mine

In my opinion there is a definite place for them. I have an old one ... no brand on it that I can see.
The wheel/shaft moves left and right by 5mm or so, but no wobble to the wheel as such and it works great.

It has an old 6" grey wheel. 'A60MV' inked on the side.

Obviously the main benefit is the Infinitely-Variable-Drive speeds available

I have used it especially when I was learning to sharpen a couple dozen carving chisels.
I think it is good for getting the blunt section pre-edge down close to a thin thin wisp of a line.
A diamond plate might do the same job, but I don't have one.

It is good for developing a 'freehand' grinding style.
For grinding using two-hands holding a chisel or iron solidly on a good tool-rest ... use an electric grinder.

I haven't used it turning the handle very fast ... I think you should use a normal grinder for bulk removal of metal.

My 2c.

Cheers,
Paul

Originally Posted by pmcgee

In my opinion there is a definite place for them. I have an old one ... no brand on it that I can see.
The wheel/shaft moves left and right by 5mm or so, but no wobble to the wheel as such and it works great.

It has an old 6" grey wheel. 'A60MV' inked on the side.

Obviously the main benefit is the Infinitely-Variable-Drive speeds available

I have used it especially when I was learning to sharpen a couple dozen carving chisels.
I think it is good for getting the blunt section pre-edge down close to a thin thin wisp of a line.
A diamond plate might do the same job, but I don't have one.

It is good for developing a 'freehand' grinding style.
For grinding using two-hands holding a chisel or iron solidly on a good tool-rest ... use an electric grinder.

I haven't used it turning the handle very fast ... I think you should use a normal grinder for bulk removal of metal.

My 2c.

Cheers,
Paul

Agreed.

Main advantages are:

-Takes up almost no space. You can store it in a cupboard or under your bench when you aren't using it. A powered grinder really needs its own permanent stand.
-Quiet. Much better for the whole sharpening zen thing than the screaming powered grinder.
-Difficult to burn a tool with - although I've done it.
-Potential for very slow speeds allows you to grind right to the edge without the risk of overheating, saving time honing.
-Significantly cheaper.
-Significantly safer.

Disadvantages:

-Slower.
-Makes you look like a serial killer, especially in hunched silhouette after a crack of lightning in a poorly lit back workshop... Ask SWMBO.
-You need to control the tool with only one hand. In my opinion this is pretty easy with a little practice, but I do have a fancy Veritas tool rest, and have only ground simple, straight edges (planes, chisels, shaves).

Originally Posted by snafuspyramid

-Makes you look like a serial killer, especially in hunched silhouette after a crack of lightning in a poorly lit back workshop... Ask SWMBO.

Asked her; she emailed me this photo

toolshed-monster.jpg

Thanks for listing some interesting advantages.

This is my hand cranked grinder https://www.woodworkforums.com/f127/h...lrests-131637/
the thread contains a number of links.
i bolted the grinder on back to front so I could turn it with my left hand. I can do straight and curved profiles. Curved profiles include Stanley and thicker veritas blades with 5 1/2 to 8 inch profiles.
maybe because I have mucked around with it since I was 8 or 9. Thanks Pop.

I've been reading the posts about these grinders.
I have one, but don't use it as I like to use both hands.
What does amaze me is the price.

I renovate and sell tools, all over the world, (eBay - Squern). On my travels, looking for good stuff, I regularly see these at sales, for a few pounds . I don't buy them, because it never occurred to me that anyone would use them now. These are vintage ones - I know they aren't made now, but I think you can get the wheels.

I can't believe anyone would pay that amount of money for one, when you can buy a half-decent electric grinder for less.
However, you live and learn. In future, I will be buying them and stockpiling!!
Seriously, is there a demand for them?