Thread: Vicmarc 8" Grinder

I don't think they make them any more, something about overheating
They have a new system for sharpening. Check out their site.

Rick

FYI I was looking for the Vicmarc slow speed 8" grinder, told it was no longer available. Found the RIKON 8" slow speed 1HP available here in AU, weight 25kg, 15.88mm arbor, 1450 RPM, 8" (200mm).

Mike.

That’s an American brand. 1hp is good. Can you post a link as to who sells them

Link to woodworkmachinery.com.au

Mike

This is a tuffy. I want a grinder mostly for sharpening, but on the odd occasion for metal work as well. There’s the variable speed version which sounds like a good alternative, except that it runs at 600 rpm faster than the slow speed version.

Then there’s the Sherwood 1/2hp at timbercom who claims that their version has the same torque as the rikon 1hp which sells considerably cheaper.

I’d like to get everyone’s input so I can make an informed decision on what to buy

I have the Sherwood half speed grinder mentioned and I'm happy with it, though I haven't got a 1hp unit to compare it to so I can't offer any vindication of the torque claims. I use it for general sharpening of lathe chisels as well as regrinding bevels on chisels and plane blades and haven't found it to be lacking in power with the included aluminium oxide wheels. Whether it would have enough power to run a CBN wheel I couldn't say as I haven't tried.

Sharpening A2 steel is a pain in the backside. I want to regains those bevels on the grinder and then finish it off by hand. If I only had to deal with the thin Stanley tool steels then I would need a grinder for sharpening at all.
Thanks for your review Biggus.

Would the slow speed be fast enough to clean rust with a wire wheel and shape irons like moulding plane irons.

Originally Posted by section1

Sharpening A2 steel is a pain in the backside. I want to regains those bevels on the grinder and then finish it off by hand. If I only had to deal with the thin Stanley tool steels then I would need a grinder for sharpening at all.
Thanks for your review Biggus.

Would the slow speed be fast enough to clean rust with a wire wheel and shape irons like moulding plane irons.

I would guess so. Half speed grinders are a lot more forgiving and I like that. If you were doing a lot of metal fabrication I reckon it would be a pain but for general sharpening and reshaping of edged tools I reckon it's a good grinder at a price that's not too painful. I was looking at the Rikon 1hp half speed grinder at the time I bought the Sherwood and between the cheaper price, the improved torque claims for the four pole motor and some reviews of the Rikon that panned the alox wheels that came with it as standard I went with the Sherwood. I still have to see whether that was wise when the 40mm wheel wears out and I try a CBN replacement. Will I then regret not getting the 1hp Rikon? I guess that comes down to whether the improved torque claims are genuine or BS.

Just on the subject of CBN wheels, I'm using a heavy 8" 40mm wide CBN wheel on the RIKON. One thing I like is the massive cast iron base and the bulk and weight of the RIKON over the high speed SHERWOOD that I was previously using, I feel it makes a bit of difference to any residual wheel vibration that may be present.

BTW the spin-up time with the CBN and the white wheel that came with the grinder is 1.96 seconds from power on (stopwatch).

Mike.

It’s important it can handle the CBN wheel, even though at this point I can’t afford one but later on I’m sure I will make the upgrade.

Thanks for your input guys. I’ve gone ahead with the Rikon 1hp slow speed from the link posted. Finally sharpening will be quick and easy. I don’t know know why tool makers don’t give the option to offer O1 tool steel.

Originally Posted by section1

Thanks for your input guys. I’ve gone ahead with the Rikon 1hp slow speed from the link posted. Finally sharpening will be quick and easy. I don’t know know why tool makers don’t give the option to offer O1 tool steel.

In the circumstances I'd suggest you've made the correct decision. If you were considering a Vicmarc you can afford the Rikon easily enough, though if the reviews I saw regarding the stock 40mm wheel are accurate you may be upgrading to a CBN wheel sooner rather than later, which despite the expense can only be a good thing. It is very nice having a decent half speed grinder as I'm sure you'll discover soon enough. Cheers.