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Anyone using CBN wheel on a spare lathe?

Matt Meadows

Matt Meadows

Joined
May 13, 2005
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I have a Delta Midi 1/2 hp that doesn't get used much but I noticed there's mandrels available to put a CBN wheel on a lathe.

I have an 8" VS grinder but prefer to keep it set up for tool steel like mower blades.

Pinching pennies at the moment, a $20 mandrel (or two) is a lot cheaper than buying a second grinder.

Anyone else doing this?
 
Matt Meadows said:
I have a Delta Midi 1/2 hp that doesn't get used much but I noticed there's mandrels available to put a CBN wheel on a lathe.

I have an 8" VS grinder but prefer to keep it set up for tool steel like mower blades.

Pinching pennies at the moment, a $20 mandrel (or two) is a lot cheaper than buying a second grinder.

Anyone else doing this?
Click to expand...

H&F Mini wood Lathe . Use for grinding tools?

I have mentioned this somewhere once . I don't remember where or what was said. These H&F lathes. W385 - WL-14V Mini Wood Lathe | Hare & Forbes Machineryhouse 356mm swing over the bed and .75H
www.woodworkforums.com
 
The key part of a grinder is not the mechanism for spinning the wheel but the means of supporting the tool you're working on. Unless you have a good means of rigging a sharpening platform on your lathe I'd use the grinder for the more critical task.

Reminds me, it's been 5-6 years since I sharpened my lawn mower blades. Really should get to it one of these days.
 
It has been done, however, I think the bench grinder does a better job and/or is more efficient.

robo hippy
 
I’m just bought a mandrel with a Morse taper that was on sale at Woodturners Wonders. Couldn’t resist the price. I’ve got two CBN wheels on my grinder. I figured I’d put one of the original aluminum oxide (is that what they are?) wheels on the mandrel and have it available for rough grinding tools that I want to repurpose.
 
Lou Jacobs said:
I’m just bought a mandrel with a Morse taper that was on sale at Woodturners Wonders.
Click to expand...

As per their instructions, for use inboard with a live centre in the tailstock snugged up.

I'm not sure if it has a threaded tap in the tapered end, but I wouldn't use it unsupported outboard with a drawbar fitted. I use small chucks held in the tailstock that way but shudder to think what might happen with a heavy 6" or 8" CBN wheel hanging off it without being secured with tailstock support.

Using lighter buffing and sanding gear outboard with the taper held in place with just a drawbar might be OK.
 
Neil S said:
As per their instructions, for use inboard with a live centre in the tailstock snugged up.

I'm not sure if it has a threaded tap in the tapered end, but I wouldn't use it unsupported outboard with a drawbar fitted. I use small chucks held in the tailstock that way but shudder to think what might happen with a heavy 6" or 8" CBN wheel hanging off it without being secured with tailstock support.
Click to expand...

Yes, the arbor has both a detent to accommodate the point of a live center as well as a female thread at the end of the Morse taper to securely hold it in the headstock. That’s how I’ve tested it, and how I’ll use it.
 
I would not use a stone (aluminum oxide, SG, etc) wheel without a guard in place. They have been known to explode. Also, those wheels are never balanced well and would likely need to be balanced and dressed every time you mount it.
 
Kevin Jesequel said:
I would not use a stone (aluminum oxide, SG, etc) wheel without a guard in place. They have been known to explode.
Click to expand...

The other issue with the old AlOx and SG wheels mounted on your lathe is the abrasive coming off the wheel and getting into the moving parts of your lathe.
 
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