Any feedback from someone who has this grinder? It’s variable speed and I would put CBN wheels on it.
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Masterforce bench grinder
- Thread starter Rachel Aberle
- Start date
Looked up since I have never heard of it before. My 3/4 hp Baldor grinder is rated 4.5 amps. My 1 hp Rikon is rated 7 amps. That doesn't really mean a whole lot, in part because they both seem to have the same amount of power. I do think the 1/2 hp Rikon is underpowered, but the 1 hp is not. My Baldor, well, it is a Baldor..... Not sure if I would use a variable speed unless I had some serious shaping to do and had a 36 grit wheel on the grinder.
robo hippy
robo hippy
Looks to be the same as a lot of the grinders made for different labels. I have a large Jet Variable Speed and I like that feature. I like a grinder that comes up to speed right away. I formerly had a pretty expensive Dayton that took a long time to get up. I sold it. If you can try it out in the store that would be good.
Thanks both! I’d definitely use at the 2000 rpm not really sure if it would be that big of a difference from a low speed 1750 rpm grinder.
I don't have personal experience with that grinder, and I haven't bought much else that was labeled Masterforce. Masterforce is the house brand for Menard's, and maybe just me being a snob, but I don't see it as a top tier brand. I could be wrong.
Would you be saving much money over a Rikon or other better known maker? If not, I don't think variable speed is a particularly valuable feature. Since you mentioned that you're interested in a CBN wheel you might want to compare to the cost of a grinder & CBN package, e.g. from Woodturner's Wonders.
Although a grinder is a pretty simple machine, keep in mind that the shafts and the wheels need to run true, which is frequently not the case out of the box. One of the advantages of a package deal is that everything should be true.
Would you be saving much money over a Rikon or other better known maker? If not, I don't think variable speed is a particularly valuable feature. Since you mentioned that you're interested in a CBN wheel you might want to compare to the cost of a grinder & CBN package, e.g. from Woodturner's Wonders.
Although a grinder is a pretty simple machine, keep in mind that the shafts and the wheels need to run true, which is frequently not the case out of the box. One of the advantages of a package deal is that everything should be true.
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Thank you I will take a look at the package deal. Masterforce, I do have an impact drill that has held up through a lot of building. I think part of the waiver is as well if I even need variable speed.
Well, very few grinders offer the feature and I've never heard a woodworker bemoan the lack of variable speed.
Now a lathe, you want that to be variable speed.
Now a lathe, you want that to be variable speed.
I have a variable speed Delta grinder. For me, the only reason for variable speed was to get the low speed (1750 +/-). I suspect that's true for most turners who have them.
Okay great points! Off to look at slow bench grinders.
The Rikon is probably the most popular slow speed grinder. I consider the 1/2 hp one to be too light weight. You can get the light weight wheels from Ken Rizza, and it still takes a while to get up to speed and takes a long time to roll to a stop. The 1 hp Rikon has plenty of power for the solid steel wheels. It comes up to speed as fast as my Baldor does, but takes forever to run down to 0.
robo hippy
robo hippy
Hi,
How are you liking your grinder? I’ve been thinking about getting the same unit. Do you know if 1.5” cbn wheels will fit?
Thanks,
James
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I’ll check it in the morning
Yes, I have the 1.5" D-way wheels on mine. It is a fine machine and runs as smooth as a Baldor.
Thanks, I ordered it today from Zoro, with one of their 15% off coupons.
Did you need to use one of D-Ways counter bored bushings?
Did you need to use one of D-Ways counter bored bushings?
Yes, they are well made too.