Woodcraft Grinder Makes Loud Noise when Turned On

[Bob Comerford]

Variable-speed 8-inch bench grinder

It's hard to believe that a good one at a reasonable price is not "made in USA." I have come close to getting the Craftsman unit, but I don't think the Wolverine bases will fit under the wheels because of the way the grinder's base flares out under the wheels. Of course, the Craftsman is likely made in China. Otherwise is looks like a good cheap unit. Another nice one is the Record Power RSBG8, made in England ( recordpower.co.uk). It has been around a long time. But it's fixed speed at around $120 (80 pounds). It comes with a 40mm whitestone, too, which I think is a great idea.

The others I've checked out are made in Asia, except the $440+ ones, like the Bandor. Maybe we'll all just have to buy grinders with mortgages.

Bob

 

[James Seyfried]

Have you Delta VS grinder owners had good luck with the Delta 8" VS unit?

Bob

I decided to get the Delta, I like it, but know it will need better grinding wheels.

 

[Bob Comerford]

That's good news. I just ordered one.

 

[John King]

Scheppach

Checkout the 8" Scheppach grinder at Craft Supplies USA. Reasonably priced. May be a good replacement for Woodcraft grinder. See it at http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/7/-/21/149/-/5843/Scheppach-8%22-Slow-Speed-Grinder. - John

 

[Dean Center]

I received the Scheppach slow speed grinder today. It's made in China, though the company is German. It seems reasonably well made and comes with 2 white wheels mounted. The manual is poor, but the minimal assembly is straightforward. There was some wobble in the wheels which I nearly eliminated by fiddling with the stabilizers/washers on each side of the wheels. The tool rests are flimsy, but you won't use them anyway. The eyeshields are flimsy but adequate. The wheel guards are solid. I had to raise it 5/8" to fit the wolverine system.
After mounting to a work surface, I fired it up and the motor slowly came up to speed, without any significant vibration or funny noises. After a quick edge dressing with a diamond tool, the supplied fine wheel did a pretty decent job of sharpening gouges.
It's pretty early, but so far I'm quite satisfied with the unit. It's got a 12 month warranty, if something comes up later. I can only compare it to the 6" Delta variable speed I've been using (and which won't work with the wolverine bases) and I find both very adequate.