A good small surface grinder?

J. Oeser

J. Oeser

Joined
May 13, 2009
Messages
4,182
I am on the hunt for a surface grinder for making slip joints and don't need anything big. Problem is, most of the bench top models are either no longer in production or simply too pricey for what they are. I probably have enough room for a small 16 x 8 but that would even be pushing it.

Anybody have a good recommendation under the $1000 mark that would do the job?

Thanks for the help!
 
Brian Ayres said:
Not sure Jared,

http://www.wttool.com/index/page/pr...g=true?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=SiteChampion

This one from Western Tool is as cheap as I've seen for new. I've been watching my local CL for a year and have just missed out on two different B&S 6"x12"(18")? for less than a $1,000. There was one of the Grizzly's for $900 that also sold here in good condition..
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Brian, that's not a bad looking benchtop surface grinder, but at that price I would kind of like to see a magnetic chuck.....

I was talking with Eric Ochs a couple weeks ago and we were discussing using a lapping machine to flatten blades. There are some makers who have done it this way for years with great results. Lapping machines also take up less space than most surface grinders and from what I've found they can be had for a decent price compared to a SG. Just something to think about.
 
Thanks Brian. I have found that in my searches but the price is a little steep.

John you have me intrigued with that idea. Would it work for thinning down bar stock for folders? I just need something that can get everything flat and parallel. I've been using my grinder and disc grinder to get it done but it's tedious work.
 
When I decided I needed one, I called every machine shop in a 100 mile radius. On the 8th call, guy said he had a small one stuck back in the corner he'd sell. $700 and I brought home an old 6"x12" Delta Rockwell. Been a good machine for the last 15 years.

They are out there, but you got to dig a little... ;)
 
Don Hanson III said:
When I decided I needed one, I called every machine shop in a 100 mile radius. On the 8th call, guy said he had a small one stuck back in the corner he'd sell. $700 and I brought home an old 6"x12" Delta Rockwell. Been a good machine for the last 15 years.

They are out there, but you got to dig a little... ;)
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Do you have yours set-up for belts ? Or just using regular wheels. I like how Felhoelter had his set-up.
 
Yeah, I can't wrap my head around using belts for precision....just too much flex. A lot of folks seem to like it.
 
I might have to try that Don. We have a local online classified site where everything anyone is selling in Utah is listed. I have been scouring that and Craig's list for months with no luck. I will have to start calling machine shops soon if nothing pops up.
 
Also search for auction listings

The little Boyar Schultz and Brown and Sharpe are really popular, but once out or production a machine shop will hang onto it and use it to sharpen tools.

This means that almost every machine shop has one.

Business are liquidating every day.
 
JBS TOOLMAKER said:
Yeah, I can't wrap my head around using belts for precision....just too much flex. A lot of folks seem to like it.
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Some go to belts because they never found the right stone wheel and never figured out how to properly dress a wheel. Some also like to get the final finish on the flats with the surface grinder and belts work pretty well for that.

What I don't like is how a belt will round off the edges of the piece being ground. I surface grind folder blades that are already profiled and can't have the edges of the tang area rounded off.
 
J. Oeser said:
I might have to try that Don. We have a local online classified site where everything anyone is selling in Utah is listed. I have been scouring that and Craig's list for months with no luck. I will have to start calling machine shops soon if nothing pops up.
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Jared, I've bought a number of things that were not advertised, just from asking around.
 
Jared,

I was fortunate and found a Harig super 12 in great condition listed on the Bay. I was the only bidder and sold for $560. The Super 12 is a compact machine with a small foot print. With magnetic chuck and a cabinet full of wheels, spare parts. Deals on nice used manual grinders can be found! Harig makes a great grinder. They use a oil pump that is always running when the spindle is on. Constantly keeping the ways oiled. Nice thing about the Harig is that they are still being made right here in the USA , parts and service are available , even for the older machines.
 
Don, I think that the belt conversion probably works quite well for folks that are using their machines to surface grind damascus billets and such. belt probably works a bit faster than a 1/2 inch wheel for that application.
Don Hanson III said:
Some go to belts because they never found the right stone wheel and never figured out how to properly dress a wheel. Some also like to get the final finish on the flats with the surface grinder and belts work pretty well for that.

What I don't like is how a belt will round off the edges of the piece being ground. I surface grind folder blades that are already profiled and can't have the edges of the tang area rounded off.
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Joe, for finishing a damascus billet to sell, yes it probably is faster than a wheel. Knickmeyer does it that way.

For pocket knives I'll stay with the grinding wheel. :cool:
 
Thanks Ken, Harig is what I have been looking at most. Is the super 12 the same as a 612?

ken erickson said:
Jared,

I was fortunate and found a Harig super 12 in great condition listed on the Bay. I was the only bidder and sold for $560. The Super 12 is a compact machine with a small foot print. With magnetic chuck and a cabinet full of wheels, spare parts. Deals on nice used manual grinders can be found! Harig makes a great grinder. They use a oil pump that is always running when the spindle is on. Constantly keeping the ways oiled. Nice thing about the Harig is that they are still being made right here in the USA , parts and service are available , even for the older machines.
Click to expand...
 
I missed an auction deal recently on a Thompson with autofeed, full coolant system And two big boxes of wheels 500.00
That hurt my feelings...:mad:
 
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