I'm about to get a 2x72 grinder but am wondering what sort of table/bench to mount it to. I have a crowded garage, so I need something mobile, and if it has storage underneath that is a plus. Also, it needs to be reasonably compact; I don't want a huge table that will take up a lot of space when I'm not using it. I was simply going to make a wood table on wheels with some shelves or drawers underneath, but wondered if there is anything readymade that works well. Given the price of plywood lately, it wouldn't surprise me if something else could be used for the table/bench.
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Table/Bench for Grinder
- Thread starter Ricky-O
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Richard338
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I checked several options at the box stores and found them less stable than I wanted. I ended up going with this set up and am happy with it. I usually keep it in the garage but can roll it outside. It's slightly less mobile now that the bench is cluttered and I have a cyclone dust collector set up.
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith
ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Most any workbench can be made to roll. What is important is that the wheels be able to lock so you can grind without the machine moving as you push against it.
The shop tool wheel setup shown in Richard's setup is quite good. You can get them from Woodcraft and other shop suppliers as well as online.
The shop tool wheel setup shown in Richard's setup is quite good. You can get them from Woodcraft and other shop suppliers as well as online.
A.McPherson
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Currently my 1000$ grinder is mounted on a 10$ harbor freight tool stand. It's disgraceful. Lol!
I really need to make a better, more stable and more mobile stand. I'd really like one that was designed specifically for my grinder, but I don't want to pay Reeder for theirs. I'll get to it someday I guess!
I really need to make a better, more stable and more mobile stand. I'd really like one that was designed specifically for my grinder, but I don't want to pay Reeder for theirs. I'll get to it someday I guess!
Sando
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Outside of locking or retractable wheels, I think there's two factors to consider: Rigidity of construction and just plain weight.
For rigidity on a smaller table you need more cross bracing and, of course, stiff materials.
For weight, I think anything works. For my bench mill stand, I put sandbags in the bottom. I'm no physicist, but weight absorbs vibrations and certainly prevents titling.
Wouldn't it be true that the smaller the footprint, the more weight you need?
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Speaking of wheels, I built this stand for my heat treating oven. The back wheels lock. On the front there's a jack-sort-of-thing with a wheel. When I loosen the bolt it lowers onto two feet (you can't see in the photo). It's quite solid.
For rigidity on a smaller table you need more cross bracing and, of course, stiff materials.
For weight, I think anything works. For my bench mill stand, I put sandbags in the bottom. I'm no physicist, but weight absorbs vibrations and certainly prevents titling.
Wouldn't it be true that the smaller the footprint, the more weight you need?
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Speaking of wheels, I built this stand for my heat treating oven. The back wheels lock. On the front there's a jack-sort-of-thing with a wheel. When I loosen the bolt it lowers onto two feet (you can't see in the photo). It's quite solid.
I am 6'2" and bench heights are as follow:
rolling work bench for handle shaping, homemade and solid when wheels are locked. 28 inches with a 38 inch work height (grinder wheel).
Made for sitting on a 28 inch stool as is my bolted down ameribrade grinder I use for blades. also a 38 inch working height.
The main bench on the right is 40 inches tall...sit or stand depending on work level.
Rolling anvil is 31 ", which is my knuckle level.
The rolling bench is the tool I wonder why I didnt build sooner as all handle dust is outside for less than 100$ build cost including wheels.
James
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Bühlmann
North Lake Forge
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I use one of the Husky branded mobile workbenches from Home Depot. Somewhere around $250, can get different sizes, have ball bearing drawers for snacks and a hand cranking telescopic height adjustment that is pretty rock solid, & a solid hardwood worktop. I'm pretty happy with it, and it allowed me to dial in my work height so I can be as neutral and comfortable at the grinder as possible. Here's a pic of before I bolted it to the worktop:
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I've shown my table in various stages here a few times, I think it's perfect, but I built it myself out of adjustable aluminum extensions.
I've adjusted the heights a couple of times already. I'll try to record the various working surfaces relative to my height once I go back down there.....
What I'm concerned about is with people who grind outside and in the driveway....?
How good are you REALLY with clean up???
Dogs, and children's feet would be my concern.
My shop is in my basement.
I change into my shop shoes when I'm in There. I only wear them in There.
I've adjusted the heights a couple of times already. I'll try to record the various working surfaces relative to my height once I go back down there.....
What I'm concerned about is with people who grind outside and in the driveway....?
How good are you REALLY with clean up???
Dogs, and children's feet would be my concern.
My shop is in my basement.
I change into my shop shoes when I'm in There. I only wear them in There.
I did a search for posts by you but couldn't find anything about your table. Could you share a link to get me started?
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It would just be easier if I took a few pictures.....give me a few minutes
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Top of work surfaces. I'm 6'2" tall
Grinder table:49"
Grinder top belt area for reverse convex: 57"
Vice height : 43"
Disk grinder height: 41.5"
Bandsaw table height: 51"
Drill press table height: 41"
weo
Basic Member
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As others have indicated, as important as the wheels locking is that the frame and connections are sturdy enough to withstand the shaking/vibration that will happen every time you push that cart over a crack. In my experience, most cheap rolling carts work fine the first few times, but quickly become rickety and unsteady as the thin sheet metal flexes and deforms. The reason a lot of folks make their own is because you'll most likely have to reinforce the cheap, off-the-shelf ones.
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this is the bench I built for my grinder to sit on. I installed a 1/2" riser under my grinder a couple days ago and it's already making a difference wrt neck strain etc. Might add a little more height
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Thanks.... I even have two more sides I could attach stuff to. Haha
Although it's against one wall, because my shop is so small.
I do plan on bolting on a blade sanding attachment support on the backside. Some day.
Lift saw up, and off mounting hooks.
Bandsaw table mounted on stock saw with toggle clamps.
My favorite is my Moffat light mounted.
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