Using a Bench grinder to knock down serious damage and buffing

[Kenneth]

So I have a bench grinder which has low and medium grit stones as well as several buffing wheels. Does anyone use bench grinders for repairs or polishing?

[airscapes]

I built a variable speed belt sander with angle gauge for this purpose.. bench grinder runs way to fast …

 

[Kenneth]

Maybe I can buy a adjustable switch and cut it into the cord to turn down the speed

[tcmeyer]

Those variable speed switches work only on AC motors with wound rotors and brushes.  Not sure, but I think variable frequency drives usually require some form of feedback device (tachometer or position sensor) to work.  I’m sure there are some cheap Chinese versions out there, but I haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet.  I’d like to put one on my Buffalo drill press.

Bench grinders come in two versions – low speed (1750 rpm) and high speed (3450 rpm).  I bought a Rikon low speed version last year.  I use it for cleaning up damage in woodworking hand plane irons.  I use very light passes, and with the low speed, I don’t see any discoloring of the steel.

 

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Matt

[Matt]

That’s some good information tcmeyer.  I have personally used a bench grinder for reprofiling some old knives at the tip where it broke off.  It has helped with repurposing a good knife, but I would be hesitant to run it across the full length of the blade.  I like the idea of the variable power adapter and the reviews for this model seem good given the feedback being used on all sorts of electronic equipment including routers.

 

[airscapes]

Here is a link to a post with all the details of the belt sander I hacked together.  It is near the end of a 3 page post so you can bounce back to the beginning to see how it all came about if you like.   I use this for all sorts of stuff, have not used it for a knife in months.. love this little guy !

https://knife.wickededgeusa.com/forums/topic/belt-sander-grinder-sharpener/page/3/#post-51349

• This reply was modified 3 years, 10 months ago by airscapes.

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