Bumping and Grinding? In the workshop?
Written: Apr 10 '04 (Updated Jul 31 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Soft start motor, well made, tool storage, included work light, safety features
Cons: none that I can find so far
The Bottom Line: One of the better middle-range bench grinders.
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| criteeker's Full Review: Craftsman Professional 8 in. Bench Grinder, 36 and... |
Okay, most of you who are not tool savvy (and you know who you are) wouldn't ever think to plunk down $90 - $100 for a bench grinder. The regular price for this power tool is $99.99, but I paid $69.99 on sale at Sears. I'm here to tell you why you should.
What's in the box: 8" bench grinder WITH a flexible neck work light, 36 and 60 grit wheels, quench tray, wheel dresser, hex wrench, (2) mounted eye shields, left and right tool rests, a drill bit sharpening plate and the manual.
Optional equipment: You may also purchase a variety of soft polishing/buffing wheels or wire wheels for stripping paint or rust from surfaces. If you don't have workbench space, you can purchase a stand for the grinder.
Assembly: Basically, you'll need to assemble and attach the two flip-down eye shields and the two tool rests assemblies. Assembly time should run anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes - depending on your common sense factor and your ability to follow the manual's instructions.
Specs: 120 volts, 60 hertz, 3450 RPM (no load), wheels are 8" x 1" wide with a 5/8" arbor, 40 watt lamp, clear Lexan eye shields, and weighs 32.4 pounds. The horsepower is a bit of a mystery. The manual says it's 3 amp - 1 horsepower (max developed). While the website states that it's 3 amp and 2/5 horsepower. As far as I'm concerned, it's plenty of power for my needs.
At almost 33 pounds, I find that mounting the grinder to my work bench is not necessary. Four lag bolts, washers and lock nuts will accomplish this need perfectly. Using lag screws and washer to screw into the bench from the top is impossible due to the holes being located underneath each wheel housing.
Why do you need a grinder? Let's say you just cut a piece of metal pipe and it has those nasty sharp shards on it. The grinder will remove them for you. The grinder will sharpen drill bits (with its included drill bit plate). Holding the bit with a pliers, lightly run the tip of the bit up to the griding wheel. The plate will hold the bit at the proper angle and allow for the head to be sharpened. You can also sharpen (up to 1") chisels on the grinder. Although for better results, I would suggest using a manual version on a wet stone. You can also switch out the grinding wheels for polisher / buffing wheels for polishing metals and wire wheels for removing old paint and rust from surfaces.
For larger blades such as hedge clippers or lawn mower blades, I would suggest using a Dremel Rotary Tool and the blade sharpening attachment or a hand-held grinder like the Milwaukee Magnum.
When the wheels get built-up with "gunk", there is an included wheel dresser that will clean up the wheel. It's conveniently mounted right onto the top of the grinder. To use it, start the grinder and slowly push the dressing wheel into the wheel. This will wear the wheel down faster, but the wheel will be more effective when clean of debris.
The thin motor housing is a nice touch. This allows work on longer materials.
Speaking from personal experience, I have put this grinder through many common shop tasks. I have used it to remove shards on cut metal, used it to grind down the heads of lag screws and to clean up some rusty hinges. It's a case of the right tool for many jobs.
Tasklight: The (independently switched) work light is wonderful addition for use in darker shops or when the project needs more light. The grinder does NOT include a bulb and I would suggest using a CLEAR fan bulb or heavy duty work light bulbs. They are made specifically for resistance to vibration.
Safety: In case you have small children who might get into your workshop, the grinder's switch has an integrated yellow "key" that, once removed, will disable the power switch and prevent any injuries to curious hands. Also, I HIGHLY recommend using eye protection - even though the grinder has eye shields, sparks and chunks of metal have a habit of getting into eyes. So you can NEVER be too safe. Also, some metals will emit piercing high decibels when touching the wheel so you might think about wearing ear protection. The metal that is being worked on will get RED HOT, so use gloves and/or a pliers or Vise Grip-type tool. Be SURE to fill the quench tank with water. Periodically, dunk the metal in the quench tank to cool it off. If you have long hair or loose clothing, think about the hair or clothes getting GRABBED and yanked into the machine. Getting hurt is NEVER cool - be careful.
Warnings: "Do NOT stand on tool." Sound advice for the ladies (evil snicker). "Maintain tool with care." In other words, clean your tool to keep it in prime operating condition. "Do not force the tool." More sound advice, since forcing your tool can cause unwanted damage. "Do not use tool in a damp environment." This is quite a conflicting warning. I, myself, prefer a damp location (for my tool) on some occasions.
Warranty: One year with an optional extended warranty available. Craftsman power tools are made in CHINA or TAIWAN, so choose wisely.
On the web at www.sears.com or reach them at their customer help line at (800) 897-7709.
Recommended:
Yes
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