I was hoping to get an 8" bench grinder but the space for it is on a shelf beneath one of my workbenches. The shelf allows items about 13" high (14" at a push) and approx 30" wide (max). So I looked at the photos of a couple of examples – here: **LINK** and here: **LINK** trying to judge the height/width based on the grind wheel being 8". Too close to call (and no dimensions offered on the adverts). So I email Warco and got a response:

Thank you for your enquiry.

Width 450mm Height 1090mm

Err. Fine. Even assuming the height and width were accidentally transposed (!) it still doesn't make sense to me. 18" high? Maybe that was the box size?

Anyway, if anyone has either of those grinders could they please measure it for me? I'm not interested in the eye shields – they can be moved or relocated.

Thanks, Chris

Edited By Chris Heapy on 22/05/2013 15:44:41

Thanks Alan, those sizes sound more likely to me – I would have guessed about 10" for the 6" Warco grinder, and I'm guessing 12"-13" for the 8" model. Heck, if I was desperate I could rebuild the shelf a couple of inches lower but that would be a more serious modification than it sounds because the shelf sits on the main support braces for the bench's legs (but it's all just wood and can be modified with a saw )

The new grinder arrived and it fits my shelf nicely:

I added a strip light so I can see what I'm doing. The green grit (silicon carbide) wheel didn't survive shipping, it has a chunk missing from the edge and clearly had a bad time. I couldn't depend on the structural integrity now anyway so have requested a replacement.

The grinder is your typical Oriental quality, basically sound but lapses in certain details. I replaced many of the bolts with cap-head screws and had to re-manufacture the eye-shield mounts so they actually fit. The grind disks (which came already mounted) had to be removed and re-mounted to get them to run concentric, and now that they do vibration is minimal. They still need dressing but I'm awaiting delivery of a diamond dressing block I ordered from elsewhere. The motor is quiet but I took that annoying safety cover off the switch, it is easy enough to use Stop button without it.

One advantage of having the grinder installed in an enclosed shelf is that most of the grinding dust is retained in there, and by placing a polythene sheet over the front I can dress the stone without huge amounts of grit being distributed over the rest of the workshop – well, that's the hope anyway.

Of course, I'll have to make proper grinding rests – the stock ones are not weak pressed tin construction but neither are they adjustable (nor offer a large area to rest the work on).

Edited By Chris Heapy on 25/05/2013 11:39:18

LOL, pretty much yes – I have a step-stool to sit on. Quite comfey too I spend enough time stood up next to the lathe and mill, nice to sit down once in a while.