About cheap grinders

[old foolParticipant @old-fool]

Hi. I’ve got 1 like your red one, wetstone is usable, the “normal” 1 less so. The problem seems to be because the wetstone is driven through a worm-drive it is constantly overrunning the motor so the load is not constant, when using the wetstone the load on it keeps it from overrunning so is ok. I’ve relegated the other end to a wire-brush! I get into a position where I oftain have to clear old cruddy threads, perfect for that however rough it runs. Mine was even cheaper than yours someone gave it me when clearing out junk! Think it says “B&Q” on it.

Bob

[Sonic EscapeParticipant @sonicescape38234]

I want to have a 250mm diameter wire wheel brush. So I ordered the cheapest model. To match the grinder value. What could go wrong? Worst case maybe a few wires will fly. But big surprise, the shaft hole is 31.4mm instead of 32mm! I can’t imagine any method to enlarge that hole while maintaining the concentricity. It is just a bent metal sheet, nothing to cut on the lathe. I think I will return it.

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

You seem desperate to spend little money then complain the stuff is not up to scratch, dont forget the old adage “buy cheap buy twice”

[Sonic EscapeParticipant @sonicescape38234]

True

[Grindstone CowboyParticipant @grindstonecowboy]

That wire brush looks pretty similar to the ones I have – just turn up some adaptors to fit the grinder shaft. Doing that improved mine greatly. I did a thick aluminium washer for each side, and a nylon ring to fit snugly on the shaft that was a close fit in the bore of the wheel.

Rob

[Sonic Escape]

On Sonic Escape Said:

I want to have a 250mm diameter wire wheel brush. So I ordered the cheapest model. To match the grinder value. What could go wrong? Worst case maybe a few wires will fly. But big surprise, the shaft hole is 31.4mm instead of 32mm! I can’t imagine any method to enlarge that hole while maintaining the concentricity. It is just a bent metal sheet, nothing to cut on the lathe. I think I will return it.

 

Maybe a boring head on a vertical mill if you have one.
Clamp to an angle plate on a lathe cross slide and treat the machine like a borer, with the tool held in a 4 jaw.

Bill

[DiogenesParticipant @diogenes]

Are the ‘blue bits’ not just pressed into a central ‘collar’ that is like a big eyelet?

 

[Jez]

On Jez Said:

I replaced a cheap (B&Q I think) grinder with a Creusen 6″ model which ISTR was quite expensive (for me at the time), having got fed up with not being able to turn the cheapo one into a decent machine by doing all the usual stuff – making new wheel cheeks, and dressing the wheels properly – I even replaced the wheels with quality ones to no avail.  I have never once regretted spending the money.  As you say – quiet, vibration free, and I’m absolutely sure will keep going more or less forever!

I did the same, cheap grinders are exactly that, cheap and not really fit for purpose! My Creusen was expensive but a quality product, as they say ‘the price is soon forgotten but the quality remains’

Tony

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