Posted: 7/28/2015 8:37:01 PM EDT
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I'm am looking for branch grinder to use for small grinding and buffing/polishing projects. I know I don't need a shop/industrial quality banch grinder just something to use in kydex and small metal polishing tasks.
Are the harbor freight ones worth a shit? I see them as low as about $40, how are those? I need more than what a dremmel has to offer. And I already own a dremmel. And recommendations? Thank you. |
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The HF grinders and buffers are alright. Not much to either except a motor, bearings, and for grinders a tool rest. For the HF grinders, their tool rests are pretty crappy but you'll probably get by with it. If you're going to use it occasionally in a light duty sense, I'd definitely get it from HF, with the 20 or 25 percent off coupon.
grinder/buffer combo tool 
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Having used both commercial grade pedestal grinders and cheap ones, the thing I notice is that I can slow the wheel with my workpiece on the cheap ones if I'm working at all aggressively.
Just my 2 cents, may or may not impact depending on your intended usage. I have a cheap one in my garage, my next one will be a heavier duty unit, but I'm not rushing right out to replace it or anything. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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You might want to get a two speed or variable speed if you are dealing with plastics as buffing them requires lower speeds.
I think you'll find that the cheap units just won't allow you to put much pressure on them before they stall/stop and they are more frustrating than useful. Also, don't use it for both. A buffer needs the longer spindles. |
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That's what I'm afraid of. I want to be able to put pressure on whatever I'm sanding/grinding/polishing.
Seems like most of the cheaper ones are 3450rpms and 1/3 HP. I'm not really to worried about different settings. If I need I still have my dremmel. I just want something with more power and the ability to do larger surfaces. |
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That's what I'm afraid of. I want to be able to put pressure on whatever I'm sanding/grinding/polishing. Seems like most of the cheaper ones are 3450rpms and 1/3 HP. I'm not really to worried about different settings. If I need I still have my dremmel. I just want something with more power and the ability to do larger surfaces. OK, if you need power and heavier duty use, then you'll have to spend more money than a HF machine. It doesn't HAVE to be Baldor, but you'll want at least 1/2HP or better yet 3/4HP. I have a 1HP Baldor buffer in my work truck and you can bear down on that fucker all you want and it'll still hurt you. The 1/3HP Baldor can be stalled, but surprisingly requires more force to than the 1/3HP Dayton that's also in the truck. Faster RPM isn't always better. The big Baldor spins at 1800, the small one at 3600. Baldors are fucking expensive though. Look at MSC, Grainger, and other industrial supply places for different kinds then look on Amazon or other sites for better prices. |
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Maybe try rural yard sales? I got mine for ten bucks, it is old and American made. Built like a tank as well. A guy I knew bought onemail used. It was old and during use, the grinding wheel came apart, hit him in the head and killed him right there. Mid 30's with 4 kids. 
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A guy I knew bought onemail used. It was old and during use, the grinding wheel came apart, hit him in the head and killed him right there. Mid 30's with 4 kids. Quoted:
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Maybe try rural yard sales? I got mine for ten bucks, it is old and American made. Built like a tank as well. A guy I knew bought onemail used. It was old and during use, the grinding wheel came apart, hit him in the head and killed him right there. Mid 30's with 4 kids. Jesus Christ. That's fucked up! |
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Jesus Christ. That's fucked up! Quoted:
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Maybe try rural yard sales? I got mine for ten bucks, it is old and American made. Built like a tank as well. A guy I knew bought onemail used. It was old and during use, the grinding wheel came apart, hit him in the head and killed him right there. Mid 30's with 4 kids. Jesus Christ. That's fucked up! Ugh. Was he using a wheel that was on it? Don't use cheap/old wheels, don't grind on the side of the wheel, don't use a wheel that been dropped or suffered any sort of impact. They can explode at rpm. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
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Jesus Christ. That's fucked up! Quoted:
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Maybe try rural yard sales? I got mine for ten bucks, it is old and American made. Built like a tank as well. A guy I knew bought onemail used. It was old and during use, the grinding wheel came apart, hit him in the head and killed him right there. Mid 30's with 4 kids. Jesus Christ. That's fucked up! Willing to bet the guards were not properly installed. |