Bench grinder questions

[JDJACK]

I am looking at making a purchase on a bench grinder.
There is alot of junk out there from $50-$180.00.

I am looking at a baldor 6 inch grinder 1/4 hp 1800 rpms, verses the common 3600 rpm's.

Are the slower 1800 rpms ons better?
I heard they don't burn the metal as much, and dont stall out.
Price is around #450.00 and should last my lifetime, think they are still made in the usa.
 

[retired farmer]

You can probably get the same grinder at Harbor Freight for around a hundred and fifty. I bought one three years ago but haven't taken it out of the box yet. My machinist has one and says it is a good grinder.
 

[Bradracer18]

I've got the bigger craftsman one and like it! Its got a speed adjustment knob and works well!
 

[IrvIA]

If you got the bucks to spend, you can't go wrong with a Baldor unit. You'll have it a lifetime. Just my opinion.
 

[David G]

I have my dads baldor that he bought used in 1962, nice grinder.
 

[Dalex]

I do average shop work , and I wouldn't recomment those spec's. Baldor is a top brand , but get the 1/2 hp , 3600 rpm for grinding steel . The slow speed low hp sounds like its for sharpening knives or small drill bits
 

[Jim in MN]

I have a Jet 1hp 8" bench grinder. I have a grinding wheel on one side and a wire wheel on the other. Been very happy with it...works just as well as the Baldor I had at work. New they run around $250. Mine was $45 at an estae sale.
 

[Stick welding]

Not even close! Comparing a Baldor to a Jet, HF, Craftsman and any other consumer grinder is like comparing apples and peanuts.
 

[JimDRIl]

I've got a Baldor I got used when the old P&H diesel plant closed, back in the 60s. Been performing well ever since.
 

[Cliff(VA)]

I have a Baldor 7" 1800rpm commercial grinder that I bought at auction for $60. Wonderful machine. It is my most treasured power tool, even in front of my Delta Unisaw.

I find the MOST important thing in a grinder, is cast iron tool rests. If it has sheet metal tool rests they get bent and are impossible to keep square to the stone. Look for a model that has good tool rests.

Cliff (VA)

I had a 6" Baldor hobby grinder. I burned it out. Baldor makes junk too.
 

[retired farmer]

You might want to check their web site and see where they are made now days. Our good buddy china.
 

[George Marsh]

A 1/4 hp 1800 motor is good for a wire brush. To sharpen mower blades you want a minimum of 3/4 hp 8 inch, 3600, and a 36 grit wheel.
 

[Awlknottedup]

I have a Baldor on a metal stand that I picked up off Craig's list for $50. It is 1/3 HP 3600 RPM and does a good job for what I need.

 

[Ellis Kinney]

The 1750 rpm grinders are generally used for sharpening tools because they don't heat the metal as quickly. Ellis
 

[oliver power]

I too have the same grinder, only it says "Delta" on it. It is an 8" model, with variable speed dial. I like it a lot. Highly recommend it to anyone wanting a good all around bench grinder. The wheels are not the best quality. After dressing them, they turned out to be ok. You can always buy higher quality wheels when the time comes. I"m still on my originals after about 10 years now.