Bench Top Grinders

[MNexpoler]

My Dad wants this knife sharpening system from Dunn Knifes. I was thinking that I should just get the wheels and buffing compound. They don't have the set up with Black and Decker ginder anymore. http://http://www.dunnknives.com/ser...sharpening.php

He needs a Bench Top grinder for this set up. What are some good ones. I think a 8 inch would be nice. Variable speed might be nice. Dont really want to spend a ton less than 100 bucks. I'm looking for suggestions for some people that have used one, what are some good features to have what are things you dont need? How powerful of a motor do you need? Other Tips?

Heres the ones I'm looking at:

Delta GR450 seems really nice but kinda more than I wanted to spend,

http://http://www.amazon.com/DELTA-G.../dp/B0000B3AQQ

This Craftsman seems just like the Detla maybe it will got on sale?

http://http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_...Bench+Grinders

Then theres this Ryobi from HD good price not all the bells and whistles

http://http://www.homedepot.com/weba...ctId=100497935

If anyone else has suggestions on these products or another product it I'd like to hear about it. Thanks

[Jim Almquist]

I went with a Dayton 8" just because of space between the wheels is almost 4" wider so when you are sharpening some of the longer kitchen knives you don't have to worry about hitting the other wheel when putting on the final edge. Mine is a 1/4 HP and I guess because it would be considered light industrial and it cost more but it runs very true. I tried a cheap Menards 8" but the space between wheels and had a tougher time truing my wheels but I could have got a bad grinder but it works for grinding metal

[Wildabeast]

A very popular grinder among woodturners is the slow speed grinder that Woodcraft sells. The wheels are great for sharpening tool steel (you don't need to replace them).

[Jim Almquist]

I forgot to let you know that you can pickup the paper wheels at Woodcrafters and extra wax and buffing compound. I don't have the directions but I am sure that they want the wheels to turn at 1725 RPM's. If you do a search for Steves knife sharpening he has some good tips on what to do with the wheel to get a better edge.

P.S. I picked my grinder up at Graingers

[MNexpoler]

Ok thanks. I found this little set up at Tool Crib the other day.

http://woodworking.jettools.com/Products.aspx?Part=708015&cat=333164

Ok this is made by JET looks like the best thing out the for sharpening. Its more then I want to spend. And the water would freeze in the winter out in the pole barn.

I think I'm going with the Delta 8".

[Wildabeast]

The Jet unit is a cheap knockoff of the Tormek. My sharpening setup consists of a Tormek (great repeatability, pretty good edge), Woodcraft slowspeed grinder (for shaping the edge, not for making a keen edge), 1" belt sander (very nice for shaping and some grinding), and a series of Shapton stones up to 30000 grit for geting a very, very nice edge. Most knives aren't very sharp (roughness helps cut) so the Tormek (w/stroping) is very good at getting a nice edge. I leave the Shapton stones for woodworking tools where a much finer edge is required.

[MNexpoler]

The Jet unit is a cheap knockoff of the Tormek. My sharpening setup consists of a Tormek (great repeatability, pretty good edge), Woodcraft slowspeed grinder (for shaping the edge, not for making a keen edge), 1" belt sander (very nice for shaping and some grinding), and a series of Shapton stones up to 30000 grit for geting a very, very nice edge. Most knives aren't very sharp (roughness helps cut) so the Tormek (w/stroping) is very good at getting a nice edge. I leave the Shapton stones for woodworking tools where a much finer edge is required.

Yes I know abou the Tormek also, heard thats a better sharpener. However we dont use it that much, so I think the JET would last. And Tool Crib up here has the JET on sale for 250 dollars. Also what do you guys think of this Delta sharpening system? http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11473

[Wildabeast]

The Delta isn't thought of too highly. The problem with the Jet wet grinder is that the attachments are poorly made and fit rather sloppily on the machine. That makes it very hard to be repeatable with your grinds. The Tormek jigs will work on the Jet but then you still have the Jet wheel. If you like the Dunn shapening system then just pick up a grinder that will work with the wheels. Grizzly will have something for cheap, even Horror Frieght might have something that will work. I like the slow speed (1750rpm) grinder Woodcraft sells - it has wheels that are very good for grinding woodworking tools. Grizzly's knife sharpening setup is also good as is Lee Valleys. If you're going to go with a wet grinder get a good one. If you go commercial and need a grinder then get an 8" Baldor with Norton or Oneway wheels of the proper type.