Saving that extra penny may seem frugal at the start, but in the end, one usually reaps the benefits. Normally, a significant portion of home repair jobs does not require the input of an expert. However, many homeowners end up enlisting professional help, either as a result of sheer ignorance or lack of equipment. The latter reason is more prevalent, hence the need for investing in DIY tools. Among the most useful equipment, one ought to have is a bench grinder.
A bench grinder is a simple machine that drives a pair of abrasive wheels. Bench grinders are known for their versatility, being capable of doing a number of jobs including shaping, honing and sharpening metallic objects. This alone makes them a crucial addition to your personal tool belt.
Currently, there are two types of bench grinders. These are:
Typically, these are suitable for standard home tasks. With a revolution speed averaging 3500 RPM, these grinders are distinctively quiet. Also, they consume a low current of about 4 amperes.
Usually, these are larger and consume more power because they are made for heavier duties. Professionals prefer this variant due to its robustness and ability to handle demanding jobs such as wire brushing. However, 8-inchers are comparatively slower than their smaller sibling.
Choosing the best bench grinder for your tool shed may prove to be a daunting task, as the market is flooded with a myriad of options. The following are guidelines for buying a bench grinder:
Depending on what the grinder will do, the prospective buyer can opt for either of the options mentioned earlier. If the device is bought for regular use, robust models are recommended. Otherwise, standard variants can make do.
Additionally, if the intended purpose is sharpening and grinding rusty metals, a heavy-duty model is best suited.
Arguably, this is the most important part of any grinder. It is the surface on which meals are placed during grinding. It is worth noting that wheels are not always interchangeable since certain types are designed for specific models. The most common types include fine grit wheels, buffing wheels, coarse wheels and wire brushes.
Besides the wheel, motor power is perhaps the second-ranked feature in terms of essence. This is because it directly impacts on the performance of the wheel itself and the grinder as a whole. The grinder of choice should have the highest motor power the buyer can afford, as the power is directly proportional to the hardness of the task the grinder can handle comfortably.
On top of the features stated above, there is a host of others, such as adjustability, speed, padding and much more.
The ultimate decision when buying a grinder comes down to the user. Nevertheless, forking out large chunks does not always guarantee quality output. Likewise, cheap options have their fair share of shortcomings. It is therefore advisable to take time and conduct extensive research before shelling hard-earned cash on a potential disappointment.