With the flange washers adjusted and holding the wheel, the next step is The longer the mark, the less severe the problem is. A bench grinder fitted with a wire wheel ($15) on one side and a cotton buffing wheel ($8) on the other side, or buffing wheels on both sides, makes a great cleaning and polishing tool. Slide the wheel and the outboard cup washer in the outboard direction against the loosened nut. Upgrade your table saw’s cutting quality and safety with a zero-clearance throatplate. Using the wheeltruing device routinely will prevent re-developing vibration and will keep your wheels in top-notch condition. When you want to get rid of the vibrations that happen with bench grinders you need to do a little investigative work. Rotate the wheel so the pencil mark you made is toward the rear of the grinder, and mark a line or arrow from the center of the test mark to the edge of the cup washer. These machines sit on a bench and are very handy for doing some fine-tuning. Never attempt to correct side-to-side wheel wobble by dressing, or truing, the sides of the wheel—a very dangerous practice. Note: Use only paper shims; hard shims such as metal, wood, or plastic can concentrate too much pressure, possibly cracking the wheel, and could become a safety hazard if they fly out while the grinder is running. Make sure the wheel is dry and clean before applying this test. make the wheel run without side-to-side oscillation, then remove the wheel and When you need to Add or remove paper shims as needed until you are satisfied with the results. 2. After you test one side, turn the wheel over and repeat on the other side. Many grinders have stamped #benchgrinder #grinder #woodturning #turning #woodworking #grindertuneup. I recommend discarding the plastic bushings and replacing them with precision-made steel bushings. Notice any roughness on the surfaces 1. September 2019. The identification code printed on the wheel manufacturer’s label should include the hardness rating. Use a file to remove any nicks or bumps from the edge of the tool-rest facing you. Surface grinder wheels are mounted on solid hubs which are then mounted on the tapered motor arbor very similar to what I originally proposed. steel flange washers, which may not run perfectly true. of the flange washers; this can be smoothed on sandpaper placed on a flat surface. Tighten the tool-rest securely. be moved about a half an inch at a time. can stop the flange washer from seating properly. Bench grinders are a great addition to any shop. Repeat this procedure a few times, stopping the grinder to inspect the wheel. Details about this test can be found at osha.gov. 5.0 out of 5 stars Good method to tune up a bench grinder and demo of a wheel dresser Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2016 This DVD is a recorded trade show presentation in which Don Geiger describes his procedure for eliminating bench grinder vibration and wheel wobble and demonstrates his “Tru N Dress” product. A well-tuned grinder will produce a better edge on your turning tools. This provides space between the inboard cup washer and the wheel to allow the insertion of adhesive paper shims between the cup washer and the wheel. Most woodturners use a bench grinder to sharpen their turning tools. I developed a process for tuning up a bench grinder at minimal cost and only about forty minutes of your time. shaft. Re: Bench grinder tune-up Post by Torch » Thu Jun 30, 2011 3:28 pm Harold_V wrote: I'd encourage you to explore the idea of switching to 7" x ½" x 1¼" wheels, which are the most common of all the small wheels, and available in a myriad of configurations. To minimize vibration and prevent tool bounce, the circumference of each wheel needs to be made concentric to the axle. As you know, the bench grinder is a portable version of big-scale grinders of different factories. A “K” hardness wheel is ideal for sharpening most woodturning tools. Sharpening tools on the resulting smooth surface significantly improves the appearance of bevels and sharpness of edges. Quite some time ago, I recognized that many people were unhappy with the performance of their grinder. Repeat as necessary until the diamond has contacted the entire circumference and width of the wheel. Note that the nuts on either end of the axle have opposing threads. 3. Continue to use the truing device exclusively to maintain concentricity of the wheels and smooth and deglaze the outer surfaces of the wheels. Bench Grinders: How To Keep Them Running True . 2. Wheel truing systems feature a single diamond, whose position, relative to the wheel, is controlled and micro-adjustable. Visually inspect the shoulders on the axle where the diameter changes. Position the grinder’s tool-rest about 1/8″ (3mm) from the wheel and secure it in place. Quite some time ago, I recognized that many people were unhappy with the performance of their grinder. This type of vibration is easily recognized because it leaves evenly spaced dark spots on the surface of the wheel—solid evidence that the wheel is not concentric to the grinder’s axle. Center bushings supplied by aftermarket This can be removed by using Wearing a faceshield, turn on the grinder. Don markets several of his own inventions and is a dealer for Robust Tools, LLC. Repeat the same procedure on the other wheel. 2. Do not position the tool-rest in an upward position. The accurate placement of paper shims between the edge of the cup washers and the wheels can minimize wobble. The correct hardness of the wheel is important. Woodworker's Journal Adirondack Lawn Chair Plan - Reprint, Woodworker's Journal 25 Jigs and Fixtures, CD, The Way to Woodwork — Mastering the Table Saw, DVD, Civil War Officer's Chair Downloadable Plan, Ultimate Miter Saw Stand - Downloadable Plan, Woodworker's Journal September/October 2014, Make a Table Saw Zero-Clearance Throatplate, Using CA Glue to Chuck a Bowl on Your Lathe, This article, “Tuning Up a Bench Grinder,” by, Woodworking | Blog | Videos | Plans | How To, Order Woodworking Plans, DVDs and Supplies. Adhering the stack of adhesive shims to the tip of a straight blade screwdriver facilitates easier positioning on the inboard side. Can't decide what to get the woodworker in your life? Most 8″ (20cm) bench grinders have a 5/8″ (16mm) shaft diameter (some have a 3/4″ shaft). The plastic bushings are usually loose fitting, which allows the mass of the wheel to be mounted off center — a major source of vibration. 4. Let it run for five to ten minutes to ensure the wheel remains intact and spins without excessive vibration. Loosen the axle nut about 1/4″ away from the outboard washer. be improved with just a few simple tune-up steps. Then loosen the shaft nut, and slightly rotate Test fit the steel bushings to ensure they slide over the shaft and fit well. The performance of your bench grinder can Steel bushings provide a solid foundation, center the mass of the wheel on the axle, and improve the perpendicular position of the wheel in relation to the axle. For each wheel, mount the inboard washer, wheel with new bushing, outboard washer, and nut. Install a stack of about five dots for severe cases and fewer for less severe wobble. Woodworkers usually use them to establish or reestablish rough bevels on cutting tools, such as chisels and plane blades. Traverse the truing device left and right across the face of the wheel five or six times, then very slightly advance the position of the diamond toward the wheel. The vibration of the grinder will be minimized and tools will not bounce on the surface of the wheels. The center of the length of the pencil mark indicates the apex of the wheel wobble on the outboard side of the wheel and where shims should be installed to correct the problem. dressing with a wheel dresser that will make the wheel run true. How to Tune Up a Bench Grinder. 3. Note that when installing a steel bushing, do not force it into the wheel’s hole. Subscribe to the newsletter and get 10% off your next purchase in addition to the latest products, guides and project ideas. Once the wheel is secured, stand safely off to the side of the grinder and turn the grinder on. and spin the wheel by hand. 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