Newby Needs Opinions

rammed

rammed

Active User
Registered
Joined
May 23, 2011
Messages
43
I've been looking at plans to build a tool post grinder. All that I have seen look bulky. Harbor Freight sells a laminate trimmer for 24 bucks. It's 26,000 RPM and has a 1/4 inch collet. You can get small stones with a 1/4 inch shank. What do you folks think about trying this. ::)
 
I have a Bosch laminate trimmer that I've had similar thoughts about, but I believe the bearings wouldn't be up to it. As Jack said, it's a different world. My thoughts have drifted towards a precision spindle made, and driven by a router or laminate trimmer motor only as a power source. I have several to choose from, so I might get away with it.
 
I'm using a dremel right now. Well it's a sears I picked up at a flea market. It's a simple setup. The problem with it was the flimsy plastic coupling that connects the motor to the spindle. I made a heavier one out of nylon rod and it's holding up good.

My thought is that the laminate trimmer's collet is part of the motor shaft. So it should have more power.

;D
 
I inherited a Craftsman grinder similar to a Dremmel but larger, it also uses 1/4 in. shafts. There is a toolpost mounting bracket and an assortment of stones. I tried touching up valves from a lawnmower engine with some success. I lapped the valves and the seats, got full circle grind on both faces-- lucky I think.

I do not like the mess on the ways so I protect them extensively. Currently I try to avoid grinding if at all posible.

I realize this is late but beleive a word of caution about the dust and grit is important.

Good luck !

Ray :)
 
I use an old Milwaukee hand held die grinder (very big dremmel) That I pulled out of the trash and rebuilt. 1/4" dia. chuck 22,000 RPM and torquy as all get out.

I ditto rock_breaker's caution about grit and dust from the stones, and emphasize it! COVER EVERYTHING!



CHuck the grumpy old guy.
 
I have and no longer use a Precise internal die grinding head ( 80,000 RPM ) that I made up a toolblock to fit my post . I've used diamond , borazon and regular wheels with it . It sits in my Vidmar unused .
 
I found a used one for my 7x12 hf for a decent price on ebay. Worked great on a job I did for a friend. Since then I made an adapter to use 1/8 shank stones for ID grinding. On my list of things to do is make a 1/4 shank holder for it now.
 
HSM had a article on building atool post grinder a while back. It used a laminate trimer for the power. It was set up for a SB 9" IT looked like it would work. Also a week ortwo ago on one of the postsa guy had a belt sander and a tool post grinder tha he had built that looked super.
 
Has anyone mounted an electric die grinder like this Hitachi to a tool post? A nice feature is the cylindrical housing - something to grip in a tool post block type clamp. But I'm told the typical bearings of these units are not really up to task. Ie. it might yield a visibly smooth shiny surface but maybe questionable part accuracy given the bearings, shaft & collet run out etc. They are kind of designed for handheld use.

I love what this guy built in a reduced package size. Seems to share features of the big boy tool post grinders; belt driven remote motor, high rpm, spindle cartridge, various mounting arrangements.
http://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/showthread.php?t=10618

I started doing some reading on spindle cartridges. It quickly becomes evident there is a bit of engineering in them. At minimum adjustable end caps to reduce axial play of conventional ball bearings races, or those angular contact type bearings. If anyone has built something like this, I'd like to see how you went about it.

hitachi die grinder.jpg
 
You mean something like this ? This is a Precise precision die grinding head . I've used it on B+S internal grinders , and I made a split clamp holder for my Aloris for use on my lathe with Diamond , Borzon and conventional wheels . Did a lot of chrome and carbon fiber grinding in the past . It is made for grinding at 80,000 rpm . I just happen to know where one is residing !

IMG_6094.JPG IMG_6095.JPG
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top