Harbor Freight Surface Grinder

jmhoying

jmhoying

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H-M Supporter Gold Member
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Apr 21, 2013
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I picked up a brand new Central Machinery (2006 model) 6x12 surface grinder. (same as the Grizzly G5963). The previous owner purchased it and never assembled it. It was stored in a dry shop with the original wax on the ways and other ground surfaces, so cleanup and assembly only took 30 minutes or so. I got the grinder, stand and magnetic chuck for $400.00! Once I find a spot in my shop for it, I'll post a few photos of my first project with it. (at least my first successful project!).
Jack
A photo from before I cleaned up the ways and installed the table. (that's wax, not rust)
001.jpg

001.jpg
 
Wow man! You stepped in it!
Check you out! Let us know how it works out for you. Let's see it run!



Bernie
 
I didn't know such a thing existed. I would think you need more mass in the frame to keep vibration down for the precision that grinders promise.

Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
 
Analias said:
I didn't know such a thing existed. I would think you need more mass in the frame to keep vibration down for the precision that grinders promise.

Sent from my SGH-I337 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

I have no expectations that this will do the same job as a 2 ton machine, but I've heard of owners who get decent results as long as you treat it right.

Here is a link to the Grizzly page - http://www.grizzly.com/products/6-x-12-Surface-Grinder-w-Stand/G5963

Enco also sells the same piece, but it has an upgraded table rail system.

Tormach's new "Personal CNC Surface Grinder is based on the same unit http://www.tormach.com/product_grinder.html

Jack
 
Wow, that looks like a cute little machine.
I have to admit that the idea of a "Harbor Freight Surface Grinder" kind of sounds like the book "Brain Surgery for Dummys", but that little grinder actually looks pretty good for HF build quality.
 
I recently, by pure chance, met someone who has a small Sanford Surface Grinder, about this size. He IS a retired toolmaker, but he showed me some work he did on his at home. Amazing!

I don't doubt that more care would probably has to be taken to make sure the wheels are balanced etc. But I have seen proof that great work can be done on them!


Bernie
 
Bargain! Set up and tweaked in, I'm sure it will serve you well. Nice find.

Tom
 
Well the truth of the matter is you don't take deep cuts with a surface grinder. Finish cuts are usually around .0004 to .001. Much more than that and things will be over heated or flying. The important thing is to dress the wheel often to keep the wheel cutting.

Paul
 
When I see an interesting H Frt item like this I usually go to the site, but unless my search words are weak H Frt is down to a couple mill types and the little lathes. The small rotary table and lathes are not found. Also it seems they offer very little in tooling?
 
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