I currently have a Steel city variable speed grinder, I bought several years ago. Recently, I have been having issues with the grinder not wanting to stay on slow speed setting.......at times it will all on its own, just rev up to the 3450 rpm speed and not want to come back down without all kinds of tinkering with it.
I always liked the grinder and it runs well......just the variable speed control is on its last legs. I found out back last fall that Steel City had made an industrial grinder with more precision and power and supposedly premium motor and bearings...........it is a 3/4 hp unit, 1750 rpm, and I almost purchased one back last fall.......here is a pic
While Steel City just closed its doors, I took a chance and got one of the remaining ones on the market, and it is a single speed unit, and has unique wheel balancing adapters that come with it, although I will not need it with the CBN wheels......[I have the 180 on order and when the 80 grit comes in stock, I am getting that one as well]
Highland Hardware was carrying this unit last fall and were singing its praises as a unit that was both well engineered and ran without wobble. I think they have sold out now, but with some searching, it can still be found. I am likely not to have to be concerned with replacement for many years, so I went ahead and took whatever minimal risk there might be, but based upon the one I have now, which is a cheaper model with less hp, then I think there is hardly any risk, because it has run well.....it is just that variable speed pot that is the issue.
The CBN wheels are the 1.5" Hurricane wheels from Steve Fulgoni at the Wood Turners Store, and have the 5/8" direct bore, so no bushings needed. I am hoping to start out fresh with the sharpening and new lathe at the same time, so when I get them in use, I will post how I like them related to my current setup.
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Originally Posted by Andrew DiLorenzo
