I blame this squarely on John K Jordan and Reed Gray! I have had the same 1/2 hp no name grinder since shortly after I started turning - 2010 to be exact. I acquired a 180 grit CBN wheel soon after they became available, but with a well worn AO wheel on the other side it has never run true and is noisy. I have been looking at the Rikon 1 hp and contemplated getting an 80 grit CBN so I could shape and regrind if needed - and have a smooth running grinder with two CBN wheels. The old grinder would be relegated back to AO wheels for yard and farm use.
When a recent thread was started by another creeker about which grit CBN to get I even chided JKJ and Reed about their use of high grit wheels when my 180 has served me so well.
Well......after talking with Ken Rizza and reading Reed’s lengthy article on CBN wheels, I now own a new grinder and a Mega 600 grit wheel from Ken. The Mega wheel runs like silk. The D-Way wheel has an almost imperceptible runout. One can feel it, but can’t see it. I am sure it is because that wheel uses a bushing to fit a 5/8” spindle. I also bought another Wolverine setup as I do use the platform with the AO wheel on the old grinder.
I just got everything setup today and have not used it yet. Ken graciously offered to swap it out for the 80 if I wasn’t pleased with it.
So, JKJ and Reed, I will report back on this investment, but just know that this is all “owed” to you, or blamed on you when Ms Keeton asks about the cost!
Incidentally, the 4 drawer base cabinet was bought at Habitat Restore for $25. I love going to that place - so many treasures!! I built a riser base to bring the spindle height up to about 42”.
Sorry for the sideways phone pics!