I've been more than pleased with the 8-inch, 2-speed grinder from Woodcraft. It's basically the same grinder as their 8-inch slow speed grinder, with a second, higher speed added...best of both worlds.
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=4606
Well, he asked what was a good one.
http://oemproamtools.com/baldorgrinders.htm
I would ask, how much did you use that grinder. Most grinders sit and get used from time to time. If you used it enough to actually wear it out, in 1.5 years.. You might think of a higher end machine..
I don't think I've used it that much. I'm just a weekend woodworker at best. I dabble in turning pens and such, so I use it to sharpen turning tools. Lately, I've been using it with a wire wheel for cleaning up tools.
I'll have to check into the warranty and see if I'm still in the period.
Fast, Neat, Average
Friendly, Good, Good
Here's a link to the grinder I have (had).
Fast, Neat, Average
Friendly, Good, Good
Were you by any chance running it on a long/light gauge extension cord? That could cause overheating.
Pete
OOW - Out Of Warranty
Mike
From the workshop under the staircase, Clinton Township, MI
Semper Audere!
Not sure if this had anything to do with it, but...
When it smoked, I had a wire wheel on one side and a buffing wheel on the other and was using it at the lowest speed (in fact I rarely use it higher than that).
Was this inappropriate? Is the grinder supposed to have at least one grinding wheel on at all times to help dampen vibrations or for a flywheel effect?
Fast, Neat, Average
Friendly, Good, Good
You didn't kill it by running it without a heavy wheel. The symptom says electrical problem. Besides the centrifugal switch, the parts list for this machine shows a circuit board that could have failed.
If it's cooked, you have nothing to lose by opening it up. I think you'll find a set of windings is burned out.
Pete
...unless you intend to return it under warranty. In that case, don't open it up - that often voids any warranty.If it's cooked, you have nothing to lose by opening it up.