Belt grinder advices

[C-Bag]

I totally concur Dr. TM51, especially about speed and hp. I know it's counter what most folks on here want but as one who's gotten tangled with grinders I don't want or need more rpm's and ESPECIALLY more hp.

My dad gave me a big old 1.5hp 8" bench grinder and I dubbed it widowmaker as it about sucked me into it way more times than I want to admit. And I'm one of the more paranoid users of tools I know. Even though I was terrified every time I used widowmaker if I ever got distracted it would bite me....hard! The best thing ever was when it decided it bit me enough and burned up one day. I don't ever remember being happy when a pivotal piece of equipement died but I did a little jig when I dumped that thing in the recycler bin. I felt like I'd outlasted an opponent not mourned the lose of a valued ally as I view all my tools. It got replaced by a Jet 1/2hp 6" grinder that I keep a wire wheel and the other side has a Multitool w/36"x4" belt 7" sanding disk on the other side.

It's as handy as a shirt pocket and has more than enough power for me. More is not better for me. I'd rather something bog down and stop instead of pulling me in to end losing a finger or worse. Just my 2c.