Baldor Bench Grinder Buying Guide
Bench grinders are powerful and practical but are often misused. They can sharpen a lawnmower blade, restore a chisel, polish wood, or shape gemstones. Also, they are versatile and can do precise finishing or quickly remove material. These grinders work on wood, gemstones, or metals. Moreover, they come in many sizes, from minor to heavy-duty for shops.
Industry Best Bench Grinders
Regarding bench grinders, Baldor is the top name in the industry. They are part of ABB Group. They make many suitable electric motors, sanders, buffers, polishers, and grinders. Their grinders are famous. They are made of high-quality material and last a long time. They are also quiet.
Choosing a Baldor Bench Grinder
Bench grinders are simple tools. Yet, their designs vary to meet dissimilar needs. Although they all share a basic structure, choosing a suitable model requires careful thought.
How Will You Use It?
The key to choosing a grinder is how you plan to use it. Baldor offers sturdy, industrial models for demanding places like auto shops. Whether you need a grinder to remove rust from car fenders or to sharpen chisels, there is a model for you. Grinders are also great for polishing. You can attach cotton buffing wheels for a smooth finish. Your tasks will decide the right size, speed, and power for your needs.
Wheel Diameter
First, know the required wheel size to choose the right bench grinder. A small grinder suits tasks like sharpening blades or shaping small metal pieces. However, a bigger model is needed for larger jobs or setting up a metalwork shop. The larger size offers better maneuverability and efficiency. It also provides more wheel surfaces for work.
You can sharpen a pocketknife on a 6″ stone with ease. However, using the same stone to remove rust from a car fender before welding might be cramped. Buffing and polishing are also everyday tasks for grinders. Sometimes, smaller wheels limit their effectiveness. Thus, a giant wheel becomes necessary.
Power Supply
Each grinder’s power needs vary. Smaller tools require less voltage. Larger ones can be managed with a standard outlet. But they can also use a 230V outlet, like your laundry machines, for extra power. Larger grinders need more power to spin and draw more current. A 6″ grinder uses a 3.1-amp motor. An 8″ grinder needs up to 4.8 amps. So, check the amperage of your grinder.
- This can help you avoid high utility bills.
Wheels Included
Compact models usually include wheels. You get two stone wheels, one stone wheel, and a wire brush wheel. Additional wheels can be bought separately. To use your new grinder immediately, you must know the initial wheelset. It includes 60-grit and 30-grit grinding wheels, a 36-grit stone wheel, and a .014 wire brush. The two-wheel set is best for more grinding, like sharpening blades or chisels. The wire brush quickly removes rust from metal. This prepares it for painting, welding, or polishing.
Model 248-181TD is a space-saving option. It features a 36-grit grinder wheel on one side and a belt sander on the other. You might need to switch grinder wheels more often, but the sander’s versatility is worth it. This tool works with wood and other soft materials that cannot manage grinding heat.
Machine Dimensions
A big grinder needs more space than a small one. If your garage is small, consider a compact grinder. It can be stored easily, unlike a heavy one that needs a big workbench corner. For safety, secure bench grinders before use. Small models can be fixed to a mobile base and a bench. They are light, making moving them easy. Big grinders, over 100 lbs, are not easy to move.
- Bolting or using a pedestal base is best.
Wheel Speed
The factory sets Baldor grinders with preset speeds of 1800 or 3600 RPM. Larger machines typically use the slower 1800 RPM setting. This setting manages the power needed for more extensive, heavier wheels. For sharpening wood-carving chisels, the slower wheel is better. It boosts control and lowers the risk of metal burning or losing its hardness. Even with the slower wheel, burns can still happen. However, they are less likely to ruin costly tools. Additionally, the tools face less strain and last longer, saving time and money.
A Few Other Things to Think About
We have shared crucial information, but you might still feel overwhelmed by the many models. If you are stuck choosing a grinder, here are some tips to help.
Power Cord
Larger motors and higher voltages in grinders often mean no power cords are provided. Users must then connect these to their power source. Notably, this is not a concern for six or seven-inch models. Only the 248-181TD, 1021W, and 1022W models lack cords.
Dust Port
More giant grinders remove more material. This can make collecting it hard. Thus, a vacuum connection is crucial. All 8″ grinders and larger come with dust ports on the wheel guards. Some 6″ and 7″ models also have exhaust ports marked by an “E” in their model numbers.
- This “E” indicates the presence of an exhaust port.
Color
Each model comes in red or blue. However, their insides are the same. A neat trick helps remember the color by looking at the model number. It ends with “B” for blue or “R” for red.
Final Thoughts
Baldor offers a bench grinder for every need. Check the wheel size, speed, voltage, and included wheels. Choose carefully. It is a long-term tool. Consider your space, usage, piece size, and workshop power. Grinders are versatile and powerful. Our table shows the critical details of each model.
| Model | Wheel Diameter (In.) | RPM | Voltage (V) | Wheel Included | Color |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 602E | 6 | 3600 | 115 | 36 grit wheel and wire brush | Blue |
| 612B1 | 6 | 3600 | 115 | 30/60 grit wheels | Blue |
| 612R | 6 | 3600 | 115 | 30/60 grit wheels | Red |
| 612E | 6 | 3600 | 115 | 30/60 grit wheels | Blue |
| 662B | 6 | 3600 | 115 | 36 grit wheel and wire brush | Blue |
| 662R | 6 | 3600 | 115 | 36 grit wheel and wire brush | Red |
| 712B | 7 | 3600 | 115 | 30/60 grit wheels | Blue |
| 712R | 7 | 3600 | 115 | 30/60 grit wheels | Red |
| 712E | 7 | 3600 | 115 | 30/60 grit wheels | Blue |
| 762 | 7 | 3600 | 115 | 36 grit wheel and wire brush | Blue |
| 762R | 7 | 3600 | 115 | 36 grit wheel and wire brush | Red |
| 8100W | 8 | 1800 | 115/230 | 30/60 grit wheels | Blue |
| 8107WD | 8 | 3600 | 115/230 | 30/60 grit wheels | Blue |
| 812RE | 8 | 3600 | 115/230 | 30/60 grit wheels | Red |
| 8250W | 8 | 3600 | 115/230 | 36 grit wheel and wire brush | Blue |
| 248-181TD | 8 | 3600 | 115/230 | 36-grit wheel, 80-grit sanding belt | Blue |
| 1021W | 10 | 1800 | 208-230/460 | 30/60 grit wheels | Blue |
| 1022W | 10 | 1800 | 115/230 | 30/60 grit wheels | Blue |
