A dilemma 8" grinder vs 2x72" Belt grinder

[adrspach]

Hi all. i am fed up with my 6" grinder stalling on me whenever I need to grind anything harder on it as well as after trying not being able to get rid of vibrations.
I am having the dilemma about what to get 8" bench grinder or the belt grinder.
I am grinding all sorts of stuff from wood shaping to tool steel.
I do understand that belt grinder is very expensive to purchase but as i do work from a small garage I do not want to have too many tools and machines there.
Can you advise preferably with recommendations of a machine as well.
Thnk you

 

[Trevanion]

I hope you're not grinding wood with regular bench grinder wheels.

Those 2x72" grinders look like a very versatile piece of equipment and would probably trump an 8" bench grinder for most tasks.

 

[chaoticbob]

I have an 8" bench grinder and also a 2" belt linisher - not the 72" you're looking at, just a Sorby EdgePro which is designed primarily for sharpening woodworking blades. The Sorby gets used for all sorts of things apart from its primary use - grinding metalworking lathe tools, sharpening kitchen knives, sanding small wooden parts etc. A 72" would be even more versatile. The 8" wheel grinder hasn't had much use since I got the Sorby - for some things (roughing out HSS lathe tools for example) it's pretty good, but if I could have only one, I'd go for the belt grinder without hesitation.
Bob.

 

[adrspach]

Thank you gentlemen. Time for me to find some decent machines to find price and start saving.
Any recommendations for make of the 2x72" belt grinder?

 

[KingAether]

I believe 2x72 is more of a US standard belt size, not so much over here. I couldn't tell you what it is here but i know there are large belts more industry standard. Can't help with names as they're way way out of my price range.

 

[Inspector]

There is a Facebook group on homemade belt grinders. There are some in Europe that sell parts or whole machines. It would be a good starting point for your search.

Pete

 

[Rorschach]

A belt sander is much more versatile than a grinder but has some drawbacks.

It is more expensive. It is less suited to sharpening. It takes up more space. It uses more power.

When shopping for a belt grinder get one that has plenty of adjustability so you can use several sizes of belt, get one that has different fittings such as a flat platten and contact wheel, get one that has variable speed including reverse running for sharpening.

 

[seaco]

Have you looked on Youtube there are several posts on making your own 2x72" grinders so much cheaper than buying one!

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=2x72%22