Im looking at some surface grinders

C

Cooped_Up

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So currently I would say I have 4 options. Option a. the Brown and Sharpe 2B, option b. the Chevalier FSG-618M, option c. wait for a better deal, or d. make lower offers on the options a and b
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I'm not looking to send anything to space with a surface grinder just things like make parallels, vice jaws, and maybe even a whole vise. oh and maybe sharpen endmills if im up to it.
 
Can you test them while running? Looks do not matter. Working properly and leaving a nice finish on the work pieces really matters. A few good tests are worth dozens of opinions. If proper testing is not possible, you are simply rolling the dice, make your offer reflect that, cast iron scrap is not worth much...
 
If that B&S is in good shape I would be all over that but that is just me.
 
I have been wishing for a surface grinder too. But I have no experience at all with them. Is automatic feed very important for hobby use, and do either of these have that?
 
Surface grinders I found from the threads here are a VERY deep subject. I ended up backing away because of limited space and just never found the “one”. Good luck.
 
I do not have automatic feed (Ingar 618). I do not find it a problem. I am fairly pleased with the results I am getting. However, I have never operated a surface grinder that did have automatic feeds, so perhaps there is some sort of wonderful nirvana that I'm missing out on!
 
Cooped_Up said:
you know that would probably be important... the BS no.2b is 500 and the Chevalier is 800. obviously the remaining two options are less
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For $800, your exposure is pretty low (get the Chevalier, the coolant is really, really helpful). Like Bob points out, you may be buying scrap metal. So what, as a minimum you will learn something. If you can't risk the loss, then don't buy anything!

I spent $600 for a SG that was in pieces, I spent a bunch of time repairing and reassembling the obvious issues, I bought a magnet, I bought a wheel, I added the coolant, I made spindle wrenches and other tools. I finally got it running and discovered the spindle had been poorly overhauled (regular cheapo C3 bearings) - another $500 for bearings (I was able to get two of the three brgs as NOS).

I probably have $1800 into the machine, it works well and I am thrilled with it. If you don't have the constitution to work though issues and be able to accept a loss then you probably should not be in this hobby - it can be very humbling.

Let us know how you make out.
 
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