Bench Grinder Table

[Garage Dog]

I'm making a new table for my bench grinder. It has a 6" Norton 60 gr wheel.

I plan on making it fully adjustable so I can set the table at 0* up to 45* and able to keep the table close to the wheel ( 1/16" or so) in all positions to keep it safe.

I will primarily be grinding 3/8" HSS for the lathe tools.

My question is:

What is the correct height to set the table in reference to the grinding wheel? Should the top of the table be the same height as the center or the wheel or should the top of the tool being gound be at the height of the center of the wheel, or does it really matter?
Thanks.

 

[GeneT45]

Back when I made such a thing I set my table on center and never looked back. If I was absolutely sure I was only ever going to grind 3/8" on it I *might* set it 3/16" below center, but probably not - seems too specialized.

Don't overthink it, it's not that critical.

GsT

 

[mmcmdl]

Are you asking about a table or a rest ? A rest is adjustable for whatever your grinding . Tilt it for clearance . Your table is a fixed position depending on the motor frame .

 

[Garage Dog]

I'm asking about the surface the HSS will be on as it is being ground so I guess I'm asking about the rest.

 

[mmcmdl]

I'm asking about the surface the HSS will be on as it is being ground so I guess I'm asking about the rest.

It's adjustable . For grinding lathe tools , angle it to your wanted clearance angle and I always keep it above center . Theory is it won't ever pull the tool between the wheel and the rest . But the rest should be within 1/16th of the wheel .

 

[Garage Dog]

Thanks Guys, I'll keep it slightly above center.

 

[woodchucker]

Adjustable is best, and like @mmcmdl said, never below.
Mine is always above center, it is adjustable. The goal is to always have back relief being cut as I am shaping the edge. So higher removes more at the bottom, which you want.

 

[RJSakowski]

FWIW, I like to grind my HSS lathe tools in an AXA tool holder. The holder provides a good reference surface to get all my angles right and I never have to worry about the tool getting too hot to handle. In that regard, you might want to have your rest offset below center so the top of the tool will be at or slightly above center.

 

[David2011]

FWIW, I like to grind my HSS lathe tools in an AXA tool holder. The holder provides a good reference surface to get all my angles right and I never have to worry about the tool getting too hot to handle. In that regard, you might want to have your rest offset below center so the top of the tool will be at or slightly above center.

Great idea!