Ghetto tool post grinder :)

[gard]

I have done something along those lines in the past using a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder using the handle mounting holes on both sides and also the Dremel route. They both served the purpose at the time but not seen a lot of use since. The electric or air die grinder seems like a good idea.

 

[Todd3138]

I saw something similar on Pinterist.
I used some scrap and put this together.
It’s rock solid in the holder. There are flats on the front of the air tool and I put a second 10mm 1.50 dog point. Much more robust than a Dremel.
The air tool has 27,000 RPM.
I just need to find some 1/4” arbor stones to test it out.
Total expense, $30. Much better than the >$500 alternatives.

Cool idea. Being new to running a lathe and mill, what is an idea of different applications for this rig? I can guess at some uses, but I imagine you had something specific in mind when you made this.

 

[Janderso]

Cool idea. Being new to running a lathe and mill, what is an idea of different applications for this rig? I can guess at some uses, but I imagine you had something specific in mind when you made this.

If you turn a taper in the lathe you can then put a ground finish (example)

 

[Todd3138]

If you turn a taper in the lathe you can then put a ground finish (example)

Gotcha. I'm planning to try making a cone mandrel to use on my blacksmithing anvil and thought to turn it on the lathe. A grinder set up like this would be a nice way to put a clean finish on it. Thanks for sharing that info!

 

[OCJohn]

Never occurred to me to use an air grinder. HF sells them so cheap they're like disposable razors.

Nuthin' ghetto about that mount, Jeff. Looks great.

 

[jakes_66]

Agreed, that's no ghetto mount. Looks it's well suited for a small lathe.

 

[Provincial]

I bought a 3/8" diamond point and fabbed up a holder. It is used on an Atlas lathe, so the flat ways made it easy to mount to the ways. One key point is that the point needs to mount at an angle in order to limit the chance of knocking the diamond off its mount.

Here are some photos. The center bolt is welded to the clamp so it won't turn. I turned down most of the diamond mounting shaft to keep the design more compact. The center column is way overkill, and quite heavy, but it was quick and easy. The slotted arm is much longer than needed.

The last photo shows the adapter for the grinder. I put the clamp screws through the key stock mount. I use an O-ring to clamp the air valve of the grinder.