I'd like to be able to heat treat. I'd also like the capability to do precision grinding afterwards. The whole experience is a hobby to me, so Im not sure the old adage of "depends on what projects you have coming up" applies. I don't even need my lathe and milling machine. lol
Friends and family keep asking me why I have all the stuff I do, and I always tell them it's cheaper than the divorce that would certainly come, after spending my time and money on hookers and blow.
This really resonates with me. I do enjoy producing things with my shop, but a lot of the benefit is my exploration and learning.
A while back, I bought a Toolmaker grinder, which is sort of a lightweight hybrid tool grinder and surface grinder. I have used it a few times and it can be quite handy. I’m only starting to get the hang of sharpening cutting tools. But, for example, when I needed to use a taper pin, I was able to make a d-bit reamer that worked perfectly.
More recently, I bought a Micromaster 618 surface grinder. I wanted the ability to work on some larger surfaces and having played with the Toolmaker a bit, manually grinding a substantial surface is not for me (the 618 is automatic).
Anyhow, I’m sympathetic with your desire for a T&C grinder. The tooling is definitely a significant part of being able to use any grinder. My Toolmaker came with a bunch of the original Rockwell accessories. And I’ve acquired some fixtures that can help sharpen tools, like a Polychoke PC-101, which uses an eccentric spindle to create radial relief. Plus the fairly common fixtures for the ends of end mills. No air bearing yet.
Edit: oh, I’ve also come across a heat-treat oven and the few times I’ve used it so far have been supremely satisfying. I think it does go well with grinding capability.