Bench Grinder base/table
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6 and 8" bench grinders typically come with tiny tables used to support the work piece during grinding. I decided to build an alternative.
On the bottom of this page, there is a link to free plans.
6 and 8" bench grinders typically come with tiny tables used to support the work piece during grinding. I decided to build an alternative.
On the bottom of this page, there is a link to free plans.
The first replacement
Back when I built my thickness sander, I needed to grind some shoulders on long acme screws that the table on my grinder could not support, so I built a very simple base/table that worked fine for those.
Here is the old base/table:
Here is the old base/table:
Original table built from scrap mdf and plywood... The base piece was actually a bit too short.
There were some shortcomings to this design:
1 - When the wheel wears down, there is no provision to adjust the table closer to the wheel - the gap simply gets wider.
2 - To grind at an angle, such as a chisel bevel, you have to remove the grinder from the base and use the factory table (you can see the support for the factory table in the pic above - it's sticking out below the left side of the table).
1 - When the wheel wears down, there is no provision to adjust the table closer to the wheel - the gap simply gets wider.
2 - To grind at an angle, such as a chisel bevel, you have to remove the grinder from the base and use the factory table (you can see the support for the factory table in the pic above - it's sticking out below the left side of the table).
Version 2
It was time for a new base/table that would eliminate these problems.
The new design has mini tables that are detachable from a larger platform - it's made from plywood and couple small pieces of hardwood, and it has a finish - big improvements!
The new design has mini tables that are detachable from a larger platform - it's made from plywood and couple small pieces of hardwood, and it has a finish - big improvements!
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Here is the new base/table with a general purpose tilting table attached.
The tilting table can move toward the wheel on a slot (to account for wheel wear) and is locked in place by a 3/8" bolt and thumb nut (I had a wingnut that worked). That piece of dirty plywood on top of the stationary table is the guide from the old base - if the need arises, I'll make a new one. |
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I built 2 tilting tables. The general purpose table does not provide enough tilt for chisels and such.
This picture shows the tilting table that can be used for chisel and hand plane irons - it has some clearance cuts, a different support location, and a different slot than the general purpose table. |
I like having the 2 removable tables. Both are very simple to build and can easily be replaced once worn out. On the general purpose table, I didn't glue the top on, which will make it super easy to replace once it wears out - I expect to use that table much more than the other one.
Other detachable table designs could easily be built. For instance a table with edges that extend past the front surface of the wheel.
Here are some more pictures:
Other detachable table designs could easily be built. For instance a table with edges that extend past the front surface of the wheel.
Here are some more pictures:
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This is the factory table sitting on top of the new one.
Quite a size difference! |
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Setting the height of the general purpose table.
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Setting the angle for a chisel - very easy with some backlight
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Here is the grinder I used for this base.
Here are some links to other grinders that should work for this base. I recommend getting the grinder first, then take actual measurements of it before building the base. This is mainly to get the table height and base mounting holes correct.
