How to Slow Down a Bench Grinder

Bench grinders are designed for hand-held grinding, sharpening and cleaning functions. Grinding wheels are installed on the bench for grinding, and metal surface cleaning can be accomplished with the wire wheel. Wheels can be changed out for polishing. Bench grinders use different rotational speeds, depending on the job to be accomplished. Slowing down a bench grinder can be accomplished with a control.

Instructions

1. Determine the speed at which you require the bench grinder to work. Light duty operations require a slow speed. These jobs include light grinding, sharpening, rust and paint removal, and jobs where a lower grinding temperature is needed. Heavy duty and normal duty operations require a faster speed. Jobs include heavy grinding, stock removal, deburring and buffing.

2. Turn the power switch off and set the variable speed switch to the lowest setting by turning it all the way to the left. Start the grinder and allow the grinder to reach a steady speed. This can take a minute.

3. Move the variable speed switch to increase or decrease speed. The lowest speed is usually 1725 rpm and is where the variable speed switch is set all the way to the left. The highest speed is usually 3450 rpm and is where the switch is turned all the way to the right. Perform the work and then turn the speed switch all the way to the left and turn the grinder off.

References

• Craftsman: 8-inch Bench Grinder Owner's Manual