UPDATE - - NEW GRINDING WHEEL FRUSTRATION

[chief38]

MAY 17 - - UPDATE

So after posting here I did contact McMaster-Carr and did explain the problem I was having with the Grinding Wheels. The very polite Customer Service Lady I was talking to had looked up my account, verified my purchase and already filled out a request for a replacement set of Grinder Wheels to be sent next day - at no charge. I did in fact receive them before noon the following day! When I opened the package I did immediately see "MADE in USA" on the label. I have not mounted the new wheels yet but will shortly do so - hopefully these will be a lot better!

The main point I want to make here is that McMaster - Carr seems to be as good as Dillon Precision when it comes to Customer Service! They get my vote!





My Craftsman Industrial Rated 6" Bench Grinder is almost 36 years old and I recently (about a year ago) replaced the grinding wheels because they simply got too small. The originals did last almost 35 years.

I purchased two new wheels from McMaster - Carr. One was Silicone Carbide (for Aluminum, Brass, Copper, etc.) and one Aluminum Oxide for general purpose Steel. Both are 60 grit as I rarely used the 36 grit - too course.

The frustration I am having is that the wheels do not run true no matter how I dress them, balance them or rotate them on the Arbor to different positions. I know it's NOT my grinder because I never had any problems with the older wheels! The problem began as soon as I installed the new ones. I have given up trying to get them balanced and am seeking excellent quality wheels (preferably made in USA) that I can now buy.

If anyone here has experience with brands of Aluminum Oxide wheels I'd surely appreciate the info! I did go on the internet and see many complaints about the same thing - even on Norton brand wheels.

 

[Ray1970]

I had a similar issue once. Turns out new wheels can be a real bear to get trued up and my skills dressing them leave a lot to be desired. I gave up trying to line them out and a buddy did it for me. Took him a little while but when he was done all was good.

I doubt this helps you but I do wish you the best of luck getting it resolved.

 

[vigil617]

Remember, too, that the new wheels are much larger diameter than the ones you took off, so any runout in the grinder's driving shaft will be magnified by the larger wheels.

 

[chief38]

Remember, too, that the new wheels are much larger diameter than the ones you took off, so any runout in the grinder's driving shaft will be magnified by the larger wheels.

Yes I did think about that - but the difference is HUGE! You can see the wheels wobble side to side which means they were not drilled correctly (hole not straight) or the sides are not parallel. When they spin slowly you can see how imperfect they are.

 

[pmanton]

I'm saddened that McMaster - Carr is selling junk.

 

[Drm50]

Just don't by any from Habor Frieght, imports. Put a new wheel
on my Craftsman Bench grinder and when it got to max rpms
it exploded. A piece took me in the ear and another piece took
out a tube in my shop light. I had similar experience a few years
ago with a set of Dremel wheels from Lowes. The little wire
wheels would throw the wires out soon as you brought them into
contact with a hard surface. Can't remember the name brand,
Blue- something, trashed the whole set. You get what you pay
for.

 

[Big Cholla]

I use a lot of varied grinding wheels on bench grinders. I have had the exact same experience with ALL wheels bought from MacM...Carr. I learned my lesson and only buy from quality vendors and then I buy the best wheel they are selling........

 

[chief38]

I use a lot of varied grinding wheels on bench grinders. I have had the exact same experience with ALL wheels bought from MacM...Carr. I learned my lesson and only buy from quality vendors and then I buy the best wheel they are selling........

Well if you can recommend a brand I'd appreciate it very much. I usually only but American Tools and Shop accessories if I can get them.

I am thinking of calling Baldor tomorrow. I know they don't make the wheels themselves but I know their motors & grinders are TOP NOTCH and would expect the best wheels available from them. Maybe they can steer me in the right direction. At this point I don't even know of there is an American manufacturer of these things!

It's funny that the Craftsman Grinder came with American made wheels and they lasted 35 years and I never had any problems - I would BET that Sears Craftsman did not even put expensive ones on it to begin with. Yesterday's cheap was better than todays "good" apparently.

 

[epj]

That's a shame. I'd call McMaster and bitch. They usually sell high quality stuff. I spend a small fortune there every week buying parts for my sight pushers. They are the only game in town so to speak, and I pay premium prices for the products. They do have good service, and on the rare occasions that they have failed to please they quickly and courteously made it right.

 

[Ole Joe Clark]

ALWAYS check a wheel for cracks before installing, by tapping lightly with a hammer or similar tool. If it rings like a bell there are no cracks. The wheel that "exploded" was cracked when it was installed.

Have you tried dressing the sides of the wheels? that might help.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

 

[LouisianaJoe]

For over 40 years, I have used an 8"X3" Expandable Drum Rubber Wheel attached to a #2 morse taper. I use this on my very old Craftsman wood lathe. I can get belts from 60 to 1000 grit for it. I have used this to make knives and sharpen lawn mower blades and other tools. I rarely use a grinding wheel. They are still available from lapidary supply sites and Amazon.

 

[cfplinker]

I've had good luck with Norton grinding wheels. Are these Norton or some other brand?

 

[Abbynormal]

Quoting original post: "My Craftsman Industrial Rated 6" Bench Grinder is almost 36 years old and I recently (about a year ago) replaced the grinding wheels because they simply got too small. The originals did last almost 35 years.

Gee, doncha think the original bearings coulda worn and when you put an OEM replacement in, the 35 YEARS OF WEAR on the bearing and shaft became apparent?

 

[chief38]

ALWAYS check a wheel for cracks before installing, by tapping lightly with a hammer or similar tool. If it rings like a bell there are no cracks. The wheel that "exploded" was cracked when it was installed.

Have you tried dressing the sides of the wheels? that might help.

Have a blessed day,

Leon

I did do the "ring test" = not cracked. I thought of dressing the sides but the diamond tool I use would not really be great for that as it is too small. I suspect that the Arbor hole is off center and slightly cock-eyed. At this point I would just like to but some descent quality wheels and be done with it. It's a real shame that we can't even get good quality from McMaster-Carr anymore. I think I'll call them later and tell them what is going on.