I'm ordering the BGM-100, and also happen to need a new dry grinder. I would like to choose a good one for shaping tools using the BGM-100 and then sharpening on the Tormek T-7. Here are the questions that come to mind:
Wheel Diameter? I'm guesing that a 10" wheel would match the Tormek hollow grind.
Wheel Width? Again, it seems that matching the wide Tormek wheel width would produce a shape that should transfer almost perfectly to the Tormek.
Grinder Speed? Probably lower speed, 1725 rpm? Variable speed from 500-1725 rpm might be useful?
Who makes one? I looked around, and found a few 10" fixed speed grinders. I didn't find any with a wide wheel. Is there a safety or other reason for this?
I would appreciate other thoughts on the grinder choice?
Thanks,
Richard
You just can't turn a wheel that big that fast without a serious frame and even more serious guards.
The differential between an 8" wheel and a 10" wheel is pretty slight when you move from one to the next. I recently demonstrated the BGM-100, using Woodcraft's private label 8" 1725rpm grinder. It amazed me how perfect the fit was when moving to the Tormek when I used the TTS-100 on both.
Top of the line would be a Baldor 4-pole (1725 rpm) 8" grinder. The Woodcraft grinder is pretty darn good for what it costs, and comes with much better than average grindstones -- something even the Baldor can't say.
Jeff,
Thanks for answering all my questions so quickly - it really helped.
Richard
I built the platform for mountning the BGM-100 on my 8" dry grinder. I then used the SVS-50 jig to shape and sharpen a 3/8" skew with a curved profile. I sharpened it almost to completion, but spent minimal time on the cutting edge to avoid any chance of overheating. I then took the skew directly to the Tormek T-7 and was delighted to discover that I had a perfect edge in only a minute or two. This will now be my standard approach with any tool has not already been sharpened on the Tormek. Thanks for a great new product addition.