Adjustable Air Mini-Die Grinder Advise Please :)

[fcastro]

Ok so I guess I am back to square one. A drill isn't going to be a good idea because it really isn't made to take pressure on the sides and or be on for extended periods.

I actually found a sears die-grinder with 6" wheels at a good price but it still won't be able to hit certain sideway spots on the wheels.

An electric die-grinder with a router is another possibility.

How much do flex shafts run? What kind of adapter/shanks will it accept?

[mpierich]

The cheap flex shafts they sell at Harbor Freight, etc. are useless in my humble opinion. As soon as you put any pressure on the piece they'll want to twist themselves into a knot - not to mention wearing out quickly. The one I use is a good 1-1/2" thick on the outside with a 1/2" threaded shaft on the end, and hooked up to a 1/3 HP electric motor @ 1750 rpm. I have a 1/2" drill chuck that I can thread on there to use smaller tools with it. Caswell sells these: http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/indflex_shaft.html - mine is heavier-duty than the one pictured. AS you can see they're fairly expensive.

<<I actually found a sears die-grinder with 6" wheels at a good price but it still won't be able to hit certain sideway spots on the wheels.>>

Are you sure it's a die grinder? I can't imagine using a die grinder with 6" wheels. In fact I don't recommend using anything over 4" in a slow drill or shaft, let alone a grinder.

Having said that the electric drills wear out rapidly, I do have an air drill that works great. Even if you have to stop to let your compressor catch up once in a while, it's a cheap way to go if you already have the compressor.

Fact is, all this is the reason that some of us do polishing professionally. We put the money into getting the right equipment, and the time into learning to use it. And the end result is that our customers do not need to buy the equipment or put in the time learning because we've already done that for them.

[jrow]

fcastro,

Here's what I use. I have a Sears Die Grinder that I've used for about three years. I also went to Harbor Freight and bought a "speed reducer" primarily used for routers. I connected the speed reducer to my die grinder to lower the speed of the die grinder, and it works great! The only draw back is that you don't have as much torque at the lower speeds, but it does work!

John

[fcastro]

I may actually pick up the die grinder I am looking at in sears today since it is on sale. Actually they have a 8inch wheel one as well with variable speed switch.

Wow those flexible shafts are pricey as hell! Wow! I pretty sure I can get the flat areas of my wheels done by converting the grinder to a polisher but the slant angles on the wheels will be another problem all together.

[baz]

Originally Posted by mpierich

Fact is, all this is the reason that some of us do polishing professionally. We put the money into getting the right equipment, and the time into learning to use it. And the end result is that our customers do not need to buy the equipment or put in the time learning because we've already done that for them.

i definitly agree with this

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by baz

i definitly agree with this

LOL...I figured you would...

On the other hand, some people like to do it themselves...if I can do something cheaper than hiring someone, I do it, even if the end result isn't quite as good. I guess it all comes down to the cash and time involved, and your interest in working with your hands.

[baz]

the feeling of doing something from my own hands is nice .
but to try to do something myself to save money could sometimes be a mistake
i think one has to know his own limits , has to figure how long it will take to do a job compared to the time a pro would take , also the material and tools needed for the job
i have some customers that i have helped to set up a small buffer in their repair shop because i know they will only do small brackets and similar stuff .,they will never invest in bigger equipment and also the mess that it makes will keep them from doing bigger parts.