6 Easy Tips To Stop Bench Grinder Vibration
Like all power tools, you may experience some vibrations when you are using your new bench grinder. This is a common problem but one that needs to be taken care of before you hurt your bench grinder or damage your project.
There are simple solutions to solve this issue and they should not cost you a lot of money. Many do not cost you any money at all. To find out how to stop your bench grinder from vibrating just continue to read. Our article is filled with the information you need to know to solve this issue
Bench Grinder Vibration Problem
Not all bench grinders are the same. When you thought you have bought a perfect model, along comes the vibration issue. There are many reasons for this issue to exist and part of the problem may be that the cheaper grinder you bought was not balanced properly.
It may be the grinder itself is not true or that the wheels were not balanced properly. Or it may be that the washers and bushing were not made from quality materials and they wore out too soon.
The good news for you is that fixing these issues is not that difficult and you can do it without replacing your bench grinder. Then vibration issues seem to target 6 inch bench grinders more than they do 8 or 10 inch models but before you toss your 6 inch grinder away, check the following fixes to save you some money.
Reducing Bench Grinder Vibration
When you want to get rid of the vibrations that happen with bench grinders you need to do a little investigative work. The best way to do this is to look at the easiest to fix and replace sections on your grinder.
There is no need to tear your grinder apart when a simple fix is all you need. Start with the simple and then work your way up to the more complex fixes,. This should save you time and money if the problem is located in those simple to fix spots.
If the problem is not in those simple to fix spots, then feel free to tackle the more complicated and more expensive spots to solve your problem.
6 Tips on How to Stop Bench Grinder Vibration
In this section we will give you some common causes of bench grinder vibration and the solutions to fix them. This will help you identify where the problem is on your bench grinder and guide you to a good fix.
#1. Tool rest is too close to the wheel
This can happen and before the tool rest wears the wheel down you may experience some vibration as you work. To solve this you just move the tool rest back till there is about 1/8 inch of space between the tool rest and the grinding wheel.
You may need to dress the wheel again to square it up and make it ready for tools.
#2. Wheels out of balance
This comes when the wheels have been installed improperly. The solution is very simple. All you have to do is place some wheel balancers on the wheel. Just click here to get the step by step instructions on how to do this
#3. Inferior quality parts
This refers to the bushings or the washers that come with your grinder or grinding wheel. These wear out very quickly and can cause a lot of vibration when you use your bench grinder.
You can replace the bushing and washer if you want or if you are a very handy man, you can make your own.
#4. A bent shaft
When you are faced with this issue, your bench grinder will not operate like it should. Its smooth running will be interrupted by vibrations that can throw your grinding work off and ruin your metal piece.
The solution is to replace the shaft with a straight one.
#5. The bearings have worn out
Metal is not perfect and metal bearings do wear out from tie to time. Once they lose their shape then it is possible for them to create a vibration when you turn on or use your bench grinder.
It may be wise to replace all the bearings at the same time but that decision is up to you.
#6. Adapters and extensions can cause vibrations
There are times when you need an extension or adapter to monitor your grinding wheel’s bore. When you do this you may be the cause of the vibrations you are now experiencing in your bench grinder.
To solve this issue, you may need to replace the adapter or extension and move their location.
Bench Grinder Vibration Pads
Besides the 6 vibration causes and fixes listed above, you may be experiencing vibrations because your grinder is not level or secured properly to your work bench. When that happens you can install some rubber bench grinder pads to cut those vibrations off at the knees.
These pads can be cork centers covered on both sides by slender rubber. These square pads can help you level your grinder and reduce the amount of vibration you feel.
Again, always check the simple spots first to make your vibration fix inexpensive and simple
Bench Grinder Hand-Arm Vibration
You may experience this sensation when your bench grinder starts to shake a little bit after you turn it on or apply a little pressure with the metal piece you are trying to grind.
One way to stop this sensation is to look at your grinding wheel and see if it is square and level. If not, then you may need to use what is called a dresser. The dresser cleans and reshapes the grinding wheel so that it is square and easier to use.
Or the problem is in how you are holding the metal piece and how much pressure you are putting on the grinding wheel. Ease up a bit on the wheel and change your grinding position to make it easier on your hands and arm.
Some Final Comments
Fixing bench grinder vibration issues is not that difficult. As long as you know where to look and what parts you are looking at. Some vibration issues are easier and cheaper to fix than others.
You do not have to get rid of your grinder when these issues arise. Just do a little investigative work to identify the problem. Then finds the right solution and take care of the problem.
It really is that simple.
