For those of you with first-hand experience, what are the pros and cons of say, a 6" vs a 8" bench grinder? Any recommendations, brand wise?

 

8" wheels last longer

 

Not that critical either way. Both wheels will last a pretty long time (unless you're using it every day). I'd go with smaller because it'll take up less space and be less expensive.

 

one of each. i think i use my belt sander and a file more than i use the bench grinders though.

 

If you have the room then go bigger! I went with the 8in and I dont have much room. Its nice but i gets in the way!

 

you think you dont have much room, I have a Precision TIG 275 (BIG), bandsaw, bench grinder (on brake drum and pipe), work table, welding table, and drill press in a 12x12 garage.

 

When you get one, pick up one of these:



That one is from Eastwood, but several companies sell expander wheels. They will never replace a true belt grinder, but you can swap out grits/surface types in about 10 sec. Belts are available from 40 grit to 1500 grit (both sandpaper types and Trizact) and you can also get them with that surface on the 3M disks that removes gaskets, etc.

Really convenient if you work with metal.

my .02.

 

LOL same here but I have a dynasty 200 and a weld pak 185 mig in my 2 car garage that I squeeze in along with other housewares stored there. And my integra sleeps there too!