How to Save Money When Buying stone grinding tools

If you have a Tormek don't buy anything but a Tormek stone.

Go to Zoro, sign up for "Z-mail" and they will send you a 15% off coupon for your first order. So it should be about $162 with free shipping. Or you can wait, I get 20 and 25% off coupons regularly from them. They do have items on a no discount list but as of last month, Tormek was still not on it. I have bought all my Tormek products from them at 25% off. Note that some of their stuff is listed above the normal retail but with the coupons they end up well below retail.

Fellows than you for the information on both stones. I believe I will stick with Tormek. It’s a shame that my old stone is still in nice condition but the OEM shaft was carbon steel with chrome plating on it. Older model. It eventually rusted and as a result it enlarged the diameter of the center hole. I just replaced the shaft with the new stainless replacement shaft. I gave the old stone to a machine shop to bore and sleeve but I’m not sure it will work. He’s a friend but I hate to see him dedicate too much time to it He’s in the business to make money not spend time fooling with my projects.

Thanks fellows.

I have a Tormek coming that looks like it has little use on it. I'm planning to put one of their diamond wheels on it, if it can be used wet. If the wheel is in good shape, I may decide to part with it, if you're interested. It hasn't arrived yet though, so I really don't know.

Also, I wonder if you couldn't fill the hole with thickened epoxy, and redrill a new center hole.

Hi fellows
Derek, I looked into the CBN wheels and now you have me thinking why would I fool with a normal Tormek wheel. After spending some time reading the website and reviewing customer comments they seem like an easy choice. Heck I was thinking of saving a few dollars off the Tormek wheel and now I’m considering buy two CBN wheels. I think I’ll see if my friend fixes the OEM wheel and possibly buy the grit CBN

Tom if you decide to let go of your OEM wheel let me know. I’ll see what transpires this coming week if he can sleeve mine or not.

I never gave gave it a thought to try to repair it with epoxy and then redrill it. Ever crossed my mind

I knew of the CBN wheels but thought they were only made in a 1” thickness for turners. Now that I see they have direct replacements I could kick myself. I just purchased a Japanese stone from a fellow and a new wider drip tray. I feel I just wasted $300.00 when I could have bought two CBN wheels and never have to fool with a water tray again. I think I have to think about the direction to go. Keep the Japanese stone for polishing and use the OEM wheel or possibly buy the grit CBN and use the Tormek stone for rough grinding. I really like the idea if the CBN Tornado wheel that has a 1” side wall for flattening the backs of chisels and plane irons

and all I asked was to save a few dollars, I love it.

Thanks fellows for all the ideas including the epoxy ideas. I’ll let you all know what I end up doing

Thanks Ben

Need to replace 3 broken 4" x 4" x 16" concrete blocks (also called cinder blocks or hollow concrete blocks). Figured the easiest way is to buy a variable speed angle grinder and a diamond masonry cutting blade and cut along the grout lines.

Any recommendations for a variable speed angle grinder that can use type-1 flat cut-off blades? Budget is about $150. For safety using cut-off blades, I believe that a cut-off blade guard is required (in addition to the normal grinding blade guard). So need for a cut-off blade guard to come with the angle grinder or be available as an option from the manufacturer.

PS: I will be buying an ANSI approved safety goggles and I already have a full face shield and dust masks.

Just curious, but why do you need variable speed? Seems like every time I’ve used an angle grinder I’ve needed it to be full speed. Just asking because it could save you some money. I’ve been happy with a $20 harbor freight one.

I second the vote for Harbor Freight grinders. Cheap and just as durable as much more expensive ones. Who cares if concrete dust kills your $20 grinder?
I think you might have trouble finding a variable speed grinder. I'm not familiar with any. That being said, there are variable speed polishers out there. I have 2 of them I use with concrete furniture and countertops. They aren't nearly as durable as a grinder ( a more complicated switch, maybe?). They are also a bit more expensive and the selection is more limited.

Hitachi makes a variable speed 4 1/2" angle grinder. It has a brushless motor and is around $180-190.

Ive used it with polishing pads/high grits pads for polishing natural stone tile.

I've cut plenty of block with a cutting wheel, and I'm not sure why you'd want variable speed for that task.

I have been perfectly happy with my ridgid, we have cut flag stone, tile, concrete and metal with it. I think i would be happy with any of the major brands though. I do prefer the "slim grip" of my model.

HF is certainly cheaper if you don't think you will use it a bunch.

also not sure you need VS for this application.

If you're set on VS, the one to get IMHO is the Makita CV. The task at hand doesn't really require VS but maybe others you have down the line will. It's the model a lot of granite countertop installers around here have used for years.

I would agree that you dont need VS but I cant agree with the HF. I just cant stand the stuff but to each his own. That said, if your wanting to invest in a grinder the VS is very very nice. As already mentioned it opens you up to being able to do slow speed polishing, disc sanding, small diameter core drilling, and so on. Super handy. Im an advocate of buying the most quality you can afford and is reasonable for the intended use. If HF is the budget so be it but Ive had my hands on a bit of that stuff and it leaves miles to be desired when you get your hands on a decently made tool. I get sick from the smell just driving by the place lol.