Hand Cranked Grinder Questions

[WSS]

I'm looking to draw on your experiences with hand cranked grinders and will appreciate your feedback.  I know I can buy a cheap electric unit at a box store for less than $100 but I like the versatility and freedom of the hand cranked approach.
 
I've looked around quite a bit for a hand cranked grinder and have seemed to settle on the Goodell Pratt #485 grinder as a robust grinder that appears to meet all the needs.  Luther also made some interesting
models but I don’t know how valuable some of those features would be. Most of the used ones I've handled are worn out.
 
I think a 3/4" or 1" arbor with up to an 8" wheel capacity along with a robust tool rest and maybe even a foot pedal option would be nice in a newly manufactured unit.  I found two models on Amazon but the reviews would indicate that they're not lifetime type tools that are not up to the task.
 
I am curious to know what your favorite hand cranked grinder is and why?
 
If someone were to build a new unit modeled on the GP #485 (or your favorite model), what would you change and why?  What price point would you be comfortable with?


R/
William

[Dave Ring]

Because of an old hand injury, I would like to find a hand cranked grinder designed to be cranked with the left hand while the tool is held in the right hand.

Dave

[Boatman53]

Here is my hand crank grinder.


<img src="http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m628/boatman53/IMG_2030_zpsedjolkuq.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_2030_zpsedjolkuq.jpg"/>

One feature I really like is the handle has a cam so when I stop cranking the handle doesn't spin, it just hangs down. The best upgrade I did was to put on a CBN wheel, it is amazing.
I bought the grinder from Woodcraft about 35 years age.

I have several other hand crank grinders I would like to sell if anyone is interested. I can put them on S&S.

Jim

[WSS]

Hi Jim,
What make of grinder is that?  It likes a bit like a cousin to the GP #485.  I agree with the over run clutch so the handle hangs down.  Thanks.

[WSS]

Dave,
I agree. 

R/
William

[GeorgeV]

Here is a picture of my handgrinder which I purchased here on Woodnet and added a LV grinder tool rest and jig http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.as...3072,45938

[EricU]

I really need to put my dad's grinder back together.  When I was a kid, I used to go spin it up as fast as I could, which wore out the handle.  Instant karma

[Carl Grover]

I bought a vintage hand cranked grinder at a flea market for cheap. Couple of years later I bought another one to use as a backup in case the first one went belly up. I'm still waiting on the first one to break.

I see them at flea markets somewhere between seldom and once in a while and they are never expensive. I'd look for a cheapie to see if you like it first.

carl


carl

[overland]

I have a hand-crank grinder and like it quite a lot. Where does one get a CBN wheel like Boatman's?

[Boatman53]

Woodturners Wonders is where I got mine. It has a slight crown to the face. I forget what grit but I can check after lunch.
Jim