Taking The Flimsy out of Your Harbor Freight Grinder

[Kurf]

Howdy Folks, If you want to make your HF grinder useful.take the movement out of the cutting head. I'm new to this forum and love the site, I have picked up lots of useful info, so maybe this will help someone else. To do this job you will need an electric drill,#23 drill bit(it's what I used),10-32 starter tap (2) 10-32x1/4 set screws, Allen wrench, and a tap handle or small cresent wrench for tapping purposes. The flimsy feel in the grinder comes from movement when the shaft moves around in the plastic journals.

1. Remove the head by pushing out the pivot shaft,(don't lose the O'rings). (2) drill and tap the support journals.(3) File or grind a small taper on the leading edge of the shaft to make it eaiser for installation thru the O'rings, grease the O'rings and assemble the head, making sure not to damage the O'rings. Install the set screws and tighten (don't over tighten). You will be surprised how this firms up your $30 investment. Hopefully, I can get a pic attached.
If the above does not work for you, find someone you know over 60yrs old and get one of those little blue pills. Bring a cup of water to boil and drop the pill in, blend well, then pour the solution over the grinder. This should make it rigid. They tell me this works.

Remember when grinding take the least cut that you can by just brushing the tooth. Good Luck

Kurf: Cuz of Dr. Kerf

 

[drogueman]

Kurf,
I have noticed this slight play in the head but never really gave it a second thought. You say there are plastic bushing in the housing and all though you have a excellent idea on how to correct the problem I think we should go one step farther and utilize the great resources we have here in this forum. To do the job 100% correct we should have someone make a set of brass bushings. Kurf , don't get me wrong, your fix is well appreciated will most likey be used if no one is up for the challenge of more machine work. We may even be able to fine a set of bushing off a shelf somewhere that will fit right in. If anyone tears up the "o"rings Let me know I may be able to get a bag full at work, I work on the fuel system of Air Force Jets and we use a lot of "o"rings. Who is up for the challenge?

 

[Kurf]

Drogueman, It doesn't have any bushings,just as cast plastic journals. Making new bushing was what was on my mind when I tore it down. I don't believe there is any effective way to get any bushing into the journals. Remember this is a $30 grinder. The set screws do a great job,just try it. As built there can be at least 3/16"or more movement in the grinding wheel when trying to grind,depending, on where you grab the head to bring it down.
Grip it on either side, bring it down and watch the wheel. Then grab the other side and bring it down. This movement can cause all kinds of different length of cutters.

Kurf