Power Burnisher

[Ferryman]

I have a cheap double ended bench grinder going spare and wondered if I could turn it into a power burnisher.

At present the ON/OFF switch is broken and I wondered if maybe I could fit a speed controller in place of the On/Off switch.

Has anybody done this ?

[SaddleBags]

I didn't do it myself, but I have one that someone else made for me.  Works great with a multi-diameter wooden spindle and various "cuts" for 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, and 3/4 edges. 

[Matt S]

11 hours ago, Ferryman said:

I have a cheap double ended bench grinder going spare and wondered if I could turn it into a power burnisher.

At present the ON/OFF switch is broken and I wondered if maybe I could fit a speed controller in place of the On/Off switch.

Has anybody done this ?

If it's an induction (brushless) motor, speed control isn't practical.

You can use it as the donor motor for a burnisher "as is" though. It's not ideal but it'll work.

[Northmount]

There are several posts about burnishers using induction motors. 

Do a google search "site:leatherworker.net burnisher motor" without the quotes.

Tom

 

[mike02130]

You will never know unless you try it. 
 

You will never know unless you try it. 
 

[johnv474]

This can be done but you need to find out if your bench grinder RPM is too fast.  I don't remember the exact numbers but IIRC you want something like 1800 RPM if a 6"  wheel.  Many grinders are 3000+ RPM.  That's too fast.  Too much heat.

 

There are slower motors and presumably ways to slow down motors.  Dig around for what others have suggested.