Hitchcocks Forum

Is this worth a punt at 20 quid?


I am slowly building up a workbench with essentials and while cash is limited, I wonder if my hard-earned wiould be better spent elsewhere. Anyone got one of these and is it worth it/complete crap:


http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/viewthr ... tid=149458


I couldn't find any other info on their website but this is from an old post with some tech spec.


Any comments welcome!


Cheers,


Peter.

Found some more infor here:


http://www.lidl-service.com/cps/rde/SID ... 20200%20A1

It depends on what you need the grinder for I suppose.


Mine came from Machine Mart and has a fine grade stone one one side and a wire wheel on the other which I find is a good combination and a useful tool.


I can't comment on the quality of the Lidl one, but I would say be aware of old/damaged/poor quality wheels giving way. Like an angle grinder disc, if one shatters it can result in life changing or life ending injuries.

Migde, Ure a genius!


I'm sorry, I have almost finished a bottle of Lidl's cheap Baileys...


But in all seriousness, thanks for pointing this out. It isn't something I would have considered. 

Hi pete, I think its always a good policy to buy the best quality tools
you can afford. obviously thought must be given to intended use,
durability and safety. Lets assume that you wont be buying another
grinder for ten years. At only 200watts it may be ok for putting an edge
on a cold chisel for example but if you ever wish to carry out
polishing of alloy bits etc for bikes. puts considerable strain on an
underpowered motor. Would suggest something more powerfull that will
cope with any demand you may make on it in the future. 400watts at
around £40.00 Good value if your still using it in twenty years. Have a
look at machine mart if theres one close by. check out wattage and rpm.

Hello there Peter 53----------- Both Lidl and Aldi do special offers on power tools from time to time. In my experience of running an engineering workshop and having been  a self-employed railway contractor, it's not just the tool itself but just how good is the so-called "Customer services" when you need them ?? Check-out the complaints about ALDI .  I strongly believe in the "Horses-for-courses" when it comes to POWER TOOLS. Machine Mart deal in these on a Day-to-day basis and have dedicated shops throughout the land. (Similarly--- Screwfix). Please----please------please-----buy from the professionals and, as Gwilli says }------- about 400 Watts @ £40 is good value. For domestic garage / workshop then 6"/150mm, 2-wheel(rough & smooth) for about approx. £49.99 ( Clarke 2-wheel, 240v). Go onto E-bay---type in }--bench grinder---and have a look around to get the feel of things. Incidntally, Machine Mart do a "VAT-Free" session from time-to-time. 

Hello again----------- have done a bit more research. the Lidl tools are mainly supplied by-----------PARKSIDE------ Go onto Google for more info and some forums.

sorrr--eeee, me again. I take it you are new to power tools ?? If not then the following will act as a reminder anyway and that is }--------------- P.P.E. Personal, protective equipment, and in this case EYE PROTECTION. Apart from the built-in eye shields on  bench grinders there are goggles or a full face guard ( My personal favourite) to consider. My formative years were as a Marine Engineering Apprentice with the Royal Navy back in the mid-60's. Once, they showed us a training film of a young chap daydreaming about his forthcoming cricket match that week-end whilst using a large lathe in the Dockyards. The voice-over was saying }---" I'll be playing a blinder soon" just as a piece of hot swarf turned up to his unprotected eyes !!. Point made, I think.  Incidentally, the supporting film highlighted the dangers of wearing watches, jewlrey etc when on a lathe. It was a10" Noble & Lund centre lathe turning a casting set-up in a 4-jaw chuck. The slow-turning workpiece caught the operators wedding ring and------------------------------ ????   Hello, you still there ?? I'd go for some of that cheap Liddls brandy if I were you.  Ta-ra.

I got a cheapo one from Aldi years ago, the wheels were nasty, but the motor is going strong many years later !


 Having said that, I also got a cheap angle grinder there once, and it was as much use as a chocolate fireguard !


 

bench grinders are useful in the work shop ,i would think that the abrasive wheels supplied by aldi or lidl will conform to the abrasive wheels regulations laid down by the eu and that they would have the appropriate c.e markings ,as  midge comments these tools are extreamley dangerous!!!! i know i have an abrasive wheels certificate and have seen many photo,s of injuries caused by missuse, 3 things to remember ,always wear goggles or quality safety glasses ,never side grind using the edge of the wheel,keep hair ,clothing well away from the rotating wheel also fingers ,peter buy a bench grinder and give us a product review all the best paul.