Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5118 in Home Improvement
• Brand: DELTA
• Model: GR450
• Dimensions: 13.56" h x 15.19" w x 19.44" l, 48.00 pounds

Features

• 8 x 1 inch, variable speed grinding wheel with quick change/tool-less wheel changing system
• Powerful motor spins at 1,725-3,450 RPM
• Included coarse, friable and buffing wheels
• Measures 13.25 x 14.75 x 19.5 inches (HxWxL) and weighs 44 pounds
• Includes adjustment wrench, diamond wheel dresser, and 2-year limited warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The DELTA GR450 ShopMaster Eight inch Grinder is a variable-speed grinder with a patent-pending quick change/tool-less wheel changing system. The powerful five Amp, 60 Hz single phase motor features variable speed capabilities of between 1,725 and 3,450 RPM. This versatile grinder not only takes care of the toughest grinding jobs, but it also handles buffing and sharpening duties with ease. Its cast-iron construction ensures minimal vibration while operating, and the built-in eye shields and spark deflectors ensure safe operation each and every time. DELTA also includes a gooseneck lamp to help get a clear view of the workpiece and grinding wheels.

From the Manufacturer
DELTA GR450 ShopMaster 8D Grinder

Customer Reviews

Nice grinder
I've had this for about a year and it works pretty well for my hobbyist application. I wish it had a little more power when using the steel brush. I really like the variable speed when sharpening tools for wood turning. It helps prevent heat build up. The quick change feature and light are very useful also.

Excellent tool for the money
I recently added the GR450 to my shop and it has seen a lot of use. I didn't realize how badly I needed the grinder until I got it in the shop! I do a lot of turning and use the grinder many times during any given turning session. I've also used it to touch up our kitchen knives and to make a striking knife.

The unit comes with a 36 grit and 60 grit wheel. The 36 grit is for serious reshaping and probably won't see that much use in my shop (though I did use it for the striking knife). I bought a 100 grit Norton wheel and now have the unit set up with the 60/100 wheels, which is a useful combination. The quick change feature on the wheels makes change-outs a breeze.

My only complaint (and the reason for 4 and not 5 stars) is the wheels themselves. The 60 grit wheel that came with the unit was 2/32 - 3/32 out of true, causing the unit to vibrate unsatisfactorily. To Delta's credit, they immediatly sent me a replacement wheel when I called the customer service line. Even the Norton wheel I bought seems slightly out of true. Grinding wheels are cast, and apparently the quality control division industry-wide hasn't figured out how to keep them perfectly flat.

The GR450 comes with two holes in the base for fastening the unit to a bench top or grinder stand. I haven't done this yet, and I don't think it's essential, but I do think it would maximize the unit's performance.

One other comment. The tool rests fasten to the unit with conventional bolts, and the unit comes with a small wrench for these bolts that stores on the unit. Delta calls this a "quick adjust" feature. With three bolts on each tool rest, "quick" is not the term I'd use. At some point I'll probably pick up some wing knobs and change out the bolts for a tool-less change feature.

May 2009 UPDATE
After a couple of years (where does the time go?) using this grinder, I thought I'd add a couple of comments.

I have since built a stand for the grinder and did bolt the unit to the top of that (wood) stand. This didn't do much to reduce vibration, so I purchased a wheel balancing kit from Oneway. This kit definitely helped smooth out the vibrations, but certainly didn't eliminate them. I also have done away with the stock tool rests in favor of some after market products. The rests that come with these units are really the least that the manufacturers (not just Delta) can get away with--functional, but barely.

I'm still very happy with the grinder, still getting lots of use out of it.

too much vibration and noise
This grinder shakes so bad it breaks the light bulbs in the lamp. It lacks power and is extremely noisy, even without the wheels on it still growls so loud you can hardly hear anything else. I wouldn't recommend this grinder to anyone.