Looking for a supplier of tool grinding wheels.

I am confused by the range of prices for tool and cutter grinding wheels (cups, standard and dished wheels required). These wheels seem to be tightly specified, so I would not expect a large range in price!

So can anyone recommend a good supplier for such wheels? I am not concerned about price levels, I simply want a reliable supplier of good quality wheels. The thought of cheap far east suppliers, fills me with concern! I have had one wheel explode a few years back, I don't want to experience another!

Andrew.

Andrew - I used to do a lot of tool and cutter grinding in another life long ago but things have changed and different stuff is available. I have taken to using CBN wheels for HSS. One general purpose medium grit cup and and one saucer wheel seems to fit the bill for most of my needs and I have bought both of them using the auction site.The saucer came from the orient and the cup from USA. I have experienced no problems.

I do have a selection of traditional grit wheels but tend to stick with the CBN for HSS and diamond for carbide.

Rik

Saint Gobain seem to be on a mission to buy up the top brands in the abrasive business. I would think any of their products are a safe bet for performance and reliability, but you will pay for that. I have used Midland Abrasives once or twice and am a satisfied customer. It might be worth buying from an abrasive specialist rather than a general supplier as they should know their products and be able to give sound advice and stock a wide range.

Mike

Thanks gents, so Midland Abrasive goes on my list. It sounds the sort of supplier that know what they are about, just what is needed. I think I will steer clear of Ebay this time, just in case.

Andrew.

I've also taken to buy CBN for HSS. I source ex USSR new old stock also via an auction site. Affordable and as far as I can tell top quality. I have one new old stock CBN Swiss made wheel and I can't tell any practical difference with that and the Soviet. My aluminium oxide wheels sit in the cupboard. I use diamond for carbide sourced via the usual hobby suppliers, and again I have one new old stock norton diamond wheel and I can't tell any practical difference with that and the hobby suppliers wares. They all work.

Only job is to turn up some bushes as they are metric bore.

Does anyone know which of diamond or CBN is theoretically better for stellite?

Steve

I have used AbTec for several wheels for surface grinding and for tool & cutter grinding, in recent times, and have had a happy experience.

www.abtec4abrasives.com

Marcus