As a distributor of stained glass grinders, we advice that stained glass artists should buy products made by respected manufacturers. Look for quality grinders from the start. If you by a cheaply made grinder, you will incur higher expense on repair and maybe for the replacement of parts. At a later stage, it will bring you to two choices, one is to maintain an expense cost for repair and two is to buy another grinder built with quality.
One great factor to consider is the warranty that comes with purchasing a grinder. Cheap grinders are not recommended because they have very limited warranty period. Quality grinders from top manufacturers offer warranties that can start anywhere from 3 years and up. In other words, durable grinders are backed by a decent warranty period.
Another factor to consider is Price. Set a budget for your glass grinder. If you are a starter looking to support your hobby, start from a standard grinder, like the Inland Wizling that is friendly to use for beginners and hobbyist. The inland wizling can be upgraded with a larger 1 wheel. Or smaller grinder bits of about 1/8 or 1/4 in sizes.
If you are willing to spend for glass grinders, it is recommended to buy the advanced grinder which is no doubt a good investment. Get yourself a more efficient grinder like the Inland Wizard 4 or a Glastar G 8. Purchasing one of these already include a complete set for you to start with plus extra grinder heads. If you think you can work with your grinder for more than 10 hours a week, then you will need better tools. You would be happy to choose an Inland or a Glastar grinder because of their features and durability. Aside from distributing quality glass grinders, we also have replacement parts like the diamond glass grinder bits or heads and disks.
The quality stained glass grinders include a large grinder head; they can stand longer grinding hours than the smaller grinder heads than only last within 30 hours of grinding. Large grinder heads can last more than 30 hours but not longer than 40 hours of grinding.
Large grinder heads have additional 1/4 or 1/8 heads that you use for grinding smaller pieces. But additional heads doesn't apply to cheap grinders.
Grinder bits differ in sizes that can range from 1/6 to 1. You can use the replacement parts of diamond glass drills to any stained glass model. While you have a durable grinder, it is advisable to use a coolant to prevent friction or scratching when your glass piece touches your glass grinder. Just mix the coolant with water in the reservoir and that's it, not very hard to do. You will also need to use the coolant when drilling a glass to reduce to itching sound and chipping. It should be easier to drill glass if you use a coolant.
