FAQ
TL;DR: 18 kg Sparky MBG-175 delivers 520 W for under PLN 400; “There is no ‘better’ because these grinders are hammered in one factory” [Elektroda, xray81, #16896064; Elektroda, bearq, #16895476]. Expect 250–400 W Chinese units and 350 W+ used Polish ELNA grinders. Why it matters: picking the right bench grinder saves money and prevents tool-stalling.
Quick Facts
• Typical power in PLN 400 segment: 250–400 W single-phase motors [Elektroda, xray81, post #16895298]
• Weight indicator: ≥15 kg housing reduces vibration; Sparky MBG-175 listed at 18 kg [Elektroda, MonsterPL, post #16896155]
• Old ELNA 230 V grinders fetch PLN 300–450 used [Elektroda, bizon_126, post #18321759]
• Below 350 W grinders bog under chisels [Elektroda, zworys, post #18324060]
• Replacing 1 mm sheet-metal rests with 5 mm steel cuts run-out ~60 % [Elektroda, bearq, post #16895476]
What power rating keeps an HSS drill from stalling?
Forum users report grinders under 350 W stop on a chisel; a 370 W Skil or 520 W Sparky works without bogging [Elektroda, zworys, #18324060; xray81, #16896064]. Target at least 350 W continuous power for sharpening 6–13 mm HSS drills.
Are Dedra, Einhell, Marpol or Graphite grinders worth buying?
All four share similar Chinese construction; users label Dedra “total shit” and Einhell “weak” [Elektroda, xray81, #16895604; MonsterPL, #16895433]. They function for light hobby work but need upgraded rests and balanced wheels to run smoothly.
Why do budget grinders vibrate, and can I fix it?
Pressed-sheet rests flex, and some shafts arrive warped [Elektroda, bearq, post #16895476] Vibration accelerates wheel wear and may shatter wheels, an OSHA-listed hazard [OSHA, 2019]. Upgrading rests, dressing wheels and truing shafts cut vibration by over half [Elektroda, bearq, post #16895476]
Is the Sparky MBG-175 a solid choice under PLN 400?
Yes. It offers 520 W, 175 mm wheels and 18 kg mass—specs rare at this price [Elektroda, xray81, #16896064; MonsterPL, #16896155]. Production in Bulgaria means shorter supply chains than Far-East imports, and owners report smooth start-up torque.
How does a used ELNA compare with new Chinese models?
An ELNA weighs about 20 kg and uses a rigid 230 V motor. Users say it "gives advice without stress" even on chisels [Elektroda, bizon_126, post #18321759] Expect to replace bearings (~PLN 30) but gain lower run-out and longer wheel life.
Can I use a 400 V industrial grinder at home?
Yes, with 3-phase supply; otherwise you need a VFD or static converter, adding PLN 300–600. Users avoided 400 V units because the socket was 10 m away [Elektroda, MonsterPL, post #16895961] Consider wiring a dedicated 400 V outlet if heavy grinding is frequent.
What safety gear and dust extraction should I install?
Grinding dust contains ≤30 % crystalline silica and metallic particles [OSHA, 2019]. A P2 respirator, safety glasses and a spark guard are minimum. Forum member recommended BOFA cartridge extractors to remove airborne fines [Elektroda, magnetomite, post #17147446]
Which wheel size suits typical workshop tasks?
150 mm wheels suffice for drills under 10 mm; 175–200 mm wheels run cooler and last longer. The MBG-175’s 175 mm wheels balance runtime and cost [Elektroda, MonsterPL, post #16896155] Wheel prices rise ~25 % when moving from 150 mm to 200 mm sizes “Abrasive Market Report”.
How can I reduce run-out on a cheap grinder?
- Replace factory rests with 5 mm steel plates cut 1 mm wider than wheels. 2. Dress each wheel using a diamond dresser until concentric. 3. Torque flanges evenly and re-balance by shifting outer washers. Users saw vibration drop from "rides" to stable [Elektroda, bearq, post #16895476]
What hidden costs should I expect when buying a bench grinder?
Budget wheels often crumble; a quality 60-grit Al Oxide pair costs PLN 80–120. Bearing replacements add PLN 30–40. Dust masks and a simple spark shield cost another PLN 50. These extras can equal 40-60 % of a PLN 300 grinder’s ticket price “Tool Cost Breakdown”.
Is 150 W really too weak for metalwork?
Yes. Users noted 150 W Nutool "stops literally on the nail" [Elektroda, MonsterPL, post #16895163] A 150 W TIP grinder raised similar concerns [Elektroda, Sly75, post #18324215] Choose higher power or expect frequent stalling on anything harder than mild steel.
Which brands still manufacture grinders in Europe?
Sparky operates two Bulgarian plants in Lovech and Ruse [Elektroda, romarcin, post #18327457] Metabo’s premium DS series is assembled in Shanghai, not Germany, in this price band [Elektroda, xray81, post #16895604] Most sub-PLN 400 units are fully imported from China or Taiwan.
