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Walk into any glass artists workshop and you are bound to see a myriad of different supplies and tools that he or she has collected over the years. Some they use, some they don't. A stack of unused glass over here, patina over there, grozing pliers, different cutting tools, and a bunch more that are just sitting there. As we accumulate tools throughout the years it makes our workshops look like a big mess. There are some tools though, that no how many other gadgets we have, we will never be able to do without and not a day goes by that we don't use them. And for most people, that most important tool are our stained glass grinders . A stained glass grinder smooths out edges that are rough after you've made the inital cut. It's likely the first major purchase of any glass artists career and its definitely one that you want to clutter up your workspace. We'll run through some of the more popular models and what is appropriate for the beginner level. When you are getting started, most people are just looking for something that's going to get the job done, be easy to use, and fairly inexpensive. There are a lot of grinders that are inexpensive to purchase, but not all of them are all that easy to use and can get the job done effectively. I'll break the options up between the three biggest companies that sell stained glass grinders. We'll discuss Gryphon first. On the beginner side, Gryphon has a very popular beginners grinder called the Gryphon Studio Grinder. The studio grinder is one of the most popular options for people just starting with grinders. It has a powerful motor, a nice little cooling tower, and two work surfaces. It also has a low pricepoint so its easy for someone to get started for a relatively inexpensive price. Another popular model that's manufactured by Gyphon is the Gryphon Gryphette Diamond Grinder. This is similar to the Studio Grinder in the fact that it is often highly recommended by various class teachers as a great option for getting started. This grinder has a lot of nice features that make it probably the most popular grinder for beginners. And another interesting note, this is one of the most popular options for glass teachers to use within the classroom. It has a strong motor for one of its size and its smaller so you can store it very easily about anywhere or tote it around to anywhere you need to go. It also has a surprisingly strong motor for something so small. The real pluses of this model is that it is so easy to use. One of the other popular companies that manufactures grinders is Inland. They have been around for a long time and they have a great reputation with wholesalers, retailers, and artists for putting out products that are second to none. One of their popular entry level grinders is the Inland Aero Grinder. This model is good for large pieces of glass because it has a relatively large work area which is unusual for such an inexpensive grinder. And not only can it grind glass, it can also grinder plastic, ceramic, and stone so its perfect for crossing over into other crafts. And, since its a beginner grinder, it also starts at an affordable price point so its affordable to about everyone. Inland takes their craft very seriously and has a slogan that they make what they would like to use themselves. Well, isn't that refeshing! A very popular product they produce is called the Inland Impulse Grinder. This product has a few neat add-ons that are unique to the product. One of the more popular add-ons is called the TWinspin. What this does is grind straight edge glass and allows you to miter the edges. It also has others, such as the Beveler Kit, which make it a good option for a grinder that's going to grow with you Glastar is another long-time company that has built up a strong reputation in the instustry. The Glastar company has been around as a family business for close to 30 years and they have done it by producing some of the best grinders on the market. They are typically an advanced artists choice when it comes to higher-end grinders, but they do have many entry-level products on the market which can work for beginners. A popular one is called the Glastar G12 and its great for someone just getting into the hobby. The best thing about this is that it has a fantastic amount of power for such an inexpensive machine. It just keeps going and the power doesn't slow down. There is nothing worse than losing power on your grinder when you're in the middle of the project. Another great option from Glastar is called the Glastar G5 Diamond Star. This is your bare bones option for a grinder, but since its made by Glastar you can be confident of the quality. But it is perfect for a new student who wants to test out the craft and wants to purchase a very affordable grinder for their hobby use. So many options, so little time! There are a lot of ways you can go with a new grinder, so take some time and find the best one for your needs and budget. If you're looking for a deal on these grinders, here are a few buying tips. You can look around online and compare prices using some of the more popular shopping search engines. That will allow you to compare side by side so you can ensure that you get the best possible price. Some of the advantages of going with someone you have dealt with before though is that they can offer you some advice about your purchase Just remember, power and torque are the most important things so as long as you have that then you will be fine. The fancy features are nice, but when it comes down to it, its all about the basics so make sure your grinder has those, and you'll be fine. |
