BENCH GRINDER

What this tool is primarily used for:

The Bench Grinder is used for grinding the edges of flat metals, removing burrs from the ends of tubing and rods and the sharpening of some metal tools e.g chisels, drill bits.
It can also be fitted with a wire brush type wheel and then be used for removing rust, paint etc.
Usually twin abrasive wheels are fitted, one coarse, one fine, depending on the type of work being done and finish required.
Generally they are available in 6" or 8" versions relating to the wheel diameter. 6" is perfectly ok and I would be more concerned about getting one with the highest motor wattage you can. This will allow easier grinding of thicker material and the machine will be less likely to jam on you.

ALWAYS WEAR APPROPRIATE SAFETY CLOTHING WHEN USING THIS MACHINE
SAFETY FOR THIS MACHINE:

INSPECT the wheels for cracks or chips before use. A cracked wheel will disintegrate when operated
GUARD must be used at all times
EYE SHIELDS must be over work area
GRIND ONLY ON THE FACE OF THE WHEELS. Grinding on the side of the wheel weakens the wheel and may cause breakage
ALWAYS USE TOOL REST when working with this machine
DO NOT force metal into moving grinding wheel
DO NOT make any adjustments to tool rests or spark arrestors while grinder is "ON"
NEVER grind soft metals (bronze, zinc, copper) on wheels designed for hard metal. The grinder is normally set up for grinding hard metals, i.e. steel. Soft metals can become incorporated within the wheel resin, causing overheating and subsequent wheel disintegration.
 
OTHER THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN USING THIS MACHINE:
 
For safe operation, the tool rest must not be in contact with grinding wheel.
Adjust angle of tool rest to desired position and tighten nuts securely. Maintaining 1/16" - 1/8" clearance between tool rest and grinding wheel.
The spark deflector should be adjusted for approximately 1/16"- 1/8" clearance between it and the grinding wheel.
Adjust eye shield to position aliening center of eye shield in line of sight to tool rest. The eye shields can swivel.
Do not hold material above tool rest while grinding. Doing so can cause you to loose your grip on the material.

-Tbone