Cameras-Digital Cameras-Camcorders

Any artist that's been doing glass for any amount of time has absolutely built up a collection of tools and supplies that he or she will never be able to use, no matter how long they are at it. 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 pick up more tools and gadgets it can turn a once neat workshop into a huge nightmare of a mess. But, there are always our most important tools that we use on a regular basis. The perfect example of that, for most artists, is the stained glass grinder. A stained glass grinder smooths out edges that are rough after you've made the inital cut. If there was a tool that was worth the extra clutter, this one is it. There are a lot of different options though so we'll talk through the most popular grinders that are made by the most popular companies.

If this is your first exploration into buying a grinder, you basically want something that will grow with you, that's easy to use, and that is relatively inexpensive. Fortunately, there are a handful of companies that have done a nice job putting together some nice options for beginners. I'll break the options up between the three biggest companies that sell stained glass grinders. We'll start with 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. The Studio Grinder is nice because the motor is powerful, it has a tower that acts as a cooling tower, and a couple of work surfaces depending on your project size. And, one of the criteria that we look for, it has a pricepoint that would qualify this as an entry-level product. Another popular model that's manufactured by Gyphon is the Diamond Grinder. This is one of the more popular entry-level grinders on the market and with good reason. It has some strong feeatures that make it appealing to most new artists. And another interesting note, this is one of the most popular options for glass teachers to use within the classroom. One of the things that people like about this grinder is that you can transport it very easily because of its size. 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. The nice thing about this grinder is that it has a fairly large work surface so its easier to work with large pieces of glass. It is also something that can be used for other crafts because it can grinder plastic, ceramic, and stone. This is good because it has more appeal to others if you choose to sell it when you upgrade. 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 popular beginner grinder that Inland manufactures is called the Inland Impulse Grinder. The nice thing about this grinder is that it has add-ons available that can literally triple the power of the thing. 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 some extra add-ons you can purchase, such as the the Beveler kit, which make this a good option for artists who want their grinder to grow with them

Glastar is another long-time company that has built up a strong reputation in the instustry. They have been around since 1978 and they have attained a respect in the market that comes from producing the very best. 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 simply doesn't slow down once you've got the grinder going. Nobody likes to lose any steam when they are in the middle of a project so this is an important feature. 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. There are a few places you can look for a grinder, you can check out online auction sites, you can go to the nearest art supply stores, or you can order from one of the popular internet sites if you want some advice and the best possible selection If your grinder has power and torque, then you will likely be just fine, so keep an eye out for those two things. 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.