KeithB
Resident Half Fast Machinist
I own two 4-1/2" Milwaukee corded hand grinders. They are in good shape, had the cords and brushes replaced a couple years ago. The only two problems we have with them is (a) we only have one accessory handle and it is usuable but broken, and (b) the spindle has a 1/2-13 spindle. The new grinders use a 5/8 -11 thread or a M14 thread. All the accessories for sanding, polishing, etc. have a 5/8 thread, hard to find anything in 1/2.
I decided to handle the handle (no pun intended) first. I had a couple pieces of 2-1/4" diameter 6061 aluminum round stock left over from another job so that's what I used. It was really pretty basic machine work. I managed to get a good clean coarse knurl. I drilled a 21/64" hole for a 5/16-18 socket head cap screw. A 1/2" end mill was used to counterbore the end to recess the head of the cap screw. Gorilla glue 5 minute epoxy was used to glue the screw in place. I can easily tighten the handle up w/o using any tools.
When I was done with the handles I ran a tap into the holes on the grinders, they were filled with gritty particles. The handles screwed on both sides of both grinders very easily and provide a firm, no slip grip. Next is to make a couple adapter to go from the 1/2-13 spindle to 5/8-11 accessories. That's for another thread.
I decided to handle the handle (no pun intended) first. I had a couple pieces of 2-1/4" diameter 6061 aluminum round stock left over from another job so that's what I used. It was really pretty basic machine work. I managed to get a good clean coarse knurl. I drilled a 21/64" hole for a 5/16-18 socket head cap screw. A 1/2" end mill was used to counterbore the end to recess the head of the cap screw. Gorilla glue 5 minute epoxy was used to glue the screw in place. I can easily tighten the handle up w/o using any tools.
When I was done with the handles I ran a tap into the holes on the grinders, they were filled with gritty particles. The handles screwed on both sides of both grinders very easily and provide a firm, no slip grip. Next is to make a couple adapter to go from the 1/2-13 spindle to 5/8-11 accessories. That's for another thread.
