salvaging a cheap bench grinder from off the street

[jonovid]

after salvaging a cheap 150 watt AC bench grinder from off the street curbside rubbish that had a thin broken Zinc die cast base plate.
I found it worked but the broken base problem was maybe caused by poor axle balance.
after replacing the broken base plate with my own made up wooden base with rubber matting for its feet. -see image
it still had some vibration.  also added a buffing wheel to one end of it. for aluminum polishing work.
recessed all the bolt heads in to the green painted timber base.
-see the image of the original bench grinder as sold with its thin Zinc die cast base.

[jpanhalt]

Those tapered spindles are common for quick-change buffing and fine scratch (wire) wheels.  I would be hesitant to use them with heavier grinding wheels.  Nice job on the wood base.  That's what I would have done with a hardwood like birch or maple.  Cherry is also quite hard. 

Does it vibrate about the same with nothing attached?  If so, are the bearings sleeve or ball/roller?  Can they be replaced?  Armatures can be balanced, but I have never tried doing that.

[Gyro]

Wow, that's thin.

You might find that you can address the vibration by re-centering the grinding wheel. You should find there's (should be) a little play on the spindle - it should never be a tight fit on the spindle. Whilst you have the off, put a screwdriver through center and gently tap the edge with the handle of another one. If it doesn't ring like a bell, it's cracked and dangerous. Don't over-tighten the nut and ensure that the card shims are in place on both sides of the wheel.

Ultimately the way to stop vibration caused by a grinding wheel it to use a Diamond wheel dresser on it. One like this but local... https://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-263215-Diamond-Wheel-Dresser/dp/B002QRSP3O

Nice repair.