Reverse Switch for Grinder?

[Heikki]

I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a new grinder and am going over available options.

I'm looking for some input from those who have a reverse switch on their grinders and how they use them. As a $25 addition it seems like a no brainer, but I've never felt the need for one. What am I missing?

 

[KenH]

I use reverse a good bit - especially when sharpening. This allows the edge to be up, and belt coming to edge from spine direction.

Reverse is used during the "waterfall" lengthwise type grinding. Take a look at this video around the 40 second mark to see what I'm talking about:

 

[Heikki]

I use reverse a good bit - especially when sharpening. This allows the edge to be up, and belt coming to edge from spine direction.

Reverse is used during the "waterfall" lengthwise type grinding. Take a look at this video around the 40 second mark to see what I'm talking about:

Thanks Ken. I was thinking sharpening would be the biggest benefit. Now a waterfall platen will be on my wishlist too.

 

[MTBob]

I'm very close to pulling the trigger on a new grinder and am going over available options.

I'm looking for some input from those who have a reverse switch on their grinders and how they use them. As a $25 addition it seems like a no brainer, but I've never felt the need for one. What am I missing?

I use the reverse switch when sharpening on my 2x72 grinder, like this. I've added a small horizontal platen behind the upper 2" wheel

But, I also use the reverse switch on my drill press and mill (which both have a VFD), as an aid in tapping holes. In fact I changed the Reverse switch position on my mill so when is down it's in the "correct" inward threading rotation and when the switch is up its in the reverse position moving out of the hole. By jogging the tap down (in) & up (out) I can easily break the chips and get a clean thread.
That Reverse switch is very handy!