A wheel dresser is also a necessity. Grinding wheels should be considered cutting tools and have to be sharpened. This leaves the cutting edges of the grit sharp and clean. For safety, a bench grinder should be mounted to something heavy enough so it will not move while being used. The tool support must be used and should be set at approximately 7 .
Few people have the skill to make tools without a tool support and in essence it's wasted effort.
Tool supports are usually made up of two pieces that allow you to set your tool rest above or below center. It really doesn't matter whether its above or below as long as the support is at 7 . What this means is that if the tool support is above or below center it must be adjusted as the wheel diameter changes. Grinding debris is thrown out at high velocities and can damage not only eyes, but also expensive glasses. Wear safety glasses or a full face shield.