10 inch or 8 inch contact wheel for the kmg

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pike3e

Joined
Sep 28, 2008
Messages
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Pro's and cons for each, just putting my order together and would like some input.
 
Aside from cost.

If you're going to hollow grind then you'll need both at some point, decide what size knife you're going to make the most. If you don't hollow grind and are going to use it to hog metal go with the 10".
 
I would like to recommend getting the 10" inch wheel at first. You can grind small and large knives with it. As you learned and refined your skills you can always purchase additional wheels. I use 8,10,14. But they are expenses and the price will only go up in time. One thing to remember and that is, you will get better with time, practice, practice, practice, will be your key in success. :)

Terry
 
Not to jump on the OP's thread, but if you're hollow grinding a spear point blade with a 1.5" blade depth, which would you choose?
 
I like the 8" better if you'll have just one wheel. The slightly smaller wheel size makes it more versatile, in my opinion, whilst still allowing you to grind just about every size knife a 10" allows. I also find that smaller wheels hog material faster.
 
I'd say if you do fixed blades the 10" is the one to start with, and for folders the 8". I got the 10 and wish I'd bought the 8" because now I need it.

STR
 
I only had the 8" and 5" for my Burr King for years and got along fine. Then when I bought the KMG I got a serrated 10" from Rob.

I think for the way I work, the 10" is the most versatile. The serrated wheel will really remove some material (especially with a 6" drive wheel and 3hp!!! :D)

10" will allow you to grind a little wider blade to the spine in one smooth pass. An 8" will give you a tighter hollow... which does have an affect on how light plays off the blade.

I have ground a lot of daggers and boot knives on my 5"

I am adding more wheels as I see the need/desire... just got a 3" from Rob and have a 4" on the way. (but those two are more for handle sculpting than blade work).
 
I onley have a 8" but if i was to to at over with the size of knives i do i would get a 10"
 
10" smooth. You'll get a much better finish with a smooth wheel than a serrated. You wont hog off material as quick but thats okay. Theres no hurry.
 
Has anyone who has used both the 8 10 and 14 inch wheels really prefer one over the other? I have been thinking on getting the 14 inch wheel, for vertical flat grinding (in line with the wheel and the belt), but I am wondering if all I need is the 10.
 
I have used just about every wheel size, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14", I love the 14" wheel. If I had only one wheel I'd have an 8", if I could have only two wheels I'd have a 4 and a 14. I can do just about everything with a 4" and a 14" wheel (minus small wheel work). My favorite way to do flats is hollow grinding on a 14 and then flatting it.
 
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