2 x 72 belt grinder

Diamond Saber, on your first link to the listing on E-bay, there is a Pheer machine at the bottom of the page, with a link saying similar items or something like that. it is a full blown system including motor for 995, I have done a lot of shopping, and I think this machine is a superior value to the one you linked to. I recently bought my first 2x72, and AMK machine--I love it, it has a contact wheel and a flat platen on one simple rotate-able arm, it's quite a bit more money, but I saved for an extra 3 months and went that way, you can find them at AMK Tactical or on E-bay as well.
Believe the folks that say stretch for as much machine as you can, even if it means saving a little longer.

Best wishes to you, whichever way you go.
 
Hi MusicSmith! Glad to see a comment from someone that's purchased the grinder. How long have you owned it? Are there any flaws you've noticed so far? Did you get all of the equipment from their website? Sorry for all the questions. Thanks ahead of time.
 
Thanks for the response knife to a gun fight! I had looked into the NWGS but I don't really have access to a whole lot in the realms of scrap steel or a welder (to save on the nuts and such). The grinder I originally posted only needs a motor and drive wheel. It comes with a flat platen. I know that is the tool I would use the most, especially considering that I'm just getting started and have A LOT to learn before I start even thinking about hallow grinding. By the way, what does FWIW mean? haha.

FWIW = For What It's Worth

I see you're from the Midwest; where exactly? I have to imagine there's at least a fab shop or two within driving distance. Often they have loads of square tube cut offs laying around that they'll sale at or below scrap cost, which is probably pretty low right now.
As for the welder, it's not entirely necessary anyway, and will probably only save you $15 or $20 in the long run I suppose. That said, if you have a friend nearby who has a shop or can weld, a 6 pack o' beer will go a long way... ;)
 
interesting , i'm in the same situation. I think I might get the oregon blade maker grinder. For rhe price it looks well built and seems to have good reviews.
 
My old Wilton has been a good grinder bought it in 91 has a 1hp Baldor motor but it's way overpriced these days! Gonna build a variation of the KMG next with no flat platen just a contact wheel and a variable speed 2hp motor
ftixxi.jpg
 
Hey, sorry Saber, I just saw your post. I've had it since August. As far as the chassis goes, I've seen no flaws. It's welded solid, everything has good tolerances and it's powder coated. Can't ask for much better than that. The wheels are all precise and run smoothly. The tool rest is simple but effective. I purchased the drive wheel and basic tool rest on their website. The VFD and motor were purchased here:
http://www.electricmotorwholesale.com/DRIVES-KBAC-NEMA4X.html
http://www.automationdirect.com/adc..._(0.33_-_2HP)/3-Phase_Motors,_56C_(0.33_-_2HP)

I would suggest getting a larger drive wheel than what he offers on his site. Due to money constraints (as well as only having 120V access), I only got the 1 HP VFD and 1 HP motor @ 1800 rpm. I remember seeing a post that said with a lower HP motor, the 1800 rpm was preferred over the 3600 rpm because it would offer higher torque. That motor with the 4" drive wheel seems to go a bit slow. I'm looking to get a 6" when I can afford it. And, as it has been stated soooo many times before, get the highest horsepower motor you can afford!! You will never regret getting more power
Definitely get a glass platen as well. USAknifemaker has been sold out of them for a while, so I'm still waiting on one...

-Alex
 
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My old Wilton has been a good grinder bought it in 91 has a 1hp Baldor motor but it's way overpriced these days! Gonna build a variation of the KMG next with no flat platen just a contact wheel and a variable speed 2hp motor
ftixxi.jpg
Hello S. Cox,
Have you started your KMG clone as of yet? If so, have you or would you be able to post any progress of the build? That'd be awesome! Thanks!
 
My current grinder is based off the eerf with a few modifications. I opted to build rather than buy in order to have everything set up exactly as I like it.
That said if I was to order a grinder tomorrow, it would be a Bader.
 
hello all,
i am new to thsi forum. i made a 2"x72" 4 wheel grinder. but i have a problem.
when i run the machine clockwise everything is ok. but when i run the motor counter clockwise i am not able to line up the belt correctly with the help of adjusting wheel. do you have an idea why?
 
Look at the videos on YouTube of the Reeder grinder. They built in a second adjustment for the tracking wheel to combat this issue. If you can find a way to do the same, you MIGHT be able to fix the reverse alignment. All the wheels need to be close to parallel from the start. If your motor is not face mounted to the machine, and/or it's a welded design this can cause wheel alignment problems.
 
Orsan,
Welcome to Shop Talk. This is an old thread from 2015 ( resurrected in 2017). It is best to start a new thread with questions.

Most grinders won't run backwards very well. For many reasons, knife grinders have the belt running forward from the top, down over the platen/wheel, and back on the bottom.
 
Look at the videos on YouTube of the Reeder grinder. They built in a second adjustment for the tracking wheel to combat this issue. If you can find a way to do the same, you MIGHT be able to fix the reverse alignment. All the wheels need to be close to parallel from the start. If your motor is not face mounted to the machine, and/or it's a welded design this can cause wheel alignment problems.
I watched it and understood. Thank you for your kind interest mike
 
Orsan,
Welcome to Shop Talk. This is an old thread from 2015 ( resurrected in 2017). It is best to start a new thread with questions.

Most grinders won't run backwards very well. For many reasons, knife grinders have the belt running forward from the top, down over the platen/wheel, and back on the bottom.

SO you mean usually girnders dont need backwards operation. That's good!
 
Orsan,
Welcome to Shop Talk. This is an old thread from 2015 ( resurrected in 2017). It is best to start a new thread with questions.

Most grinders won't run backwards very well. For many reasons, knife grinders have the belt running forward from the top, down over the platen/wheel, and back on the bottom.
So would you be able to use a counter clockwise only motor to run a 2x72 grinder in the traditional style? Running the belt like it would come towards you if it were a tire? Or am I missing somthing key. I looked around, but I'm new to this site and didn't find anything on it... thanks!
 
Welcome Mike and Orsan. This is an old thread, and the conversation is long ended. When checking threads as a new member, always look at the dates of the last few posts to see if you are commenting on a dead thread. Usually, it is better to start a new thread and post a link to the one you had a question about.
Please fill out you profile information so we know a bit about you, like where you live and what you do for a living. It helps us give better answers. It also allows a nearby maker to offer direct help, used equipment, or supplies.

In answer to the questions, most folks only grind with the belt moving toward them. This throws the grinding debris downward and into a catch system or vacuum pickup.
The normal motor direction for this is CCW. Most motors can be reversed by changing some wires inside. The wiring chart is under the cover plate or on the specs plate. A grinder with a three-phase motor and VFD is far better, because it allows slowing the grinder and the motor direction is easily selected.
 
So would you be able to use a counter clockwise only motor to run a 2x72 grinder in the traditional style? Running the belt like it would come towards you if it were a tire? Or am I missing somthing key. I looked around, but I'm new to this site and didn't find anything on it... thanks!
Like Stacy mentined above, the motors are often reversible.

If not and you are building the grinder, just reverse the grinder design to put the motor on the other side.
 
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