2X42 , 2X48 or build?? !!!! Help me decide..

Battle Creek Knives

Battle Creek Knives

Joined
Feb 23, 2010
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the 1x30 sander I have is not going to cut knife making.. I've been looking at the craftsman 42" and also the kalamazoo 48" the difference other then size/price appears minimal..

kalamazoo:
1/2 hp
3450rpm
4500sfpm
48"
$385

craftsman:
1/3 hp
3500rmp
4400sfpm
$150

I plan to stick with making knives but of course start up cost associated with it are killing me, little by little I'm selling my knives so I can justify to the wife my madness :D

anything is better then what I have but I also don't want to throw money in the wind on something that will just get me by, I'd rather invest in something that I will be satisfied with.. I've heard both sides, some people continue to use smaller grinders and it seems to work for them for years, others not so much..

Is a 72" really that much better? it doesn't seem to complicated to build, I don't have much metal working experience but I've been in construction my whole life so I'm confident its not a big deal.. but time is a factor..

I still have to buy a kiln and other items to keep much of my builds in house..

Thanks for any guidance in whatever direction:D
 
Yes 2x 72" is that much better

Build a KMG clone, or GIB, or ERRF
The toolbar will give you flexibility to use different wheels, platen and attachments,


building it now , you will save the $ and time building the middle ones on your way to the 72"


I think the time spend on building a 2x72, or smaller is about the same.
In fact, if you just follow the plans, it should be easier to build the 2x72, as the engineering is done for you .


If you can find one of my standard replies, the plans links are there.


The variety and cost of available belts alone is worth it.

get a VFD for variable speed, if you don't want to spend that $$$, set it up with step pulleys at least.
 
I have a craftsman 2x42, older 3 wheel model, added a larger 1725rpm motor to slow it down blah blah (all posted before).

If you've got the $1000, build or buy a good 2x72. Building saves you a little, maybe enough to add or build in some speed control.

If you've got $500 buy a grizzly 2x72 or maybe you get lucky with someone selling a better used 2x72, you'll have to be fast because every one wants one.

If you've got $385 save until you can buy the above.

If you've got $200 buy a craftsman 2x42 and belts because the kalamazoo is not enough better to be worth it, ie nowhere near twice as good. You can pick up Sear 2x42 for $100 on sale quite regularly. Or try to find a used one on craigslist, to my mind the older one is a better more solid machine. Cast iron body, easier to modify with bigger slower motor, as I did. The disc sander is quite useful too.

See my machine here (again) :) http://sites.google.com/site/alexnharvey/home/knifemaking/craftsman-2x42-grinder Since that picture I wrapped the drive and tracking wheels in rubber (inner tube, diagonal butt joint, 3m77).
 
Or buy a base flat platen package KMG from Beaumont for 750.00 scrounge up a motor, abd add to it as money allows.
You will have the best out there IMHO.
Stan
 
I'm with "numbers" on this one for sure. 2x72 is that much better. Build one. If you are good at scrounging, (motors, wheels) and have welding/machine facilities available to you, you can make one for WAY under $1000. Even with a VFD. I did, and I love mine. Go with KMG clone type design, the 1-1/2" square tooling arm aspect is versatile and great to use. I vote for direct drive and a VFD.

Heck, get the G.I.B. kit. I think it's a good deal.

The grinder is the single most important power tool in a productive knife shop. Having a good one makes your work much easier.

Just my $0.02.
 
Here is my 2 cents worth. I started making knives using nothing more than a hacksaw, some files, and a whole lot of sandpaper. I thought that a 1X30 would be a huge improvement, it wasn't and I went back to the files and sandpaper. Last fall I took the plunge and started on a GIB build and spread the cost over 6 months picking up parts as I could afford them. I now have a 2X72 with a glass platen, and a KBAC27-D VFD. There is no comparison of the 1X30 to the 2X72, the 2X72 is worth every penny I spent on it.

So I say build or buy a 2X72, you wont regret it, and if you decide to get out of knife making you could sell it in a heart beat
 
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