2x72 grinder in Canada - do I even need one?

H

hammerface

Joined
Mar 28, 2004
Messages
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I'm looking at setting up shop to start making knives but I'm having problems finding canadian suppliers of 2x72 belt grinders. I'd rather not ship from the US due to customs/duties etc. Any suggestions?

Also, do I even really need one? I might get a bidirectional lap wheel made that would allow me to rough grind the outline and grind/profile the blade/handles. That's only $250 CAN and might be all I need. Then I was thinking of just getting a buffer and that's really all I need. I do have the money to spend but I don't know if I should buy ALL the stuff at once. Any advice?

Other than that I have all the files, vise, sanpaper, handle stock, some brass stock, etc.

And yes, I have used the search feature and have read everything I can find. :D

THanks in advance all! :D
 
If you're really serious about making knives, yes.

Mine is the most used tool in my shop. I use it for all sorts of things besides knifemaking as well. :)
 
Jimn Downie sells the bee grinder looks similar to a wilton square wheel,he is from your parts

O Nick,you were correct I could not stop making,I have alot very soon or use to look at ;) I have a KMG in my stable again
 
Hello !
Yes, you need a 2x72 belt grinder !
But not many belt grinder are invailable in Canada.
I think the BeeGrinder (similar to the Wilton Square Wheel)
are the only real 2x72 grinder available in Canada.

Before buying my grinder, I have tried to make a list of the most
used grinder in knifemaking. Here what I had done at that time
This list is not complete, and the prices are not perhaps up to date any
more, but that makes it possible to compare them by seeing them...


grinder1-alainM-D.jpg

grinder2-AlainM-D.jpg


Finally, I bought a Coote grinder from the USA (good price and you
add a variable speed motor and you have a nice grinder !)

Alain M-D
http://www.miville-deschenes.com/amd_anglais/index.html
 
Hammerface,
I agree with Nick and Alain, you do need one.
I do not think Jim Downie (Ontario) sells the Bee anymore. Jeff Diotte bought his supply store along with the name, so it is still Downie supplies.
You can contact both of them through the Canadian Knifemakers Guild website, you will find their contact info in the members pages.
The Bee is nice but expensive. A lot of guys build their own machines, I am sure that if you post a thread requesting info on how to build one somebody in these forums will help you.
I built my own with plans that I bought from a guy before I left S.A. but it is pretty complicated and I have seen far simpler,machines on the net. For contact wheels just type in a search of the same name in the "advanced search" area. I see you are also in Canada eh. Where are you situated? Have no fear, nobody will come after you. :D
 
Bonjour Alain :)
That Coote looks good! Very good price too. All you need Hammerface. :thumbup:
Dunno about the shipping cost though.
Another thought, can you do hollow grinding with it, looks like it is more for flat grinding.
 
Right on, thanks for that comparison Alain! A person could probably pick up that Coote and pick up a decent variable speed motor from Princess Auto or something for relatively cheap. I'll look into it more. I have the money and I don't want to buy crap yet I can't really justify spending $2000 on a grinder when I've only made one knife in my life and I'm just getting into it.

As far as me building my own - it's not likely. I'm not overly mechanically inclined so I'd rather just buy one.

I'm located in Alberta. Not too far from Ed Storch actually who makes and awesome variable speed one - only thing is it's like $1900!! :eek:

By all means keep the suggestions coming.

Hey how much was shipping/duty/taxes to get that Coote in from the U.S.?
 
That Coote looks like a good set up - any suggestions as to what size wheel(s) to get if I was to go that route?

Alain!!! Wow, you've got some beautiful knives on your site man! :eek: Good job!
 
HI Hammerface,

You need a grinder. Everyone needs a grinder.


Bee Makes a great grinder. I have been useing mine for about 5 years now with out any problems. I have also used there varitable speed models and they are also great machines.

Jeff Diotte does own Downie Knife supply now and he can get you a brand New Bee grinder.

www.stainlessdamascus.com
or call him @ 519-978-9387,

Try calling him first. That seems to be the best way to reach him. He also sells belts and all the fixin's for a grinder.


I highly recomend Bee grinders and Dowine Knife supply.


Hope this helps,

no matter what type of grinder you get get a grinder.



cya
jimi
 
Hey Hammerface,
Look at the posting just above about the Coote grinder by Armand. Some good first hand info by guys who own them. (Not knocking the Bee, Jimi)

I use a 6" and a 10" contact wheel. I would say the 10" is more versatile. Depends on how hollow you want your hollow grind to be. That should be relative to how wide you make it and how thick your blade is.

I can also vouch for Jeff Diotte, he can supply just about anything you may need in the line of supplies. Nice guy to deal with too and very knowledgable.
You can also get very professional heat treatment for the blades done through him.

Good luck. :thumbup:

Mike
 
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