I am in the process of getting things together to make my own 2x72 grinder and was wondering if there is a good reason NOT to use structural aluminmum in lieu of structural steel for my grinder build? Stiffness should NOT be a problem but does the extra weight that steel offers, help make the unit "quieter" and less prone to vibration? I have access to cut-offs of both types of material and do not intend to build a welded frame, just bolted/screwed together style of body. Thank you!
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2x72 grinder question Alum or Steel?
- Thread starter PaMtnBkr
- Start date
Thank you Jason,
I suspected as much BUT was curious since it would be much easier to make from Alum than steel so far as drilling and tapping goes. I was also concerned about said vibration eventually making any tapped holes "wear" to much? Thanks, DonO
I suspected as much BUT was curious since it would be much easier to make from Alum than steel so far as drilling and tapping goes. I was also concerned about said vibration eventually making any tapped holes "wear" to much? Thanks, DonO
Nathan the Machinist
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There is a high end grinder catering to the Knifemaker crowd using aluminum construction. Like you said, aluminum is much easier to work with.
Grinders like the KGM are built like a tank. Probably overbuilt really. I have back problems and swapping out the solid steel tool arm can sometimes be borderline for me on bad days. I should probably replace them with tubular construction...
There is no question, the steel grinder will be stiffer and heavier and therefor offer a more solid platform to grind against. Steel is almost three times more dense and about three times stiffer. I think aluminum would work fine, but for those of us after every last little bit of performance from our tools, steel is clearly better.
Something to think about. All real industrial machine tools are made of steel and cast iron. The only application for aluminum in industrial applications is in non-structural components.
Grinders like the KGM are built like a tank. Probably overbuilt really. I have back problems and swapping out the solid steel tool arm can sometimes be borderline for me on bad days. I should probably replace them with tubular construction...
There is no question, the steel grinder will be stiffer and heavier and therefor offer a more solid platform to grind against. Steel is almost three times more dense and about three times stiffer. I think aluminum would work fine, but for those of us after every last little bit of performance from our tools, steel is clearly better.
Something to think about. All real industrial machine tools are made of steel and cast iron. The only application for aluminum in industrial applications is in non-structural components.