8" or 10" wheels

[sunny_2_75]

looking to build a no weld grinder. I am not currently a knife maker...just a wanna be for now. I have researched quite a bit but I do not know the difference a 10 inch wheel would make over an 8". Could someone explain the pro's and cons of both?

 

[drewfacehotm]

a 10" wheel makes it easier to grind wider blades, thats about it.

 

[sunny_2_75]

guess I could have thought that through...makes sense!

 

[jim moyer]

A lot of folder blades are ground on a 14 inch wheel

 

[Justin King]

If you want to hollow grind I would go with a 10" or even larger. Otherwise my preference would be for a smaller wheel, the smaller radius is more versatile for other types of grinding.

 

[AcridSaint]

If you are just starting out and only plan to have one wheel, the 8" wheel is the most bang for your buck, in my opinion. The slightly smaller radius will allow you to do things that the 10" can't in respect to curves. The only advantage a 10" gives will be in giving you a higher grind while following the natural contour of the wheel, that same grind height can be achieved with an 8" wheel with practice. The 8" wheel, however, will always be able to give a smaller radius and a more dramatic hollow grind. The smaller radius also allows for faster stock removal.

 

[hellgap]

I have a 10 inch and hollow grind free hand.