9” Disc Recommendation

imill3567

imill3567

Joined
Aug 5, 2014
Messages
378
I’ve decided that a disc grinder will be my next shop addition. I was between that and a surface grinder but figured the disc is more multipurpose and can still flatten well. My question is about recommendations on the available setups such as AMK and Tru-grit. Anyone have a preference or thoughts? I’ve read old threads but not as popular a topic as 2x72s... I know I can build one out of parts but pretty tempted by the one stop shop options. Thanks!
 
The AMK is more versatile than the Tru-grit since it allows unobstructed access to the face of the disc when the work rest isn't attached, which is nice for flattening blade bevels etc. It's also easily flipped from vertical to horizontal, which is definitely very useful. I have one from Pheer grinders along with a KMG work rest, and while it's very nice, I would go with the AMK if I had to do it over. :thumbsup:

~Paul
My Youtube Channel
... (Some older vids of some of the older knives I made)
 
I would pass on the one from TruGrit, I bought one a while back and sold it the day after I got it. While the machining is nice the design leaves a bit to be desired. The vertical supports for the work rest obstruct use of the entire disc face. Also, the base plate of the assembly completely blocks any type of dust collection. I went with the Beaumont assembly and while it has some minor quirks I feel it is much better designed. I can remove the work rest very quickly and keep my previously set angle when reattaching it. Also when removing the work rest I have complete use of the ENTIRE disc face. Nothing to the side or below the disc to obstruct my work or to collect dust and grit.
 
Are you going to make slipjoints? If so TG disc grinder is the only one that has the table extend behind the disc.
 
AVigil AVigil what step do you need the table to wrap around the face? I’ve made one slipjoint which was a failure but eventually will try again.
 
JoshRG said:
I would pass on the one from TruGrit, I bought one a while back and sold it the day after I got it. While the machining is nice the design leaves a bit to be desired. The vertical supports for the work rest obstruct use of the entire disc face. Also, the base plate of the assembly completely blocks any type of dust collection. I went with the Beaumont assembly and while it has some minor quirks I feel it is much better designed. I can remove the work rest very quickly and keep my previously set angle when reattaching it. Also when removing the work rest I have complete use of the ENTIRE disc face. Nothing to the side or below the disc to obstruct my work or to collect dust and grit.
Click to expand...

Good advise here. I’m still using mine but wish I would have went a different direction.
 
imill3567 said:
AVigil AVigil what step do you need the table to wrap around the face? I’ve made one slipjoint which was a failure but eventually will try again.
Click to expand...

It makes working on the back square very easy with the support behind the disc.
 
The TG model also has a slot for a mitre guide.

I got the mitre guide and did not expect to use it much. But I use it all the time for precision.
 
With regard to the work rest on the Trugrit extending behind the face of the disc, if I ever needed that feature (I haven't yet since I haven't made any slip joints), I was thinking it would be easy enough to clamp a flat surface (e.g. 3/16" sheet of g10 or micarta etc.) on top of the work rest which has a small section cut out to slide it beyond the disc's face in order to provide that extra surface.

For getting things squared up, such as handle blocks or guard stock, I just slide a 123 block up against the face of the disc with a small shim in between it and the disc, then clamp it to the work rest and remove the shim so the disc doesn't grind away at the block.

I'm curious, what all have you found the miter guide to help you out with AVigil AVigil ?

~Paul
My Youtube Channel
... (Some older vids of some of the older knives I made)
 
Thanks everyone for their recommendation. I did end up going with the AMK because I will mostly be using it to flatten including bevels so I’d like as much work area as possible and slip joints are a secondary item for me . AMK was also cheaper for the same size motor with free shipping right now. I’ll try to remember to post my thoughts here.
 
C coldsteelburns I do a very similar method on the 2x72 which will work for the disc but I use two 1-2-3 blocks where one is pushed fully into the platen/disc then a second is clamped down using the first as a guide just off the abrasive, then remove the first one and you have the same concept.
 
coldsteelburns said:
With regard to the work rest on the Trugrit extending behind the face of the disc, if I ever needed that feature (I haven't yet since I haven't made any slip joints), I was thinking it would be easy enough to clamp a flat surface (e.g. 3/16" sheet of g10 or micarta etc.) on top of the work rest which has a small section cut out to slide it beyond the disc's face in order to provide that extra surface.

For getting things squared up, such as handle blocks or guard stock, I just slide a 123 block up against the face of the disc with a small shim in between it and the disc, then clamp it to the work rest and remove the shim so the disc doesn't grind away at the block.

I'm curious, what all have you found the miter guide to help you out with AVigil AVigil ?

~Paul
My Youtube Channel
... (Some older vids of some of the older knives I made)
Click to expand...

Great for getting the half stop perpendicular to the spine, also dove tail, angled bolsters/scales
The less things I have to fiddle with the better.
 
imill3567 said:
Thanks everyone for their recommendation. I did end up going with the AMK because I will mostly be using it to flatten including bevels so I’d like as much work area as possible and slip joints are a secondary item for me . AMK was also cheaper for the same size motor with free shipping right now. I’ll try to remember to post my thoughts here.
Click to expand...
What motor do they use?

I know the TG one uses either a Leeson or Baldor motor
 
I just pulled the trigger on one from AMK this morning.
Thanks for all the input everyone. In my case I don't expect to be making any folders as I have enough difficulties already!
They don't seem to list exactly what motor it is except to say that it is 1 hp.

When I phoned yesterday they said that they had 2-3 units that could ship quickly, hopefully I got one of those and won't have to wait 6 weeks...
 
AVigil AVigil They don’t mention what the motor is and it isn’t clear in the video which makes me think it might be generic. That is one area the TG probably has an advantage.
 
imill3567 said:
AVigil AVigil They don’t mention what the motor is and it isn’t clear in the video which makes me think it might be generic. That is one area the TG probably has an advantage.
Click to expand...

It is just important there is no run out and on the generic motor the run out can be a problem on a disc.
 
AVigil AVigil I got the disc today I’ll post my thoughts once I get to using it later but I did quickly check the runout at the edge of the disc where it’d be the worst and the worst it got was 1.5 thousandths on a dial indicator. The motor is a US motors 1750rpm.
 
I purchased the AMK a year or so ago and it's been great.

It's become a necessity for some operations.
 
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