A few grinder observations

[ken erickson]

I know that there have been many threads on grinders but I thought I would post a few observations. I have been running a Wilton square wheel that I converted to vari-speed and do a lot of flat grinding with glass platen. I just recently purchased a used Bader III and ordered a platen assembly and rest.

Tracking-
The nod has to go to Bader on this one. My Bader has much more precise tracking hands down.

Platen-
I think the Wilton platen is a good assembly,but not as beefy as the Bader. I like the fact I can completely remove the platen on the Bader. It bolts on with two bolts. The Wilton is one piece of cast iron.

Work rest-
I think this is my biggest disappointment with the Bader. It seems as if the work rest was an after thought. I can remove the Wilton just by loosening the cap screw. On the Bader the cap screw has to be completely removed to take the rest off. I remove my rest often as I build a slipjoint. The size of the work rest is even smaller than the Wilton. I may have made a mistake ordering this unit and might have gone with the KMG Platen and rest for the Bader. About a $70 dollar higher price for the KMG however.

Solid heavy vibration dampening-
The nod for sure goes to the Bader on this one.

This post was not meant to bash either machine as I have become attached to the Wilton and I am sure the Bader will follow suit.

Ken

 

[C.Edmondson]

Hey Ken, I also have a Bader 3 and it fits my knife making pretty good, only problem I have with it is the belt running off to the side if I put pressure on the work rest to the left or right, Congrats on the Bader

 

[ken erickson]

only problem I have with it is the belt running off to the side if I put pressure on the work rest to the left or right

I have not ground anything to speak of yet with it, I hope this problem does not happen for me. Does it help to get as much tension as possible on your belts? I know with my Wilton I crank up the tension bar as high as I can and then go one notch higher!LOL

Ken

 

[bigern26]

Ken, Don't throw that Wilton away!!!

Congrats on the new grinder!!

 

[ken erickson]

Ken, Don't throw that Wilton away!!!

Congrats on the new grinder!!

Ernie,

No way! I have them setting side by side. I got tired of changing belts between course and fine so often when making slips. I also think I will like the Bader better for flat grinding because of the better tracking.

Ken

 

[C.Edmondson]

I have them cranked down to the max, I wouldnt worry about, I figure someone on here might be able to help with the problem, not knocking it at all, its a good machine, super easy to use.