A good small surface grinder?

[12345678910]

I am on the hunt for a surface grinder for making slip joints and don't need anything big. Problem is, most of the bench top models are either no longer in production or simply too pricey for what they are. I probably have enough room for a small 16 x 8 but that would even be pushing it.

Anybody have a good recommendation under the $1000 mark that would do the job?

Thanks for the help!

KMG grinders.

Sword

I think you're missing something here.

In the original post, he's looking for a Surface Grinder,not a belt grinder

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_grinding

 

[swordmaster]

I got the point, and yes i have one but i call it a radial arm grinder. I'l remove the postings if it will end the complaints.

 

[J. Oeser]

After my initial searches for a Harig 612 I am not sure it is realistic to hope to find one with a mag chuck for less than $1000 unless I get lucky locally. What about brands like Doall or Boyer and Schultz or Covel?

 

[swordmaster]

After my initial searches for a Harig 612 I am not sure it is realistic to hope to find one with a mag chuck for less than $1000 unless I get lucky locally. What about brands like Doall or Boyer and Schultz or Covel?

There are some references on craigslist but can you trust anything on craigslist. I know some people find some amazing deal there they must be insanely lucky.

You could try a local grave stone / monument maker or perhaps a stone counter top maker they usually have something similar to those and might part with an old one.

 

[J. Oeser]

Yeah, Craigslist really makes me nervous and there is nothing locally for me to see in person.

I think I am narrowing things down a little bit. There are numerous sites that sell used machinery that have various 6x12 SG's. Problem is I am a complete newb when it comes to surface grinders. I don't know what to look for and what to avoid. What brands are dependable or not and what's a good deal or a rip off.

Space is my biggest hurdle and I obviously want the best bang for the buck. Any one more experienced that can guide me a little more?

Thanks for all the help so far everyone!

 

[kc custom]

Jared I picked up a 1964 K O Lee with a fine pole 6x18 walker ceramax chuck, and a bunch
of wheels, for $700
Ken.

 

[Brian Ayres]

As far as knowing what to look for, I'm in the exact same boat. I have 3-4 experienced knifemaking friends I bug with questions. They've been extremely helpful educating me.

I know very little about the machine tool industry but have found even the people sellin the items are usually happy to educate you some.

Without hijacking this thread, hopefully educating the both of us, is there anyone who can say what areas of concern to watch for when purchasin a SG? Backlash? Good magnetic chuck?

For around $1,000 you can get a SG attachement from Travis Wuertz with a 90 duro wheel that works on Bader, KMG, GIB's and of course a TW90.

Would that work for you?

 

[J. Oeser]

That's good to know, thanks Ken. Has it done a good job?

Jared I picked up a 1964 K O Lee with a fine pole 6x18 walker ceramax chuck, and a bunch
of wheels, for $700
Ken.

Brian, that's the info I want to find out too. As for Travis's attachment I had heard it was more like $1500. That and the issue with belt surface grinders as Don mentioned are what have eliminated that as an option.

As far as knowing what to look for, I'm in the exact same boat. I have 3-4 experienced knifemaking friends I bug with questions. They've been extremely helpful educating me.

I know very little about the machine tool industry but have found even the people sellin the items are usually happy to educate you some.

Without hijacking this thread, hopefully educating the both of us, is there anyone who can say what areas of concern to watch for when purchasin a SG? Backlash? Good magnetic chuck?

For around $1,000 you can get a SG attachement from Travis Wuertz with a 90 duro wheel that works on Bader, KMG, GIB's and of course a TW90.

Would that work for you?

 

[Brian Ayres]

I'd maybe get a few more opinions? Granted, DH III is someone who I HIGHLY respect. That being said, I know one maker of high end folder who swears by belts on his surface grinder. The Belt vs Stone Wheel on a SG is an old debate. I did a search and found several master smith and journeyman smiths disagreeing on which is better. Lol.
I believe of the cost for Travis's system is for a 90 duro wheel that reduces the rounding of parts/blades edges?

 

[J. Oeser]

Travis's system would obviously be the best space saver for me without a doubt. I could throw it on the GIB and I'm sure it would do what I need size-wise. The question is, what's the actual price? I guess I will need to contact him on that. I do like the idea of using the belt to get it down to a more refined finish. Oh, and did I mention the space savings...

Man, I hate being indecisive.

 

[Brian Ayres]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...r-!/page2?highlight=TW90+surface+grinder+cost

Couldn't figure out how to cut n paste on my iPhone. But, the cost is on page two. $1,500, it's more than I remember...

 

[ken erickson]

I had given consideration at one time to converting my SG to belt use. With that being said, grinding parts like this that go into a lockback whittler to exact thickness, would really be tricky to say the least , without rounding, or destroying the part completely. For scale, the pin dia is 3/32! With the thickness of the two outer pieces(springs) at .0525.

I know space is at a premium for you also. I measured the "footprint" of my grinder and also the actual base.

The footprint is from the wall out to the farthest point(handles on the wheels) and the width with table at extreme range from side to side
54" wide x 39" deep

The grinder base that sits on either the stand, or bench top is
22" wide x 16" deep

 

[Don Hanson III]

I'd maybe get a few more opinions? Granted, DH III is someone who I HIGHLY respect. That being said, I know one maker of high end folder who swears by belts on his surface grinder. The Belt vs Stone Wheel on a SG is an old debate. I did a search and found several master smith and journeyman smiths disagreeing on which is better. Lol.
I believe of the cost for Travis's system is for a 90 duro wheel that reduces the rounding of parts/blades edges?

3 of my closest knife making friends use belts on their surface grinders and I highly respect them. There is no right or wrong to this old debate, just what works best for you.

 

[Brian Ayres]

3 of my closest knife making friends use belts on their surface grinders and I highly respect them. There is no right or wrong to this old debate, just what works best for you.

I understand Don. Belts vs Wheels is almost as debatable as stock removal vs forging!!! What wheels do you use on your SG? I here that getting the right wheels makes a difference. Norton?

Ken, that's a great point about the thin pieces.

 

[SBuzek]

I don't know what Don uses,but I use the Norton Blue gel ceramic stones,and you are correct the right stone makes a big difference in performance.

Stan

 

[kc custom]

Jared no probs in eight years with my K O Lee, or the chuck. Wheels?
46H Pink, Radiac abrasives out of Chicago. ( U. S. Diamond Wheel)
Ken.

 

[Don Hanson III]

I understand Don. Belts vs Wheels is almost as debatable as stock removal vs forging!!! What wheels do you use on your SG? I here that getting the right wheels makes a difference. Norton?

Ken, that's a great point about the thin pieces.

I use Norton 32A46-GVBEP. Cool running without coolant. Fast cutting with heavy feeds.

 

[J. Oeser]

Thank you everyone for your contributions. I have learned a great deal, as usual, in this forum. Sometimes I feel very spoiled. I talk with my friend Dave Lang about things and he tells me how it used to be when he started, before the internet and all the ease of access to information. I've even been able to recommend a couple of things to him from what I have learned here.

I think I have narrowed it down to a 6 x 12, preferably a Harig, because I have read so many good things about them on the machinists forums and possibly the KO Lee which also has a good rep with a small footprint.

Now, I just need a little patience and luck.

 

[Karl B. Andersen]

A lot of people were correct on this thread - you just have to keep looking!
I searched CL and Fleabay for the last 3-4 months in every listing within about 200 miles of home.
Found this last week for $300.00.
Absolutely tight and smooth as can be.