Angle grinder choice?

B

BobJackson

Joined
Sep 21, 2015
Messages
15
Hi everyone,

I've been reading this forum for a little while after getting more interested in making knives rather than buying them. I hope this post is in the right spot, and I searched a bit on the forum for a topic like this but didn't find an answer.

I have pretty limited space for working, but I quickly realized that cutting steel with only a hacksaw is not fun. I have about $200 to spend on some tools, and was looking at getting an angle grinder for the majority of the cutting work, as well as a couple files. I got an old bench grinder for free as well, but I have heard negative things about using them for grinding off excess steel. My main question is: what kind of amps and disc size are necessary for cutting out a blade profile? I was looking at a 13 amp 6-inch Milwaukee, and an 11 amp 5-inch one. If there is no major downside to using a larger grinder than needed for blade shaping, I might just get a bigger one to use for other things as well.

I have a bunch of tutorials on heat treating and sharpening, but not a lot of info about cheaper tools. If anyone has any input on using an angle grinder or bench grinder for making a blade it would be greatly appreciated.
 
I'd go with a metabo because it has a clutch that reduces the chance of kick. Dewalt also makes good grinders. I don't like the ergos of the Milwaukee. I don't make knives but I've handled a few grinders haha.
 
To be very blunt about those grinders they are at the BOTTOM of the list for knife making. Belt grinders are the way to go.
but when that's all you have you use what you have. I wish you good making.
Frank
 
I haven't used angle grinders to a very high degree, pretty much just for surface grinding. The Milwaukee I was looking at (online) says it has an electronic clutch, and from pictures I like the look of the longer, thinner handled grinders rather than the shorter bulkier ones. I'm going to go handle a few on the weekend to see how they feel though. And I'm not set on any specific brand, just the best bang for the buck. Also, I live in Canada, and it looks like it can be difficult/expensive to get some brands shipped here.

Thank you for the info about the 4.5" grinders. Those were what I was originally looking at, but thought a larger size might be a benefit. I haven't seen much about people recommending larger disc sizes, but a lot of people say go for higher amps.

I would love to have a belt grinder, but I don't have the space for one. Also, I can't seem to find anything online about suppliers in Canada. I read about Suremak on this forum, and they still show up on Google searches, but their page doesn't load. I imagine those are quite a bit more expensive than lesser tools. Hopefully in another couple years I'll be in a new place with the space for some larger equipment.

Thanks again for all the advice.
 
Personally, angle grinders scare the hell out of me. Just google angle grinder injuries. Make sure you have all the proper safety equipment including a full face shield that covers your neck as well if you decide to proceed. If it were me I'd stick with hand tools until I had the funds and space for a portaband and belt grinder etc.
 
I'd buy a porta-band and mount it vertically to a work bench before I bought an angle grinder for profiling blades. Bandsaws are much more precise, and probably cheaper (and safer) in the long run, as you're not burning through or breaking a bunch of wheels...

As for not having space for a belt grinder, where exactly do you plan on making knives that you don't have a 2'x2' space for a grinder? If anything, stick it on a mobile cart and push it out of the way when not in use.
Granted, you'll have a hard time finding anything usable for $200, but it's certainly a tool worth saving for.
 
Having had a 4 incher and now having a 7 incher, i can tell you that there is ONLY advantage to having the larger model.
 
I have a 4.5 inch dewalt. I love it. I use the heck out of it and it works great. I wear nomex pants while using it (sparks have caught my pants on fire before), and a full face respirator. Saftey glasses don't cut it with an angle grinder. Just be careful and don't use worn old discs. For how cheep a disc is, it's worth buying new ones frequently.
 
rcetroy said:
Personally, angle grinders scare the hell out of me. Just google angle grinder injuries. Make sure you have all the proper safety equipment including a full face shield that covers your neck as well if you decide to proceed. If it were me I'd stick with hand tools until I had the funds and space for a portaband and belt grinder etc.
Click to expand...
Just googled it...I want to puke now. Moral of the story...don't be an idiot and wear good gear.
 
I have plenty of space, just not indoors. I imagine there would be too many sparks from grinding to use anything on my porch, so the only space I have is in my yard. Any tools would be brought out and set up on a bench that would also be dragged out from the porch.

I'll have a look at a porta-band and see if I can find one at a reasonable price. They look a lot more user friendly, but also more expensive.
 
I think if it was me and I only had $200 to spend, I'd get a Craftsman 2x42 grinder and a hacksaw. Order steel the right width from Aldo and cut it to length with the hacksaw. Then you can profile your blade with the grinder. You will have no problem hogging material off with the Craftsman. The last time I checked you can get the 2x42 delivered for $169.
 
I love my Makita angle grinder... Also harbor freight has a pretty good 1x30 belt grinder that works well and it's compact. For $200 you could get a good angle grinder and the harbor freight belt grinder.
 
I can vouch for dewalt. The choice of many contractors
image_zpsagvlewsb.jpg
[/URL][/IMG]
 
I live in Canada, and it doesn't look like the Craftsman 4x42 is available here. The selection is really limited here when it comes to grinders under $1000.

I see belt sanders online from Canada, but not belt grinders. With the proper belt, what is the difference between a belt grinder and belt sander? Is it just the overall power, or is there something else? For example, there's this thing:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-4-in-belt-disc-sander-0553559p.html#.VgCpq3WCOK0

,which is specified as a sander. Would it even be usable?

And then there's this one:

http://www.zorocanada.com/i/G1347796/?gclid=CNytwpG5icgCFYlbfgodYSAM-w&gclsrc=aw.ds

,which is a grinder, but only with a 1-inch belt, and it would probably be over $400 after tax and shipping.
 
BobJackson said:
I live in Canada, and it doesn't look like the Craftsman 4x42 is available here. The selection is really limited here when it comes to grinders under $1000.

I see belt sanders online from Canada, but not belt grinders. With the proper belt, what is the difference between a belt grinder and belt sander? Is it just the overall power, or is there something else? For example, there's this thing:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-4-in-belt-disc-sander-0553559p.html#.VgCpq3WCOK0

,which is specified as a sander. Would it even be usable?

And then there's this one:

http://www.zorocanada.com/i/G1347796/?gclid=CNytwpG5icgCFYlbfgodYSAM-w&gclsrc=aw.ds

,which is a grinder, but only with a 1-inch belt, and it would probably be over $400 after tax and shipping.
Click to expand...

A sander is set up for wood and a grinder for metal. The sander runs slower and with the 4" wide belt it is really not suited for grinding blades. Many people have made knives with a 1x30, but again, ideally you would want a 2" wide belt for blades.

Sorry you don't have access to an inexpensive grinder, as that is the heart of a knife making shop. Maybe a mini grinder or portaband and a filing jig is your best bet with your budget.
 
I'm gonna have to spend a bit more time looking around. Maybe I'll be able to find something used and in decent condition. I do like the idea of those porta-bands though, so I might look into that. I don't have a problem using files to put an edge on the blade, it's just the general shaping I was looking to speed up.
 
Not sure if it's been mentioned but I saw yesterday my local lowes had a 2 pack of Dewalt 4.5" grinders on sale for $100. Might be an option for you.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top