Any real difference between the HF 1x30 and the Grizzly 1x30 grinders?

I have the HF 1 x 30 and I am very much less than impressed with it even for $40. The table handle broke the first time I used it, the belt tracking was pretty bad and ate up part of the table, etc.

For $40 I didn't expect much, but I did however want something that didn't break when I used it the first time.

As for the Grizzly I can't say as I have not used or seen one.
 
I've read lots of good things about the HF 1x30, people have been using them with success for a long time. Wonder if yours was just a fluke deal.
 
Ha ha--I broke the handle right off mine as well--POS. The table will not sit at 45* until you let the belt eat a bit off the table slot. The platen is crooked and it does not track well. It stalls if you put any pressure on the platen and the belt chatters on the platen. Other than that, it works OK.

The only way I'm using it now if with slack belt--it doesn't do too badly that way.

I just got a chance to try the Craftsman 2x42 this weekend and it is way, way better--I wish I had dropped the extra C note for it.
 
Well, I'm looking at getting the 1x30 strictly for 2 purposes. One, sharpening...after I read a ton of threads and watched youtube vids on sharpening with a 1x30, I really want to try it. Secondly, I would like to use it for handle shaping/sanding.

I'm going to get the Craftsman 2x42 to get me started in stock removal and, if I like what I'm doing and want to move further, I'll look at getting a bigger better grinder later.
 
anyone sharpening on a grinder will never achieve anything close to the performance capabilities of the steel. Even dry sharpening by hand or using a paper wheel heats the last few microns of the edge above the tempering temps of most steels, effectively ruining it

-Page
 
sunshadow said:
anyone sharpening on a grinder will never achieve anything close to the performance capabilities of the steel. Even dry sharpening by hand or using a paper wheel heats the last few microns of the edge above the tempering temps of most steels, effectively ruining it

-Page
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This is interesting, I got the impression that a rather large % of makers do a fair amount of sharpening on a belt. Then switch to their preferred method of final sharpening. So you're saying that if you sharpen at all on a belt post HT then you're ruining the temper? Or are you talking about just the very fine edge you're trying to achieve will be ruined?
 
I've seen numerous threads on sharpening using a 1x30 on knifeforums.com and there were TONS of satisfied people who sharpen on belts through a whole regime of fine grit belts and finally use a leather belt to powerstrop. There's been tons of discussion on it and the general consensus is, if you watch what you are doing and use a light touch you won't harm the temper of the blade.
 
From the description Grizzly has 1/4 HP motor and HF has 1/3 HP otherwise they are identical probably with some subtle differences. I've been using HF model for almost 3 years for handle shaping and even ground a few blades on it. It is underpowered, the motor is too fast (burns the wood if your belt is not fresh) and it is not a very precise machine in general, but it is cheap and it will get you started.

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Sergiy
 
I'm also looking for a belt grinder to use for handles and light stock removal. I know it is more $$ ($219.95 from Jantz) but I'm thinking about getting a Kalamazoo 1" X 42". Anybody have any thoughts on that grinder as a first machine for somebody starting out? I will not buy some cheap import because that never seems to work out for me and I try to support US products when I can.
 
Tx Bass Tech, I see that Jants also has 2"x48" Kalamazoo for $239.95 without a motor. I think it will be much better choice. You can get 1 HP motor off ebay for another $30-$50 and get some step pulleys later for more speed control or upgrade to VFD setup. The belt selection in 2"x48" will also be better than in 1"x42". Another option (more expensive though) is Coote grinder.

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Sergiy
 
Yea we got a that kalamazoo grinder at work and it is pretty sorry. Any side pressure on the belt (off center) and it will track off. But I agree I like supporting the USA companies when possible.
 
Mr. Bad Example said:
Ha ha--I broke the handle right off mine as well--POS. The table will not sit at 45* until you let the belt eat a bit off the table slot. The platen is crooked and it does not track well. It stalls if you put any pressure on the platen and the belt chatters on the platen. Other than that, it works OK.

The only way I'm using it now if with slack belt--it doesn't do too badly that way.
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Exactly. :thumbup: I am very interested to see any recommendations for a more suitable tool here.
 
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