Anyone own a TW-90?

Mitchell Knives

Mitchell Knives

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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I'm in need of a new grinder, and have been seriously considering the TW-90.

My KMG has been a good grinder, but I really need something that can also handle horizontal work and be a bit more versitile.

I've talked to Travis quite a bit, and the TW-90 sounds like an amazing grinder.

Just wondering if anyone on the forums has purchased a TW-90 yet. I'm hoping to get some user feedback/opinions.
 
I have one, and I'm very happy with it. It was my first grinder, so I don't have much to compare it to. The tracking is very good, and often doesn't need adjustment even when changing tooling arms. It's not a cheap machine, but when you compare it to buying a full KMG and a dedicated horizontal machine the price is right in line. Travis was awesome to work with, and answered all of my questions and concerns. You can also look here[URL="http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/833516-Anybody-use-the-tw-90-Wuertz-grinder?highlight=tw90"][/URL]
 
It is the best grinder on the market. I have two. I also have KMG, alumnum home made, and an EP. TW is the best by far.

John Lloyd
 
The TW-90 is an awesome grinder. I have a square wheel, a Burr King, a Dozier, and a JL. The TW-90 is the best.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys!

I have never used a TW-90, but from a design standpoint it looks superior to any other grinder that I have seen or used.

I am also really interested in the surface grinding attachment, but that may have to wait for a bit due to the cost.
 
I've used quite a few different grinders through the years. The TW-90 is by far the superior machine and Travis's service is second to none. Will be getting a second one soon.
 
TW-90 is an excellent grinder, I've used a few of them, one quite often. You can't go wrong with one.

If however you already have a KMG, with tooling arms and wheels to fit it, you may want to consider the Wilmont TAG grinder instead. It's compatible with the KMG tooling, same sized tooling arm slots, unlike the TW-90, and really offers some interesting configuration options, out of the box, for advanced horizontal work. It's also every bit as good in regards to performance.

It does not offer the surface grinding attachment, so if space is at an ultra premium in your shop, that may be the deciding factor, however, I paid less for my full sized 6x18 hydraulic feed automatic (industrial) surface grinder, than the attachment costs.

Haven't used the attachment personally, but for my use, I can't see it being a replacement for a dedicated SG unit, but YMMV. For just doing ricassos and such, I'm sure it's great.
 
I'm getting another TW90 as well, for all the reasons above.

I got the surfacing attachment, because I had no idea I could get a stand alone for that little. I'm hoping I'll be able to make folders with it, plus hand lapping.
 
A stand alone surface grinder is cheaper, but I really don't have the space or want to deal with the weight.

I once helped a friend move a surface grinder; never again.

I would mostly use the surface grinder for small blades, so an industrial unit isn't really necessary IMO.

I've also looked at the Wilmont; looks like a great grinder.

However, I really really prefer the TW-90 design and the lighter/smaller tooling arms.
 
I absolutely love my TW90. I had 2 KMG's previously and there is no comparison. The KMG's are good grinders but not a TW90. The TW90 is SO smooth, SO quiet< tracking is incredible, ratchet tensioner is the best. It is truely a work of art and Travis is a great guy to talk with and do business with.
 
Fellhoelter said:
Best grinder made.

Period.

And this is coming from a guy who has made 20 or more grinders!
Click to expand...

Hearing that from you has really made it stick.

What are some reasons why it's so good? I know that it's darn well-made and comes as a complete vertical and horizontal, but there's surely more that I'm missing out on. The tracking seems really outstanding and tensioning really well thought out.
 
I have not used one but saw one run and it is quiet. I wear ear plugs to grind on my kmg and they would not be needed with this grinder.
 
Here's some hammer in videos from Tim Hancock's grinding class. They're not on my usual Wuertz Machine Works channel cause I was locked out for a while. Brian Land did the editing. He did an awesome job editing the rough hammer in footage. There will be more to come.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=MAgD3bvsY1o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=ChA-WFQbaIs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=pFuVnUA7XLY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=_WflEuxuVdQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=sHerXl6gaIo
 
I recently purchased a TW-90 and the surface grinding attachment from Travis. I also have a 1 1/2 HP variable Burr King and a Coote. You simply can't beat it.

I won't comment on the quality because it's been beat to death here. The horizontal grinding position is splendid, particularly for grinding radii because you can see what you're doing. Another horizontal grinding feature is that I move the plate forward past the wheels, and full length grind my flat ground bowies. It really cuts down on the hand sanding.
 
Travis, thanks for posting the videos. Anyone know what kind of push stick Tim was using in the videos?
 
Tom Lewis said:
Travis, thanks for posting the videos. Anyone know what kind of push stick Tim was using in the videos?
Click to expand...

I was trying to figure that out too

Looks like an aluminium c channel with a white coloured wearing insert like a pencil eraser or
maybe it's just a soapstone and holder

Something like that


pushstick_zpsb48c4c3a.jpg


pushstick2_zps05252592.jpg
 
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