beginner which machine advice grizzly, pheer or kmg

Great advice from the count imo.
Get the kmg. Build a forge (even if it's a firebrick propane forge it will work great with 1084 steel)
The 8 inch wheel is more than enough to hog off steel. If you find you want a bigger wheel down the road, you may want a serrated 10 or bigger.
Lighting isn't very expensive either. Although you may find yourself looking for a flexible light to hang over the belt while you're grinding.
 
rlp114 said:
I found the old thread again on the esteem grinder but it was from a couple years ago I sent an email asking about them late last night no reply as of yet. Does anyone know if Brett Matthews is still in business? I also saw a grinder on ebay from oregonblademaker http://www.ebay.com/itm/Belt-Grinder-2x72-/251880636425?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aa5418009 anyone using one of these?
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I have one and I'm very happy with it so far. I have a video review posted on YouTube too if interested. I've never used another 2x72 grinder so I don't have anything to compare it to but it's well built imo although certainly not as bomb proof as some higher end grinders appear to be. I set it up w a kbac 24d Vfd and a 1 hp motor for for about $800 total. Most would recommend higher HP but that's as big as I could go on my budget and with the wiring constraints in my garage. Seems to be plenty powerful for everything I've done so far but I'm making a lot of smaller stuff.
 
I have never used an Esteem grinder but I have a lot of time with the KMG and the GIB that I built. Who knows for sure what the best grinder is but the KMG is heavy and well built and is used by some of the best knife makers on the planet. I understand that the Esteem now has a horizontal option which would be nice but how many surface feet per minute is the Esteem capable of? I found that my Kmg in 2 hp variable speed with a 4 3/8 drive wheel produces close to 4000 SPM which is about perfect for me. Yes, I had the drive wheel custom made. The four inch wheel was just a tiny bit slow for me. If you're handy with tools the GIB grinder is fun to build and I use a 3450 RPM Lesson 2 hp motor. I still vote for the KMG though.
 
I picked up an Esteem directly from Brett over the Holidays because I was in his area. Great guy, and I have recently had time to start using the grinder and I'm very impressed. It's very quiet, tracks great, and the VFD makes speed adjustments a breeze.

I got mine with an 8" wheel, 2HP with VFD, flat platen, work rest, extra tool arm, and a small wheel attachment. I also had him add the power switch so the VFD is completely off without unplugging it. So far I only have a 1" serrated wheel for the small wheel attachment, but having used it just a bit I can tell I will really like it. I have had a couple of questions and when I called Brett I got friendly, thorough answers. I have no doubt he will be there if I ever need anything in the future. The fit and finish on the grinder are great.
 
I appreciate all the input I am leaning towards the pheer 454 and 1.5 hp with vfd and 8 inch wheel and platten I can get it pre wired and a mount for the vfd and a nice starter pack of belts for under 2k including the shipping. I still haven't ruled out the esteem just leaning toward the pheer at the moment. I like the direct drive to me it seems there will be fewer moving parts to wear out.
 
I also sent esteem grinders an email a few days ago and have not yet heard back either.. I guess I will be leaning toward a keg with step pulled at this point as I cannot swing the variable speed control unit.
 
Nomercymunro said:
I also sent esteem grinders an email a few days ago and have not yet heard back either.. I guess I will be leaning toward a keg with step pulled at this point as I cannot swing the variable speed control unit.
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Brett sent me a price list on the esteem just give him time. I need to call him to get more information on what comes with the grinder there are several options on grinders and then some add ons like adjustable work rest, tool arm and platten etc... so I'm not sure it it comes standard with a fixed tool rest and I have a few other questions for Brett too.
 
Yes, I mentioned in my email I understood he is very busy and no extreme rush, even though I am hoping to have my 1st 2 x 72 this Spring, which today is the 1st day. I was just a little confused by the site and pricing as it seemed like you have to let him know what things you wanted and then get a price. I want the variable speed with the flat platen with tool rest set up and an 8 inch wheel as well. I wasn't sure if there are two different variable speed controllers mentioned on his site. If so I may be fine with the cheaper of the two. If I end up with a KMG I likely will end up with the three speed step pulley option. I am just not sure if I can afford the variable speed controlled unit. That's why is was trying to email Brett to try and figure out what the price of everything would come out to about. Not sure if its more or less then a KMG which Im not trying to really draw a comparison just curious what Ill be able to get. I think I would be happy regardless with the pulley system or the Variable speed since I have zero experience on either. The esteem looks super smooth and quiet for sure. I currently use a couple smaller belt sanders but have been doing all my bevels with files, which come out great but I just really want the 2 x 72 to be able to make some blades for relatives and friends to get experience. I just love getting the creative juices flowing!
 
I have had the Pheer 427 for 1.5 yrs and have not been disappointed. It came with flat platen,8 in rubber wheel,VFD and 1hp motor for about $1300. I like the looks of the new platen and tool arm better,but haven't had a problem with mine. It tracks great and has plenty of power.
 
There are a few reasons why I chose the Esteem over the KMG: Price I got the VFD model including shipping for $1810, Direct drive, Powder coat paint, already wired.

Brett's 120v 1.5hp motor is actually a 2hp when using 220v (or was it 240v) with the switch of a jumper, I assume in the vfd. I believe the KMG is the same in this regard.

I too struggled deciding but after reading threads and posting my own it was clear that those who had purchased smaller or cheaper grinders such as the craftsman or even the Grizzly most likely ended up modding or upgraded in the near future to a kmg or some other arm swappable grinder.

It hurt the pocket book to spend that much up front... I feel it will be worth it in the end.
 
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I started on a 1x30, then a 2x42 and now I have a Pheer 454 with vfd, 12 inch wheel and small wheel. If you buy the Grizzly, you'll wish you got a better grinder. What these guys say about vfd is true. I will never go back to a full speed only machine.
 
after recently getting my first 2x72 with a VFD I can't imagine not having one. I got a cheaper grinder frame and bought motor and VFD separately to save money and at this point I have no regrets. I'd much rather the cheaper grinder with VFD than a higher end grinder without it(even if it had step pulleys). Maybe it's because I'm new but I do a lot of work on really slow speeds(especially handle work) and don't see how I would get close to the same capabilities without full speed control.
 
Brett was accurate with his shipping estimate times when he told me 6-7 weeks. I just got my shipping info yesterday for my Esteem. Definitely consider the Esteem, KMG, or pheer, those are the 3 I had heard the most about. The variable speed is another recommendation from everything I have read and what others have posted.
 
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Those ebay grinders sure are a good price - and design looks good. "IF" he would only offer a model with a 56C motor mount plate as part of grinder. Then $127 shipped for a 3 ph, 2hp TEFC motor, and a choice of VFD - for the hobby person a $130 shipped open frame Chinese VFD mounted in a box OR with filters installed over the air inlets to keep metal dust out.

Ken H>
 
Thanks for all the input on grinders I ended up getting the KMG I ordered the 10 inch wheel package no motor I ordered the 3 step pulleys a belt and switch kit and the sub plate also. I got a great deal on a new leeson 1.5 on eBay (the same motor KMG sales) saved me 108 bucks gong that route. I plan to upgrade to a vfd around the end of the year or early next year.
 
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