belt grinder wheels

[deltawhisky]

i have recently been looking into belt grinders ans i eventually want to get one for home use as i am getting into knife making. i was wondering if anyone has any insight as to what the specific differences are between a regular and a serrated contact wheel on a grinder and what the pros and cons of each would be and a recomendation on what would be better or if it is a matter of preference. also is it better to have a variable speed or single and what kind of horsepower i should be looking at.

 

[David Wesner]

Hi Snakebite A "regular" or smooth contact wheel will generally produce a little better finish than a serrated contact wheel.
A serrated contact wheel will generally grind a little cooler than a smooth contact wheel.
A serrated wheel will definitely allow you to hog steel faster than a smooth contact wheel.
FWIW, if I had to choose one or the other for my first wheel, I would purchase a smooth, ~ 70 durometer vulcanized rubber (vs. polyurethane wheels).
Just an FYI, I have a couple of poly wheels in my arsenal and they work just fine. They're considerably less expensive. I just prefer the feel that a rubber contact wheel provides.

In regards to variable speed vs single ??? That's a no brain-er for me............ variable speed all the way !! A less expensive alternative to VS is a 2"-3"-4" step pulley arrangement.

As far as horsepower ........... the minimum, IMHO, (for a 2" x 72" grinder), would be 1.5 HP, 2 HP is even better

Check out Tracy Mickley's USA Knifemaker Supply for nearly every part you'll need to put together a fine home built grinder. He offers pretnear everything ,including plans :thumbup:

http://www.usaknifemaker.com/grinders-sanders-all-kinds-c-99.html

Helluva good guy too !!!

 

[kc custom]

Having 8 or so contact wheels from 14" on down some serrated some smooth I'd go with
the smooth. There may be a bit more aggressive cut & cooler run with serrated. I rarely
grind on serrated at all any more. David above obviously hit the button before I did.
Ken.

 

[deltawhisky]

Thanks