belt grinders again

O

oldpinecricker

Joined
Jan 22, 2009
Messages
73
Pretty new to making knives and my grinders are really not up to the task, as they are more for wood and small workshop items. I really want an better grinder for metalworking as well as for making blades.

I've looked at everything out there and man this stuff is spendy.

My question is this. There are those larger 3x79" belt grinders like those made by Dake and others.
http://www.dakecorp.com/products-detail.asp?section=models&page=BELT GRINDERS

It does tilt and up and down some and an Hitachi VFD control is availible for $379. Are machines like this adjustable enough and suitalbe for making blades/knives? It looks like an great iron work and grinder for the welding shop, but maybe it isn't much of an tool for profiling and grinding blades.

Just looking for some insight and guidance and I really don't feel stupid for asking as everyone starts somewhere.

Thanks in advance.
 
That's the first time I've seen that machine and I have some reservations based on how I grind. I didn't see the diameter of the wheel, but you want at least 8" and many prefer a 10" wheel. I can't tell whether you can switch out different sized wheels either; you want to be able to do that. It doesn't say what the platen is made of, whether it's replaceable, or whether you can tip it forward to a veritical position. Flat grinding horizontally is more difficult than doing it vertically. That's not a familiar belt size either, though you can have belts custom made so possibly that's not a big issue.

Frankly, if you're willing to spring for a professional level machine, I think the KMG is the way to go.

Beaumont Metal Works

There are so many attachments available for this machine you cannot go wrong, and it uses a knifemaker's standard 2X72 belt. And Rob is one of the finest people you can do business with.

You can also consider a Bader BIII, which is pretty much the same thing for a bit more money, or Burr King. Both have very dedicated users.

Good luck and keep us posted.
 
Get rid of that silly plexiglas shield, remove or relocate the rest for hollow grinding and you have a workable machine. The extra speed will help hog off material quickly.

In fact I have a similar machine only vertical for sale. Used it at home for grinding and finishing small blades and folders. Now I am moving my shop and there is no place for it. The only mod I would do to it is have the rubber wheel recovered about an inch larger in diameter.

George
 
It has a 8" serrated contact wheel, that is pretty standard although I like the finish from a smooth wheel better. You can get the belts easy enough. That machine probably costs more than some of the purpose built knife grinders though.
 
If you get this item, very soon you will need a new KMG or other similar.
I have one similar to this and now I only use it to polish choil.

The sand belt in this design is only running through 2 rollers whereas the more professional one the sandbelt is running through 3 spots/rollers and in making knives your proposing choice will have a lot of limitation which you will spend money twice for sure.
 
I think the KMG is the way to go. I will be getting one soon and an important factor (beyond quality) that went into that decision is Rob himself.

Rob's good will that was demonstrated by the give away prompted a lot more good deeds from other forum members. Gotta support someone like that.

Dean
 
Think about things like small wheel attachments.

A 1/2" dia wheel is one of those things I never thought I'd need, but man is it handy.
 
Rusty McDonald said:
AMEN TO THAT! I got mine and was wondering how I got by with out it for so long.
Click to expand...

I must have worked with rattail files too long cause every now and then I get on a kick and make up a bunch of the small wheels to either fit my bader, or kmg type fork. Think I've finally got it down pat to where they cost me about $4 apiece
Ken.
 
With the dollar so good for you you should look north at the kli made by suremak knut makes one of the best ive seen anodized and powder coat painted top of the line everything and comes with a 1, 2 , 3 , and platen and 10 inch contact wheel for 1300 Canadian plus shipping no motor at that price.If your real interested email me hellgap50@hotmail.com i have pics kellyw
 
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