best contact wheel size for Coote grinder?

T

Trout Tamer

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Jan 20, 2004
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The Coote 2x72 grinder is available with a 6", 8", or 10" contact wheel. I'm inclined to get the 8" wheel, since it will allow me to do some hollow grinding on medium-small blades (say, 4" blade length, or so). What are y'all thoughts on this size of contact wheel? This will be my first higher-quality belt grinder and am looking for any and all input.

Does wheel size make much of a difference, anyways? I prefer flat, saber, and convex grinds to the hollow grind, but I do like having the option, should I choose to use it. Your input, insight, and experiences are valued. Thanks much!

-Zack
 
My grinder has an eight inch contact wheel. I use it for hollow grinding. It works well for the size knife you are talking about with a hollow grind. With the types of grinds you do, a 10" may work better. Maybe someone else who does more of your type of grinding will offer some type of advice.
 
Thanks, Mr. Steier (presumably that's your name :D )

Along with info on steel grinding, I'm also wondering if the wheel can be changed out for a rubber contact wheel, to be used on handle shaping (it's not a technique I've tried yet, but I've read several sources that recommend it).

Still learnin'... I suspect that won't stop ;)
 
With your grinding preferences, the main concern is how fast the belt moves due to the contact wheel being the drive wheel on the Coote (I think). As long as you have a good platen and slack belt area, go with the smallest wheel so that the belt won't run so fast.
 
For a few bucks more, you can have them set it up for an 8 and 10" wheel. Leaves you room for expansion that way, and makes the grinder more versatile.

That option is not listed, you have to call about having it done. I use a 10" wheel about 90% more than an 8", but the 8" does have it's uses, like on small knives or hollow grinding tangs preparatory to tapering them.
 
Thanks for the info, Mike and Steve. I didn't know that I could get the grinder set up for both, so I'll contact Norm Coote and ask him about doing so. That may just be the answer I'm looking for.
 
Trout Tamer said:
Thanks for the info, Mike and Steve. I didn't know that I could get the grinder set up for both, so I'll contact Norm Coote and ask him about doing so. That may just be the answer I'm looking for.
Click to expand...

Sure. You don't have to buy both wheels up front if you can't afford it, but it gives you the opportunity of getting the additional wheel later and just bolting it on, and not having to sent the grinder back to the factory for modification.
 
Trout Tamer said:
Thanks, Mr. Steier (presumably that's your name :D )

Along with info on steel grinding, I'm also wondering if the wheel can be changed out for a rubber contact wheel, to be used on handle shaping (it's not a technique I've tried yet, but I've read several sources that recommend it).

Still learnin'... I suspect that won't stop ;)
Click to expand...

Norm also has made a small wheel attachment as an accessory that will accommodate the handle shaping feature you are looking for. I added this feature to mine and he has a variety of interchangeable sleeves of different sizes. It also can be added at a future date.

It is the third item down the page.

http://www.cootebeltgrinder.com/Accessories/index.html
 
Norm also has made a small wheel attachment as an accessory that will accommodate the handle shaping feature you are looking for. I added this feature to mine and he has a variety of interchangeable sleeves of different sizes. It also can be added at a future date.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mr. Moyer, that thing looks wonderful adept for so many things that I resort to hands 'n sandpaper for! Thanks for the suggestion. How do you like your Coote? Which contact wheel did you get?
 
I use the 6 inch and the 8 inch contact wheels. I modified the channel with a slot so I can interchange the wheels in a short period of time. I think Norm has made this a feature on his newer machines.

I like the Coote and is the main grinder in the shop. I paid 150.00 brand new so that should age it for you. Had to replace the idler wheel once.

Jim
 
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