Brand New Grinder

D

DeepEnd80

Joined
Nov 20, 2008
Messages
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So I'm going to shell out for a brand new grinder. I don't have my own machine shop, so I don't feel like building one from scratch. I'm looking for opinions and suggestions about what is available for sale these days.

I learned to flat grind on a horizontal 6x48 sander, and I think I'll have some difficulty adjusting to the vertical method.
I'm considering this Bader inspired grinder, since it seems very versatile.
http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/

Variable speed is a requirement, and I figure that 2x72 is the smartest choice for belt size.

Input is appreciated

cheers,

Jared
 
I think you've already got it figured out and have made an excellent choice! :)

I've got a Burr King and two of Rob's KMG's.... really you couldn't go wrong with those, or a Bader III or a John LeBlanc.
 
I have a Burr King with a VFD and a KMG with a VFD. I like them both, Burr King is satin smooth at all speeds, the KMG vibrates at some speeds, but I suspect a different belt drive tensioner would cure the problem. The KMG is a lot more versital. Both are great to use.

Jim Arbuckle
ABS JS
 
Hi Jared - the KMG is a nice machine, you'll be happy with one. You should come out to the next NC Guild meeting in January in Troy. You can meet up with several other makers out there. Most of the NC guys use Baders I think, just because that's the name that's been around as long as they have.

There are other grinders out there that allow horizontal grinding, I have a 132" grinder that does. Some other folks here might be able to point you to one, but I think you'll come to like the vertical platen.
 
Acrid,

Troy is pretty darn close to Greensboro, I should be able to make the meeting, assuming someone tells me when and where.

Does the Guild have a website?

I think I'm continuing to lean toward the KMG, I still have quite a bit of work left before I can move into my shop, so I'll just be sure to make a special place for it in my dedicated grinding/buffing/sandblast cabinet room. (I'd better make covers for the grinders and buffers, as to prevent sandy bearings or contaminated felt wheels)

I think that if i can't get used to the vertical grinding, I expet the KMG is flexible enough to be arranged in that orientation. I will guess that someone can show me a preferrable vertical technique that will make it easy to switch to vertical.

Every time I visit this forum, i get more excited about getting back to work. I don't think there are too many hobbies that provide as much satisfaction.
 
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