Building grinder. Best wheelsize ?

P.K.Hansen

P.K.Hansen

Joined
Aug 8, 1999
Messages
402
What size should I order ? 8" or 10" ?
I'm a flatgrinder and will ad a platen as soon as possible, but I want a wheel too, and the one that is most usefull for allround work.
 
I have wondered this as well. What is the advantage to the 10" versus the 8"?
 
I prefer an 8" wheel over a 10". The grind height isn't too different switching to the 10", but the 8" hollow is deeper and noticeable on thicker steels. A serrated 8" wheel is quite aggressive and useful for many applications. Also, since the wheel is a little smaller, you can make use of its curve a little more if you don't have many small wheels to choose from.

I like working with 4" and 14" wheels the most, but if I only had one I'd go with the 8". A lot of folks disagree with me though, so keep that in mind.
 
I would say if you are making folders and small fixed blades an 8" wheel would be fine and if mostly medium to large fixed blades either a 10" or a 14" or both. I got the 10" and use it for my work but being a flat grinder mostly its not a big deal. I used to have a smaller wheel but when I switched to the KMG I got the 10" and now wish I had the 8" as well. Its on my wish list.

STR
 
I use 3", 5" 8" 10" and a 14" wheels. All have their purpose! Depends on the height of the steel, steel thickness and type of blade grind (double edge fighters vs skinners). For most of my applications a 10" wheel is the one I use the most.
 
10

it is a nice, round number. On serious note - what type of knifes u r planning on making ?
The narrower the blade the smaller wheel size. 10" is a good all around size.

But for folders and likes 8" will work better
 
I usually make smaller huntingknives with blades from 3½ - 5 inches. bigger stuff is rare. No folders yet :D
 
For what it's worth, you can grind slightly higher on the blade with a 10" wheel, which I prefer. I made a platen with a 30" radius for those really high and shallow grinds. That's the equivalent of a 5-foot wheel! Sweet. :D
 
I have a Burr-King grinder. It came with rubber coated wheels for smooth quiet grinding, the top one is 1.5" and the bottom one is 5" and the 7" long platen is in between them. I can hollow grind double edge (dagger style) blades with the 5" and come out with a nice sharp ridge where the grinds meet. For hunting knives and some bowies I use a 14" wheel for a tall hollow grind.
 
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