Buying my first 2 x 72. Should I go platen or wheel?

Neely Knife & Tool

Neely Knife & Tool

Joined
Nov 26, 2014
Messages
90
Hello all,

I don't think I've actually posted on the forum yet but I've spent a lot of time reading through the posts.

I'm going to be purchasing (most likely) a KMG 3 speed grinder in the next couple of weeks. I started making knives on December 3rd and have absolutely fallen in love with it. I've made 11 knives already. (On Instagram I am "Jaeco_Knives")

I need some advice. I've been grinding and learned to grind on my Craftsman 2x42. So with that being said, I've learned on the flat platen. I've read so much about how wheels are much more efficient, cooler and a host of other benefits compared to platens.

Here's my question: choosing one or the other to start with (budget) should I get the platen or a wheel? If your recommendation is a wheel, would that mean that I would have to "relearn" how to grind all over again?

Thanks for your advice!
 
Under the circumstances you described , I would get the flat first.The wheel can come in handy for many things.If you can swing it ,get the set up that has the flat platen and a wheel.I think you can choose 8" or 10",and you can't go wrong with either size as your first.Reason being,after you see the many things you can do with a wheel you will desire other sizes.
Eddie
 
I've got the KMG 3 speed.... a very good machine. When I purchased it I bought the platen, an extra arm and small wheel attachment. I have always done a flat grind, hollow grinding is an art, on a large wheel without a jig....

hagatha
 
I think it really depends on what kind of grinding you want to do. If you want to flat grind, get a platen. If you want to hollow grind, get a contact wheel. There is another skill to hollow grinding than flat grinding. The principles are the same but the technique is different. The wheel is better for profiling(belts last longer, cooler, doesn't where platen). Get both if you can but if you only get one, you need to decide what type of grinds you want to do. Both have there advantages. Making a platen isn't that hard, but making a contact wheel is next to impossible for most people(there are always exeptions).
 
unless things have changed Rob's packages come with both , you choose an 8" or 10" wheel . If you are piecing this out , I would get both wheel and flat platen and forget the mounting plate he sells .
 
where is the best place to buy a KMG (preferrably in canada... but whatever) I think this is my next purchase as well.

For me, if i could only have 1, i would go with the platen... i hardly ever use my 10" wheel at all. Although, after reading that it makes belts last longer i might start using it for profiling.
 
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