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vaquero57

Joined
Nov 12, 2000
Messages
131
I seen this site on another forum and could not resist checking it out. It has plans for a 2x48 belt grinder. You can purchase the wheels from him reasonably. I really want to make one. Without anyone jumping in and telling me to purchase a nice 2x72 bear with me. Does anyone think this grinder would be effective both with cost and usefulness if made out of cheap mild steel instead of wood? I think a guy could have a damn nice grinder with power to spare for alot less money than if they went to buy one outright. Any responses? Would a 2x48 outperform a 4x36 assuming all other things are equal? I am getting used to my 4x36 but this seems like it could be a very economical step up without having to dish out several hundred dollars which I do not have. Cory

http://www.geocities.com/beaumontmetal/index.html

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" I am a shootist."
Clay Allison
" Does this mean we are bladists?"
Vaquero57
McAlpin Bladesmithing
 
I've bought several items from Rob and he does excellent work for great prices. He made me a 9" disc sander attachment for my Wilton, I just haven't had a chance to use it yet. When I do I'll post a thread on it and let everyone know how it works.

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Take care!! Michael

Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
I have had dealings with Rob, also. I agree that he does very good work and his prices are reasonable. I plan on having more deals with him. Good gent to know.

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Proud Member
Buck Collector's Club
American Knife and Tool Institute
North West Knife Club
Oregon Knife Collectors Association
UsedKnife.Com
 
4"&6" belt grinders do not have near the flexibility for use as does a 2" machine-I have used all three types. In fact the wideth of the belt creates a problem rather than helping out. I have heard some experienced makers say that their choice is a 1" wide wheel and belt. Is there available- at a reasonable price- a 2x72" model? The one other thing I would bring to your attention is, is the grinding wheel 8" or larger? After doing flat grinding for years I have started doing hollow grinding. I believe that in most cases the hollow grinding looks better,is easier to do and is also not as hard on sand paper.Convex grinding on large blades can produce some very nice looking knives but usually doesn't seem to fit or work well on small blades. Certainly there are exceptions and I am only of course, expressing my opinions. There is nothing more important to a knife maker than a good belt grinder and that can be different for you today than it will be tomorrow.Well, yes there is one thing more important and that is the desire to make knives! I hope whatever you get works well for you!!
 
Okay then what about some good websites for these companies. I cannot find the Grizzly website. Are there any machine shops that build homemade grinders for the knifemaker that is reasonably priced? I have heard of some names in the past that you do not see in any company catalogs like small private individuals who made grinders minus motors who were well known but I cannot remember them. The reason I ask is I do not have $800-$1000 but I want some POWER to help out with stock removal on thicker steels. I have pondered this idea for 2 months now and have asked all kinds of opinions so some people are probably tired of me talking about it. I just cannot make up my mind. I think since I have been thinking about it so long that I just better do it and get it over with otherwise I will never stop worrying about it. Anyone with some links to grinders in the 300 dollar range.

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" I am a shootist."
Clay Allison
" Does this mean we are bladists?"
Vaquero57
McAlpin Bladesmithing
 
Here is the contact information for Harbor Freight, Grizzly and Enco.

Craig

Harbor Freight http://www.harborfreight.com/
US & Canada 800-423-2567
International 1-805-388-3000
Locations: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/retailstores/index.html

Grizzly Industrial Inc. http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/
Customer Service Questions: csr@grizzlyindustrial.com
Technical Support Questions: techsupport@grizzlyindustrial.com
Tel: 1-800-523-4777

Enco http://www.use-enco.com
Tel: 800-873-3626
Fax: 1-800-965-5857
 
cory a 2x48 is a vast improvement over the 4x36. one of my motto's is only cry once. i bought the coote grinder and it still serves me well, even thought i made enought to get a hardcore 1 1/2 varible i use the coote for profiling and handle work and yes they are 2x72s.take it from a full time maker. the varitey or belts and longer life you get off set any up front savings from the2x42 coote has one for about $285.a couple of step pulleys and a old 1 to 1 1/2 1725rpm and the 2x72 is about $100.00 more delivered. call him he is areal gentleman that stands behind his product. much better than the grizzly nightmares you read about. he is in wasington state, if a lady awnsers and says its a bed & breakfast you have the right place. norman e coote 231 mats view rd port ludlow,wa,98365 (360) 437-0366

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Laurence Segal www.RHINOKNIVES.com
 
Cory-

A belt grinder is pretty much the hub of most makers' shops. Tim Lively is a remarkable exception. The grinder is like the kitchen of the house. It's the most used and hardest to get along without (okay, I guess the bathroom is up there too)

Enough trying to make an analogy.

If you can't afford a 2X72 now, make enough knives so that you can get one in the near future.

The point that you will save money with a 2X72 over time is true. The bigger belts are easier to find, and the length means more surface area...which means cooler cutting, and longer life.

Heck, get the 2X42, make enough knives to cover its cost, and plus a 2X72, and then get what you want.

A grinder is vital for a stock removal guy. Again there are exceptions to every rule, but from what you've posted I think you would like a good grinder.

I bought a variable speed Burr King at 18 years of age. That was a lot of bucked bales, mowed lawns, and shoveled sh**, but it was worth all of it. It is versatile and it was easier to learn on.

Of course this is all just my thoughts...
wink.gif


Nick
 
I've been grinding on my Wilton for 6 years and still prefer the 6 by 48 for flat grinding, especially on bigger blades like bowies. Having the wider surface makes it easier to keep from catching the edge of the belt and cutting a groove in the blade

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Take care!! Michael

Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
Ok I think I can build a reasonable 2x72. I have been thinking about it. Check out thisd link and look at the adjustable idler at the bootm of the page. I think I could mount this to a base and build a simple arme with an idler and build a simple platen install a motor with a drive wheel and walla. I really do not think it would be tough. I will think about whether to build or buy. I know I need to step up but without the money it is a tough decision on whether to build or buy. Question; If I build can I get buy with a 1/3-1/2 hp motor untill I get the money for a better one? I can probably find an old motor out of a washing machine or something but do not think they were very high on the hp scale.

http://www.texasknife.com/store/s-pages/TKS_MainframeStore.htm

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" I am a shootist."
Clay Allison
" Does this mean we are bladists?"
Vaquero57
McAlpin Bladesmithing
 
Well here I go again,but I sure would like to see you get something that will work for you. I just don't believe you will make out with anything less than 1hp. and 2hp. is what you will probably want even at that. Sure , if you have a 1/2hp. on hand you will make out and it could be one way to keep the coast down until you could afford to make the change. This equipment stuff never seems to end. I sure would like to have a surface grinder, with a good magnetic chuck of course.Right now I'm hoping to get some camera stuff together and learn how to use that . You certainly seem to have that big desire . We don't have that Harbour Freight co. here in Canada but a lot of guys seem to be pretty happy with their machines -at least in the end. Could be a good starting point. The price sure seemed to be right-in any country.
 
Yeah, I have been asking questions on this topic in the last 2 months so much I am afraid to ask anymore for fear of pissing someone off. I want to do it but just cannot make up my mind except I want more power. If I had the money it would be easy, buy something. But since I have to save my 1/2 pennies it makes building something very appealing. The problem is I need so many things. I do not even have a good respirator yet. I am trying to get a forge going as the torch at my job is damaged. You see so many things and what comes first. On top of it all valentines day(ohhhh boy). I do not think I am alone here.

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" I am a shootist."
Clay Allison
" Does this mean we are bladists?"
Vaquero57
McAlpin Bladesmithing
 
Here is something to consider. I have and use a Grizzly grinder right now. My second one (bought w/o motor for $150) arrived a couple of days ago. My plan is to bore the arm support out to accept a bearing, and have a shaft and end support made. The shaft will include step pulleys for variable speed. I also have an idea for a permanent small wheel assembly.
I know this is kind of vague, but I will post pictures and report on the costs and usability when complete. My goal is <$450 total, which is less than you can buy a Coote for without the motor.

Brett
 
Cory, you can find very powerful electric motors on eBay very inexpensively. I've seen 2 hp motors sell for less than $30. That 50 hp motor was very tempting...

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Dave Larsen
--
The greatest prayer is patience
-Buddha
 
Hey dave 50 hp. I think I am gonna build a small block chevy with open exhaust to power my grinder. Maybe put an RV camshaft in it for more low end torque. Anyone have any ideas for adapting the crankshaft to the drive pulley? Cory
P.S. should I use an automatic transmission or a 5 speed manual? How about a stall convertor?

------------------
" I am a shootist."
Clay Allison
" Does this mean we are bladists?"
Vaquero57
McAlpin Bladesmithing
 
to 57,i am new at this,i am a disabaled vet,but was abale to get a coote grinder,i am running a half hp motor right now,cant afford a good yet..it works.some maybe i;ll be able to get a good motor,i know how the money thing is,hang in there royboy..

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Cory,

I've found pretty good luck with the 2x36 belt attachment I bought for my bench grinder. There are some older posts on this. But, I've been using mine for the past year and have had no problems in grinding and profiling. Might be an alternative you may want to consider. Cost is about $150. No doubt the other is great stuff, I just can't afford $680 right now.

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Try a RAK-(Random Act of Kindness)-you'll like it!
 
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