Classic 'Help, I'm looking to buy a 2x72 grinder' Thread

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9000_red

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I'm tired of my Grizzly G1015. On a thin blade, I overheat blades regularly, even after making many, many blades with it. I'm ready to upgrade. I'm thinking buy once and never again.

I bought the Grizzly and 10" wheel because I entered knife making as a big fan of freehand hollow grinding. I have developed a habit of grinding my blades with the edge down because the belt caught the edge a few times early on and had the knife thrown to the ground.

I would like to start trying to do more flat grinds, but I haven't even really attempted to do them on the Grizzly, due to the platen being awkwardly high, and I just haven't bothered, as I've been meeting my goals by doing things the way I have been doing them.

So, I've been researching 2x72 grinders fairly extensively. I want to upgrade to a grinder that feels like what I've become used to, but better. I'm inclined to get a variable speed, but I'm not 100% sold on that being absolutely necessary.

I don't have a lot of experience threading holes, which eliminates the DIY aspect from what I can tell. I don't want to fight the machine for 6 months trying to get it to perform because of some misaligned hole I can't pinpoint. I'm not against putting the grinder together from various sources, but I don't want to rely on my machining skills to get it done.

The Coote grinder looks like a simple and inexpensive replacement for what I'm used to, which is grinding on a 10" wheel exclusively. I may have the same overheating issues, and not sure how well you can flat grind with a two wheel grinder.

Pheer I like, because they are reasonably priced, and lots of versatility. Hate the lead time, but not a deal breaker. I also really like the idea of the PH-427, which is the variable speed grinder with a 16" wheel. This looks like it would be a smooth transition from being used to a 10" wheel running wide open. It's a compromise on the flat grinding, but looks like you'd be very near a flat grind on such a massive wheel.

And of course, I love the big name production grinders. KMG's line looks great, and the versatility of course is there, it's just the heavy price tag. It is worth it, but if I go that route, it won't be until I've exhausted all other options.

If it helps - I'm a part time maker, I sell knives solely to finance the hobby, and have been doing so for just over a year. I'm so tired of my Grizzly, I've considered going back to a filing jig until I can replace it, as I keep wasting time by overheating blades.
 
I know where there is a wilton square wheel with attachments for a very reasonable price if you're interested.
 
Sure. I'm located in in Northwest Arkansas, if that ends up being a problem. PM me if you don't mind!
 
You can get a KMG chasis for $605. Take the wheel off your Grizzley and get some bearing mounted. Then buy a motor and pulleys and you could be set up for around $950
 
This is an option, but for another $500 I could purchase a Pheer, and use my Grizzly for profiling. I hadn't considered going this route though, so I appreciate the input. I would like the precision of the KMG chassis.
 
Get the KMG with flat platen,you already have a wheel grinder set up.Even if you are not sold on varible speed ,at the very least get the three speed pulley set up.It really helps to be able to slow it down a bit.You won't overheat as quickly.
Eddie
 
The esteem grinder is a super solid machine in your budget. Plus it's made by a great guy right here on BF.

"Buy once, cry once"
 
gredpe3 said:
Get the KMG with flat platen,you already have a wheel grinder set up.Even if you are not sold on varible speed ,at the very least get the three speed pulley set up.It really helps to be able to slow it down a bit.You won't overheat as quickly.
Eddie
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I was thinking a 3 pulley set up would work. Just slowing down the grinder will be huge.
 
Eric Kidwell said:
The esteem grinder is a super solid machine in your budget. Plus it's made by a great guy right here on BF.

"Buy once, cry once"
Click to expand...

The Esteem does look nice. I may reach out to them and see what they can do. I haven't seen as many reviews, but all positive.
 
I had a similar thread recently. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1129551-Pheer-PH427-or-a-KMG-3-Speed?p=12890526#post12890526

I had narrowed my choice down to a Pheer 427 or a KMG three speed, then the Esteem wound up in the mix.

In the end it wound up being the KMG for me (although I haven't purchased it yet). The cost is about the same, the Pheer runs around $1475 with a 10" wheel and platen, the KMG is $1496 for the same but with a 3 speed instead of the variable speed. The Esteem looks like a great machine, but runs a bit more expensive.

The KMG seems to be the most solid machine with the most bang for the buck. But each of the three has their strengths, it depends on whats best for you. But IMO if you don't need variable speed the KMG is the best to go with.
 
Tried to send you a pm red. You have to set your settings to accept them. Edit: Sorry, sales talk.
 
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jaymeister99 said:
I had a similar thread recently. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1129551-Pheer-PH427-or-a-KMG-3-Speed?p=12890526#post12890526

I had narrowed my choice down to a Pheer 427 or a KMG three speed, then the Esteem wound up in the mix.

In the end it wound up being the KMG for me (although I haven't purchased it yet). The cost is about the same, the Pheer runs around $1475 with a 10" wheel and platen, the KMG is $1496 for the same but with a 3 speed instead of the variable speed. The Esteem looks like a great machine, but runs a bit more expensive.

The KMG seems to be the most solid machine with the most bang for the buck. But each of the three has their strengths, it depends on whats best for you. But IMO if you don't need variable speed the KMG is the best to go with.
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Very good point. I may end up with a KMG, but the Pheer is a good price.
 
The pheer price comes with a flat platen too. I recently bought the 8" wheel& flat platen combo for $1200 shipped. It does take 5 weeks to get the grinder but well worth it.
 
There is a grinder listed in the knife makers for sale section on here that appears to be very nicely built, and at a decent price. Comes very well set up with options, as well as a 2hp and a VFD. May be worth a look.
 
Hi, I am a 63 year old knife maker. I remember when I was 22 years old and I wanted a nice stereo system. Everything that was nice was too much money for a young guy. I finally decided to save my money for ONE component at a time until I had a basic system. First I bought a turntable and didn't even open the box. Then I bought a fairly new but used amplifier from a stereo shop. Finally, six months later I bought a pair of speakers. The stereo was first class quality and I enjoyed it for several years.

Instead of buying a grinder that is a good deal and will suffice why not buy the basic KMG grinder without the variable speed drive or motor? Then shop those other items as you can afford and over the months put together a first class machine and be done with it for a while. Get a platen and an 8 inch wheel and do most of what you want until you can afford other pieces. I have given away and sold equipment that was almost good enough to do the work I want. (what a waste of money) Now I want the best tools that I can find. Just my opinion. One more option is borrow the money fro a credit union and get what you want like a Bader or loaded KMG. Larry Lehman
 
LARRYZ10 said:
Hi, I am a 63 year old knife maker. I remember when I was 22 years old and I wanted a nice stereo system. Everything that was nice was too much money for a young guy. I finally decided to save my money for ONE component at a time until I had a basic system. First I bought a turntable and didn't even open the box. Then I bought a fairly new but used amplifier from a stereo shop. Finally, six months later I bought a pair of speakers. The stereo was first class quality and I enjoyed it for several years.

Instead of buying a grinder that is a good deal and will suffice why not buy the basic KMG grinder without the variable speed drive or motor? Then shop those other items as you can afford and over the months put together a first class machine and be done with it for a while. Get a platen and an 8 inch wheel and do most of what you want until you can afford other pieces. I have given away and sold equipment that was almost good enough to do the work I want. (what a waste of money) Now I want the best tools that I can find. Just my opinion. One more option is borrow the money fro a credit union and get what you want like a Bader or loaded KMG. Larry Lehman
Click to expand...

Yeah, like Eric said, buy once, cry once. I'm already in the position where I bought the first thing I could afford and I hate it. You're spot on.
 
I recently purchased a little buddy from Wilmont. I set it up with a three horse motor and 6inch drive wheel, so it can go very fast. It is not as solid as my kmg but is much quieter and has performed flawlessly. I am very happy with the grinder. I got it for 500 (now I think it is 600), about 200 for wheels (you can get them even cheaper though sunray if you know what you need) and a motor on ebay for 80 bucks, I already had the vfd for another machine. It took maybe 45 minutes to assemble. I think it is one of the best values going right now.
 
JMJones said:
I recently purchased a little buddy from Wilmont. I set it up with a three horse motor and 6inch drive wheel, so it can go very fast. It is not as solid as my kmg but is much quieter and has performed flawlessly. I am very happy with the grinder. I got it for 500 (now I think it is 600), about 200 for wheels (you can get them even cheaper though sunray if you know what you need) and a motor on ebay for 80 bucks, I already had the vfd for another machine. It took maybe 45 minutes to assemble. I think it is one of the best values going right now.
Click to expand...

Haven't heard of a Wilmont before now. Looks like they're cleaned out of inventory on some of their entry models. I'll keep them in mind.
 
LARRYZ10 said:
Get a platen and an 8 inch wheel and do most of what you want until you can afford other pieces.
Click to expand...

This is why I decided on the KMG. For the 10" wheel, platen, and a 1.5hp motor the Pheer and KMG run about the same price. Only you don't get the variable speed on the KMG for that price.

Don't need variable speed, and I can always add it later.
 
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