Coote or KMG for first grinder????

jll346

jll346

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
May 29, 2006
Messages
4,595
I have read a million posts on all this and in the end it is up to me to decide but this is killing me. I love knives and own 200+ knives but have never attempted to make one. I think the time is right so I need a grinder. The KMG takes my breath away but is not cheap. Especially for a first timer. Or am I wrong? HELP!!!!!!!!!
 
I will pass on that. Thanks though. I wouldn't think twice about the cost if I could see down the road and know I will still be using it.
 
I have owned a coote for many years now when they were only 150.00 and it is still running after hundreds of knive made. As time went on I have added some of their extras. Had to replace the bearings in the idler once a couple of years back. The price is still right and would buy another if needed but just a one man shop.

How is the OCC crew doing these days?

Jim
 
This is a frequent debate around here. A Coote is a very nice grinder. The ability to add a small wheel attachment and a disc grinding attachment makes it more versatile than a Grizzly grinder (which has many adherents as a viable entry-level machine, and offers a shaft for a buffing wheel.).

After that you step up into a series of grinders like the KMG and Bader III which offer the possibility of even more versatility through the use of fancier platens, rotary platen, etc. Having multiple tool arms allows for quick changeover between attachments.

With either grinder, you get to choose how much you want to invest in the power train: electronic variable speed, multi-pulley variable speed, or single speed.

It then becomes a question of economy. A KMG will probably retain more value percentage-wise, but the $$ loss on either grinder will probably be the same if you decide knifemaking is not for you. If you stick with knifemaking, you will probably end up buying a "big" machine anyway. Many serious makers have a couple machines. The Coote would be a "second machine" you'd probably use forever regardless.

If you have substantial disposable income, the KMG is heavier and in my opinion preferable. If economy is an issue, you will not have thrown any money away in a Coote. Either machine would be capable of providing for an entire lifetime of making knives.

Hope that helps.
 
If I could see down the road, a whole lot of decisions would be easier.

Me? I'm looking at the Coote. But only because I can't afford the KMG (Bader, etc.) My opinion is that the only reason to not buy the best tool is that you can't swing the cost up front. If you can afford the KMG, go for it. If you find it sitting unused in a year, I'll bet you can recover a pretty good percentage of the cost by reselling it here. Of course, that's true of the Coote too because there will always be folks like me looking to get started for less $$.

rmd
 
jim moyer said:
I have owned a coote for many years now when they were only 150.00 and it is still running after hundreds of knive made. As time went on I have added some of their extras. Had to replace the bearings in the idler once a couple of years back. The price is still right and would buy another if needed but just a one man shop.

How is the OCC crew doing these days?

Jim
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OCC is ok. They just unvailed there plans for the "NEW WORLD HEAD QUARTERS". He was not living the poor life before this. But now!:eek: He sure as hell doesn't have to contemplate the cost of things. They are always outside playing around. I think they have more toys than bikes. I go there on a regular basis for work. My office is only 2 miles down the road from them. Thanks all for the input.....

One last question. 8" or 10". I will definately be doing flat grinding for some time so????
 
A few years back I was having the same debate. Knowing my tendencies to drift between hobbies I decided a staged approach was in order. I bought the 10" Coote and figured that if I made enough knives to justify it I would later buy the KMG.

Now fast forwarding to the present. I have made approximately 100 knives and have not found a need to buy another grinder. I know some suggest a 2-wheel grinder a bit more difficult to flat grind on however I do not find it difficult at all. All of my knives have been flat ground except for a couple and I still have the end of my nose.:D

Personally, I would buy the coote and put the extra money into belts and other tools you will need. Once you start making, let your hobby pay for itself and when it can, buy a brand new KMG with all the extras. There is no doubt that the KMG is a beautiful piece of equipment worth every penny. For me, for now, I do not sell my knives and knife making has remained a very relaxing hobby. I think for any hobbiest, the Coote is way more than enough.

Best Regards
Dean
 
DCT said:
A few years back I was having the same debate. Knowing my tendencies to drift between hobbies I decided a staged approach was in order. I bought the 10" Coote and figured that if I made enough knives to justify it I would later buy the KMG.

Now fast forwarding to the present. I have made approximately 100 knives and have not found a need to buy another grinder. I know some suggest a 2-wheel grinder a bit more difficult to flat grind on however I do not find it difficult at all. All of my knives have been flat ground except for a couple and I still have the end of my nose.:D

Personally, I would buy the coote and put the extra money into belts and other tools you will need. Once you start making, let your hobby pay for itself and when it can, buy a brand new KMG with all the extras. There is no doubt that the KMG is a beautiful piece of equipment worth every penny. For me, for now, I do not sell my knives and knife making has remained a very relaxing hobby. I think for any hobbiest, the Coote is way more than enough.

Best Regards
Dean
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I think that is the way I am leaning. For the grinder and a motor I will still be less than the KMG.
 
The only thing I noticed is if you want to put a small wheel up on top I am going to have to use a ladder to access it and I am not a small guy.. Is it common to use small rollers?
 
jll346 said:
OCC is ok. They just unvailed there plans for the "NEW WORLD HEAD QUARTERS". He was not living the poor life before this. But now!:eek: He sure as hell doesn't have to contemplate the cost of things. They are always outside playing around. I think they have more toys than bikes. I go there on a regular basis for work. My office is only 2 miles down the road from them. Thanks all for the input.....

One last question. 8" or 10". I will definately be doing flat grinding for some time so????
Click to expand...

That's a tough one to answer with many opinions on the BF. I have an 8 and do all my hollow grinds with this. I guess you just learn to adapt your own capabilities with what you have.
 
jll346 said:
The only thing I noticed is if you want to put a small wheel up on top I am going to have to use a ladder to access it and I am not a small guy.. Is it common to use small rollers?
Click to expand...

The unit has a 180 degree friction swing in the lower pillow block area and can be placed at many angles. So the wheels are no problem to access. I think there are photos on his accessory site.
 
I just typed out a huge post but hit some damn button and lost it all.

My 10 inch Coote was money well spent and I would do it again. If you have any questions shoot me an email.

I only use a 1HP motor with it...though I do have a 1-1/2 just have to change it over but really a 1HP will work.

Take care

Craig
 
KMG hand down. scrounge a decent motor. run it off pulleys
and just buy one. they're very cheap compared to some other set ups you can find out there
KMG is very simple and you can buy basic and build onto it. well worth it
Rob will take care of you too
 
Your Killing me!! I had myself set on a Coote. The coote with extras and a set of step pulleys is still hundreds less. I love the looks of the KMG but WOW. I was also curious as to the weight difference. To ship a 10" coot with all the extras is just under $40. KMG wants $85 to ship. Christ thats a whole lot of belts.
 
ahhh a whole lot of cheap belt a few good ones.
don't worry about it in the long run its better to buy one good grinder.

some day you'll want a KMG and have the old coote sitting around for secondary work.

but if you go with KMG first you can just buy so many accessories for it you won't need anything else.

small wheel attachments
rotary platen
tons of different wheels
extra work rests, you can go on and on.

do you plan on flat grinding or hollow? if you only plan on flat you can get out of cheap and skip the wheel.

i say go with the KMG ya can't beat the machine the service and the price. check on ebay for leeson motors you can usually find something to fit you need for cheap $$$
 
A little holidays promo and I think I would jump on a KMG-8. Oh well.........
 
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