Coote verses Suremak Grinder

D

Dennis Paish

Joined
Jan 3, 2007
Messages
302
Greetings,
Ohh wise knife makers.......... Researching my first grinder, please help!

I have purchased a 1 HP DC motor and a Variable/Reversible controller. Well, thats not exactly correct...I bought two. I am thinking of adding one to a 9" Diameter Aluminum Sanding Disc. Anyways, back to my question....

With both grinders being of equal value (including shipping into Calgary, Alberta, Canada), which grinder would you purchase?

Coote Grinder
http://www.cootebeltgrinder.com/

Suremak Grinder
http://www.suremak.com/grinder.html

All feedback and advice is welcome. The suspense is killing me. I've been reading and looking at everyone's work for months and I can not wait to start grinding.

Thanks!
Dennis
 
John,
My first call was to Beaumont Metal Works to purchase the grinder. I was told, and I called back twice to verify, that they do not ship to Canada.

Norm Coote has no problem shipping into Canada.

Dennis
 
My vote is for the Coote. Norm makes a fine machine. I'm biased towards the KMG as I own three of Rob's KMGs and the horizonal grinder and four of his flat plate discs too, but I have seen the Cootes and they are fine machines too.

:)

-Darren
 
IMO the three-wheel machines are much more versatile (namely the Bader and the KMG).
 
Maybe you can ask Rob if you can arrange a shipping company to pick up the grinder from his place (removes his liability) and he might go along with the idea.

This way you can get a KMG in Canada.

Otherwise, I'd just go for the Coote or a Grizzly ($395 and ready to run).

IMHO, $825 is a lot for an aluminum grinder. Try and get the KMG -if I were you. ;)
 
Here's another thought, I see Rob often at shows, hammer-ins, etc. I'd be happy to receive a packaged grinder from him at a show and then turn around and ship it to you if you'd like. You would have to assume all responsibility for it once it is out of my hands, but I would be happy to do that for you. If you're interested, just let me know.

:)

-Darren
 
How unfortunate is it that our Northern brethren are so limited
in tools they can get, with border being so close ... I can not
understand the reasoning behind these restrictions....

I am sure someone close to your part of the border can receive the
KMG for you and then all you have to do is to drive it back to Canada.
 
Dennis

We've already discused this topic but Darren Ellis has added in a great option for you to consider. He is a great guy to deal with and is making a most generous offer.

Rob (Frink)

I know you read these forums. Was there a bad experience up North, or is it just too much of a PITA. Still interested if you'd like to simplify things with a single window approach to Canadian sales.

Rob! (Ridley)
 
same thing i went through... ... no ship to can

my coote is holding up and i've used it a couple years.... have a 10inch wheel on it.. and a 1hp baldor

theres a serious lack of decent grinders up here.. ... KBC tools has a wilton for $1875
-- jeez.. for these prices you could set up a real industrial backstand linisher

-also....watch out for customs.. they'll ding you abit when you ship up the grinder...... they got me good

as for the suremak.... if it was made of iron, it would be worth the price... made of aluminum, not a chance !

having a good heavy grinder is very handy and stable

just my opinion
G
 
Clarification:
I've recently looked at a Coote grinder and it is made of cast aluminum where the Suremak is CNC'd plate aluminum.
Please remember that the comparision I am requesting has both grinders costing the same.

Dennis
 
Except for the machined wheel. I do not think the Coote is Aluminum.
 
yep... my old coote is cast aluminum... ... i'm not sure your gonna find anyone that has both grinders... cause usually once you've cut your teeth on the coote, then you move up to a bader, burr king

does anyone you know of ...own a suremak... i'd test it out before putting up the money
-- its good to take your time when buying one of these .... its alot of money

G
 
Okay
The Coote Grinder is good, though I didn't buy it. The Kmg is better, but I had to drive down and pick it up. What we need is a company in Canada to rep Beaumont Metals KMG grinder.

Rob Ridley, I know you rep Bee grinders, how hard is it to rep KMG? Have you guys spoken about it?

Frank
 
Dennis Paish said:
John,
My first call was to Beaumont Metal Works to purchase the grinder. I was told, and I called back twice to verify, that they do not ship to Canada.

Norm Coote has no problem shipping into Canada.

Dennis
Click to expand...

I live in Canada and ordered a KMG1 last year with no problem...unless his shipping policy has changed......BTW it rocks. I love it.

I too got dinged by customs but it was worth it in my opinion.
Mike
 
Frank Barron said:
Okay
The Coote Grinder is good, though I didn't buy it. The Kmg is better, but I had to drive down and pick it up. What we need is a company in Canada to rep Beaumont Metals KMG grinder.

Rob Ridley, I know you rep Bee grinders, how hard is it to rep KMG? Have you guys spoken about it?

Frank
Click to expand...

I have contacted Rob Frink a couple times now about representing the KMG. He told me that he was glad to ship to Canada but was not interested in a distributor up here at this time. I'll keep bugging him once a year or so. From reading this thread, it appears he has now found it necessary to stop shipping to Canada all together. Those of us who have to deal with Canada Customs can probably understand the reasons.

FWIW, I got a similar answer from COOTE. Canadians are welcome to purchase them - directly from Coote.

I'd be happy to be able to represent both of these machines. They meet my main criteria of a long history of satisfied knife making customers and fair value. I wonder if Norm and Rob know how big the white tails get up here? :D

Rob!
 
I was glad to see this thread, I'm in the same boat. I live in central Saskatchewan, and recently talked to Norm Coote about a grinder. I'm sure that by the time it gets up here, and with the exchange, that it will cost around the same, like you've said. I've never even seen the other one made in B.C. Do you all think that it would be that much worse being made of aluminum? I guess the more weight, the smoother it runs, right? I like the idea of having the 1" finger wheel, though, I'm sure it would be handy. I wish I could just go to a store and buy one. There's a guy in the province that makes a grinder similar to the Square Wheel, but wants $1000.00 for them, and I'm not cool with that. What's a guy to do?:mad:

Rob
 
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