Craftsman 2X42 question

shaynster

shaynster

Joined
Dec 24, 2009
Messages
354
I'm just getting ready to start making knives and was wondering if you can do hollow grinds on the craftsman. I was going to get the Grizzly grinder, but I'm really considering the craftsman to get started. I'd like to be able to do hollow grinds though.

Thanks,
Shayn
 
You can't do hollow grinds on the craftsman.

As someone who has 4 grinders I'd recommend starting with the 1x30 harbor freight for $40 and then move up to a KMG when you're ready. You will quickly outgrow the craftsman and for the price I don't think it's much better than the 1X30 if better at all.
 
If your serious and know you are going to stick with it, just go for the KMG. I have a craftsman, and used a KMG. I dont even want to look at my craftsman ever again... If money is a factor then I would get a craftsman over harbor freight. You get what you pay for
 
Thanks for the advise. I can't see spending $1500-$2000 right now so I will go with the Grizzly. It seems everyone says there a good grinder, just a little fast.

Shayn
 
shaynster said:
Thanks for the advise. I can't see spending $1500-$2000 right now so I will go with the Grizzly. It seems everyone says there a good grinder, just a little fast.

Shayn
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for hollow grinding not so much , your knife might bump into the motor. Unless there is a way to extend the arbor farther away from the motor
 
The craftsman is 2.8 times the grinder the 1x30 is. It is not impossible to put a contact wheel out front and run 2x72 belts, but is a pretty big modification. They have been modified in many ways though. I put a 1.5hp motor on mine (older 3 wheel model) and a 8" pyroceramic platen which allows me to flat grind the kitchen knives I make lengthwise as well as across which I find help in getting them even and especially in applying a brushed finish.
 
I think that the Coote is a better option, it's more versatile, being belt driven it can achieve three speeds, and since the drive wheel is not mounted on the motor you have plenty of room to hollow grind on both sides. Since the motor can be swapped out, you could even run one off a VFD if you ever get one (for your next grinder.) It's in the same price range. The tracking is also better on the Coote.
 
Check out polar bear forge he sells a grinder kit. I putt mine together for a little more than the grizzly cost. Could be cheaper if you already have a motor
 
KalEl said:
You can't do hollow grinds on the craftsman.

As someone who has 4 grinders I'd recommend starting with the 1x30 harbor freight for $40 and then move up to a KMG when you're ready. You will quickly outgrow the craftsman and for the price I don't think it's much better than the 1X30 if better at all.
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I agree. I started with a 1 x 30 HF and then moved to the Craftsman. In about a month I was trying to get materials together to build a NWGS. The Craftsman is a great grinder, I just outgrew it that fast. Really the 1 x 30 HF is better that the Craftsman because you can get much better (and a larger selection) of belts for it. Just my 2 cents worth.
 
I bought a Harbor Freight 1x30 recently to establish the secondary bevels on my blades prior to hand sharpening. I don't know how anyone gets any real work done on one. It bogs down if you look at it too hard, and the belt will randomly jump an inch in either direction from the center line. When I get a chance I plan on scavenging the motor and drive wheel and building a two-wheel version with a better tracking setup for my edges.

If you have more time and talent than money, look at the No-Weld grinder. Same basic design as the KMG.
 
I also wasn't a fan of the HF 1x30. Tracking is AWFUL, as Storm Crow says! I went through 3, before I gave up and just bought a better quality 1x30. Did a bunch of blades on that, and tried the craftsman, and honestly, I still use it occasionally, even after I got my pheer, because it's got a longer platen surface area. I generally use it for polishing, but do the occasional work on it. I would probably still be using it if it had a bit more power. Also if I could figure out how to adjust the tracking a bit better.

You can get plenty of belts for the 2x42. I get most of mine from Supergrit. However, you're not going to be doing hollow grinds on it. I also strongly recommend saving up the extra for a real grinder though, despite what I've said, if you're at all serious about knifemaking. Even if you find out in a few years that you don't want to stick with it, a good grinder retains value quite well, especially in comparison to the Craftsman.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
You can get plenty of belts for the 2x42. I get most of mine from Supergrit. However, you're not going to be doing hollow grinds on it. I also strongly recommend saving up the extra for a real grinder though, despite what I've said, if you're at all serious about knifemaking. Even if you find out in a few years that you don't want to stick with it, a good grinder retains value quite well, especially in comparison to the Craftsman.
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OTOH that means you can pick up a used craftsman cheap. I bought mine for $50.
 
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