Disk or surface?

A.McPherson

A.McPherson

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jan 27, 2012
Messages
2,875
Ok folks, got an equipment question for ya!

Disk sander setup from nielsen or a Reeder surface grinder?
 
Big difference in price, no?
A disc grinder is one of the best value $ pieces of equipment to have.
I say the decision depends on what kind of knives you make and what you want to accomplish

Harbeer
 
HSC /// said:
Big difference in price, no?
Click to expand...

Kinda... But I'd also have to find/ build a disk grinder to go with the starter bundle. I have a motor and vfd, so that expense is covered. But i really just don't know which would be more useful.

I don't have a particular style developed yet, and I make fixed blades, both full and hidden tanged. I haven't taken the leap into folders yet, but I'm sure I will at some point...
 
The reeder surface grinder is $1600
A disc grinder can be put together for $350
You have the motor and vfd so a disc costs $100 for you. If you want a titling table rest, that’s a different story.

I have a Boyar Schultz surface grinder I bought for $800.
personally I wouldn’t buy the belt grinder surfacing attachment. But that’s me. I would go for a separate dedicated floor standing surface grinder.

$1600 I would get a used surface grinder and a couple of disc grinders. This assumes you have the shop space
 
I have two disc grinders, I don't use them for blades though. They get used on every build, a lot. So quick and smooth to shape and trim stuff on. I could not look back from here, they have simplified so much.
 
H HSC ///
I'm looking at building or buying a disk grinder with a tilting table and the Nielsen quick change disk set. So using your figures, it'll cost 460 for the set, 350+ for the grinder itself, we're at >800$.
So yes the surface grinder attachment (which is the only thing I have space for) is 2 times as expensive. But it's it 2 as useful. That's what I'm trying to figure out.
 
If you don t forge i would buy disk grinder first.............I can t anymore make single knife without my disk grinders :D
 
I do forge...

Not a ton, but I do find it to be a lot more fun than just the grinding...
 
Buy surface ground steel

I use my disc grinder on every knife. I have the Nielson Disc system and it is by far one of the most useful and time savers in my shop.
 
Disc. It is very versatile. The Reeder surface grinder is great for what it does, but is a specialized tool.
 
I have a genuine question. Ever since I started making knives and coming to this forum, I’ve read the praises of a disc grinder. I’ve never been around or used one. Can someone explain what I’m missing out on by not using one? What exactly can you do on them that you can’t do on other grinders?
 
You can make things flat and square with them much more easily than with a belt grinder. The abrasive is glued up against a hard backer so it doesn't bunch up at the edge.
If you have a tilting rest you can make angled pieces with the same angle over and over. Very useful for handles.
I know folder guys use it for damn near everything...
 
I really don't know... I know some guys make ones that flip so they can use them both ways.
 
Mine can flip (AMK) but I use it with the disc vertical because I end up using it the most for handle work. Flattening and creating angles using the work rest. I now use it on every build I flatten tangs on full tangs, flatten scales or block fit ups, create angles for multipiece handles, and the rare knife I hand sand I use the disc beforehand and that shortens hand sanding to 30-45min. It would probably be even faster if I hand sanded more often.
 
I'd say Both, since the disk grinder is so easy to make, and you've got the motor 'n VFD the only cost is the disk and stand for it. You'll have a couple hundred max in the disk grinder by the time you rig up a stand, tilting work rest, etc. The Reeder SGA is so neat and you'll use it more than you'll realize. Yes, it's a specialized piece of equip, but darn useful.

Or, spend $300 for the https://trugrit.com/product/tg92-base-with-disc/ using your motor 'n VFD and have a really NICE setup.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top