Do I Want a Bench Grinder or Something Else...?

O

Omega Leather Works

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Jun 13, 2007
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Hey guys I bought an 8" 3/4hp grinder and am wondering if I made the wrong choicein tools.

About me: Ive made exactley 1 knife. This was made at work. Ill tell you about my works shop in a sec.

Ive bought a 1" by 30" belt sander (I love this little sucker!)

I bought a drill press

I bought a nice big vice/anvil combo and some new ball peen hammers.

I also bought a bunch of sandpaper and a few Nicholson files.

Ill be doing stock removal exclusevly for now.

Ok the shop at work... (I work for Kraft Foods) is pretty awesome. Its a large factory and I have access to the whole shop anytime:eek: . I love going in in the middle of the night! :p

The work shop is eqiupped with a bunch of grinders (all kinds) belt sanders, band saws, lathes, mills... you name it if it cuts or shapes metal most likely its in there. :thumbup:

Now for my home use I havent even unpacked/opened the grinder because I havent found a use for it.

Is there a better way to have spent my money? Maybe just take it back and build a forge? Or take it back and get an angle grinder... or what?

What would you guys do? ;)
 
I would save up about $1200+ and purchase a good 2 X 72 grinder. I myself am going to have the KMG with the VFD. You can buy a basic package and add to it as you see fit. It will do flat grinds with the flat platen. If you buy one or more of the contact wheel attachments, you'll be able to do hollow grinds on it.

I've ground knives on a Wilton Square Wheel, a Coote, a Grizzly and the KMG. The Coote and Grizzly are less money than the KMG, while the Wilton Square Wheel is more. I personally liked the KMG the best, so that is what I'm shooting for.

I'm currently using the 1 x 30 to grind my knives and it is very slow going. I have an 8" bench grinder also, but rarely use it. I also have a 1 x 42 belt sander, which I don't use often because it is underpowered.

You won't regret getting a good 2 x 72. In addition, if you ever tire of making knives and want to sell the 2 x 72 they sell very easily.

Ickie
 
Thanks bud.

I think at this stage in the game Id like to continue useing the belt sander I have because so far Im only useing it to clean up what I did with the commercial belt sanders I use at work.

What other power tools would be great for profiling? The flat face grinder Im useing at work today to cut a bunch of stock is great but im sure its waaaaaay out of my price range.

What can I use to remove lots of material quickly? My files are roughly 1/4" and its taking forever to cut em down...
 
I've ground a lot of blades on a stone wheel grinder. Thats what I started on 30+ years ago. I'm just now getting around to building my first belt grinder, but I'm sure that I'll always have a use for the stone. It has some short comings but it will hog off metal.
 
scottickes said:
A 2 X 72 belt grinder will remove lots of material quickly! That's why I suggested it....
Click to expand...

Ya know it just occured to me that the belt @ work is worn... It has been really underwhelming. Im not sure of its specs but I do know it's 2" by 'really long'. :) Im gonna change the belt tonight and let ya know how it goes.
 
Strigamort said:
For sure! Scott I wasnt thinking apparently... I a fresh 120 on there. Yikes. So keep the bench grinder? The belt @ work will deff. be enough for now.
Click to expand...

Having a bench grinder (i.e. one with stone wheels) is always a useful tool to have.

Ickie
 
You might wanna invest in some better grinding wheels for that bench grinder. I replaced the rough grey stock ones on mine with 2 white Nortons, an 80 and a 120. My chisels are MUCH happier.

The new ones are softer and run much cooler.........

You can also get buffing (Here's a tip from painful and time-consuming experience, use a different wheel for each buffing compound or you WILL regret it one day. Keep them in separate ziplox so they stay uncontaminated), wire and scotch wheels that are all useful to have.

Syn
 
Im thinking that you seem to have most of what you need at work. Lucky you! I would try and get a proper forge because it is after all another important aspect of making a good knife, and I assume they wont have that at work?

Lang
 
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