Entry level grinder

rodriguez7

rodriguez7

Gila wilderness knife works
Joined
Feb 1, 2009
Messages
1,428
Hi guys, I'm looking into getting started on making some knives here and there as a hobby! Nothing to major, just simple work. I'm wondering if you can help me on some lower end grinders, nothing to pricey. Just to get started, I've kind of looked in the grizzly setup, but not much else. Thanks for the help.
 
This has been covered somewhat extensively in even some recent threads, but the OregonBladeMaker chassis seems to be the best bang for the buck.

Just under $1k will potentially get you a full flat platen setup with a low cost variable speed set up. This leaves room for future tool arms (at additional cost of course) vs. just buying a 1 speed grinder like a craftsmans 2x42 or the Grizzly 2x72.

Polar Bear Forge also makes the SLING kit grinders that can be put together a little more reasonably, but don't really allow for future tool arm changes and what not.

Lastly, you could build your own for potentially less money yet, but that really depends what you have available locally, what you can scrounge up, and how good you are at building tools. In that case, something like the NWGS is a good option.
 
knife to a gunfight said:
This has been covered somewhat extensively in even some recent threads, but the OregonBladeMaker chassis seems to be the best bang for the buck.

Just under $1k will potentially get you a full flat platen setup with a low cost variable speed set up. This leaves room for future tool arms (at additional cost of course) vs. just buying a 1 speed grinder like a craftsmans 2x42 or the Grizzly 2x72.

Polar Bear Forge also makes the SLING kit grinders that can be put together a little more reasonably, but don't really allow for future tool arm changes and what not.

Lastly, you could build your own for potentially less money yet, but that really depends what you have available locally, what you can scrounge up, and how good you are at building tools. In that case, something like the NWGS is a good option.
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Hi,

I agree with this - I recently bought an Oregon Blade Maker frame, paired with a cheap VFD and a motor I bought off of craigslist.

Everything was easy to set up and works great.
 
Ameribrade! I've used a tw-90 multiple kmg, couple home built and a northridge and for the money personally the ameribrade is amazing.
 
knife to a gunfight said:
This has been covered somewhat extensively in even some recent threads, but the OregonBladeMaker chassis seems to be the best bang for the buck.

Just under $1k will potentially get you a full flat platen setup with a low cost variable speed set up. This leaves room for future tool arms (at additional cost of course) vs. just buying a 1 speed grinder like a craftsmans 2x42 or the Grizzly 2x72.

Polar Bear Forge also makes the SLING kit grinders that can be put together a little more reasonably, but don't really allow for future tool arm changes and what not.

Lastly, you could build your own for potentially less money yet, but that really depends what you have available locally, what you can scrounge up, and how good you are at building tools. In that case, something like the NWGS is a good option.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, sometimes I don't have much time to search various threads, so I figured I would ask. Gives me something to work off of. Besides what do we have a forum for if not to ask and discuss things.
 
rodriguez7 said:
Thanks for the reply, sometimes I don't have much time to search various threads, so I figured I would ask. Gives me something to work off of. Besides what do we have a forum for if not to ask and discuss things.
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No problem.


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I made these on my Wilmont LB1000. I have replaced the resin wheels and have a fully adjustable table. You don' necessarily need a more professional machine to get started. The craftsmen here have been my teachers and will always help you.


 
Looking at the Oregon grinder, anyone know the difference between the yellow and black versions? The black Frame is a bit different but there's no reason listed in the description. It's a little more expensive, is it just for looks? The wheel also looks like it's placed a little differently.
 
Ordenrahl said:
Looking at the Oregon grinder, anyone know the difference between the yellow and black versions? The black Frame is a bit different but there's no reason listed in the description. It's a little more expensive, is it just for looks? The wheel also looks like it's placed a little differently.
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Looks like it's bolted vs welded, with a slightly different shape on the tracking arm. I seriously doubt that there's any appreciable or functional difference between the two.
 
The black one is bolted together, it is easier to take apart and ship overseas.

Performance is the same
 
Don't know how serious a grinder you're looking for, but I've been using my little craftsman 2x42 for almost 5 years now. It's coming to the end of it's usefulness to me as my main grinder, but damned if it hasn't done everything I've asked it to without complaining...
 
I have a couple of homebuilts, and I also purchased the grinder in a box from Polar Bear Forge. The GIB performs fantastically. I was able to get a motor and VFD on the cheap (Engineering Manager with company discount), but I believe this would be easy to build out the door for under a grand. I had the little craftsman 2X42, prior to my addiction to bladesmithing, for everyday use, and it is a fine little machine for just over $100. I have no experience trying to grind a blade on it, but I would expect it to perform better than a grinding wheel on a washing machine motor, which I have seen some nice blades come off of by people far more reputable in the biz than I am!
 
For the price, that craftsman looks good for me, just to get started for now at least. Did they discontinue them? I can't find one online anywhere.
 
are you located in the new england area? I have one that I'm not using anymore since i upgraded to my 2x72
 
Any of the rest of you old farts remember when there was nothing to choose from but a square wheel and a bader?
 
If you're a bit handy & have some time & $, you can build a very good grinder for not too much money. There's an IMS in Alb. if you're near there. https://www.industrialmetalsupply.com/?gclid=CN_zh_jM2NICFQ2ffgodIFsD8Q

I used their "receiver hitch-tube" for the stand & sliding parts, it worked out pretty well. If you can weld or have a buddy who does, it might be worth looking into. Mine ended up at about $600, but without a VFD setup.
 
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