"Entry level" vs "professional" grinders

You can get steel flat with a 4x36 bench belt grinder or a flat platen or a 9 inch disc grinder but you had better be able to hold your steel perpendicular to the surfaces or you will have a piece of steel with two flat sides that are not quite parallel. The surface grinding attachment makes quick work of getting steel flat and it will grind tapered tangs in no time. It is worth the money and takes up little space. Larry P.S. Tapping holes is pretty easy but you can get a machinist to drill and tap holes for not much money and have everything perfect. If you are going to make knives for years then you will be glad you set up good equipment to start. LL
 
I agree I want this to last for years. That's why I'm trying to build it the right way once. I really like the GIB but I would rather do it my own way.
 
valknut said:
T UT I don't have any taps and there's a few things I wanna do different. But it is definitely sweet! How are you liking that surface grinder? It is worth the same price as a KMG?
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You have a Harbor freight near you. They are not the best in the world, but they have a good starter set for around $40. It's a 60 piece set. Mine has paid for itself a few times over.

I really want one of those surface grinder attachments.
 
pleasanthill said:
You have a Harbor freight near you. They are not the best in the world, but they have a good starter set for around $40. It's a 60 piece set. Mine has paid for itself a few times over.

I really want one of those surface grinder attachments.
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I use harbor Freight for a lot of things, but taps would not be one of those. It only takes one broken tap to ruin your entire day. To build a GIB you only need two taps, a 1/4-20 and a 1/2-13 You would be much better off to purchase these two sizes with a U.S.A stamp on them.
 
NC Biker said:
I use harbor Freight for a lot of things, but taps would not be one of those. It only takes one broken tap to ruin your entire day. To build a GIB you only need two taps, a 1/4-20 and a 1/2-13 You would be much better off to purchase these two sizes with a U.S.A stamp on them.
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I agree

Those sets are cheap, carbon steel instead of HSS

The taps are all plug taps, awful to start a tapped hole with

Most likely to snap off



Get a good HSS, spiral point tap in the size you need.
You're quality and money ahead
 
I'm just going to have a buddy drill the required holes put some grade 8 bolts through them and weld what I can't bolt
 
Notice that HF tap & die set. Says right in the advert.
"Repair any mangled nut, bolt or spark plug with ease using this tap and die set "
Since dirt & rust will ruin good taps right quick. Chasing dirty threads is all that set is good for, & thats assuming their tolerances are not too far out of whack.

The Folks at H.F. are not stupid, They depend on their customers to fill that role.
 
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