Favorite 2x72 grinder?

C

Critical Mass

Joined
Jun 2, 1999
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I am ready to plunk down the $$ for a grinder and I was wanting to know what everyone's favorite 2x72 grinder is, and why?
 
If you'll try the search feature you'll find several lengthy threads on this subject. Have fun.
 
I think a "hands on session" would give a better impression of what the various machines are like and a feel for horsepower needed.

An example being horsepower, mine is 1.5hp, maybe its a magic motor but some think 2.hp or more is minimum. I have never been able to slow mine down, even loading the belt enough to make it drift off the platen or contact wheel.

Given the variety of grinders on the market, somebody is buying them and even the lowest price range represents dollars you don't want to waste if you wind up frowning when you use it.

"Knives 2002" the book, has a directory of makers by state. A feeler on this site might produce a couple of opportunities also.
 
I got a Log Cabin Forge Grinder from Stan Parson's in Midland, MI. It is a very solidly built Grinder at a reasonable price.

I have also heard many good things about the KMG-1 from Rob Frink. The biggest drawback for me on Rob's grinder was the lack of an installed motor. (I did not have access to a reasonable variable speed motor and really did not want to have to work out the setup. Lazy? Maybe. But you only have so much time in a day)

Good Luck!

Bob Sigmon
 
Bader BIII 2hp VS.

A great second grinder is the JL Horizontal.

If you really want to go all out the best is the Bader Space Saver. 7hp VS 2X132 and a 20" contact wheel. Of course it will set you back about $6000-$7000.
 
I bought a new Burr King and had the 1.5 hp motor installed in 1992. I wish I would have known how cool variable speed was at the time. A few years ago I built my own 220v 1 hp vaiable speed 14" wheel, direct drive, it even has reverse although I dont use it. It will take 2x72 or 2x132 belts. Now Im building a small wheel grinder with a variable speed drive system out of a craftsman table top jig saw. I cant help it I just like tools.
 
My favorite is the Burr King 960. Sure wish someone would make one like it, just like it. Maybe with a little luck Burr King will start making them again.
 
Yeah, I have been thinking about the Bader III with 1.5 or 2HP VS, but a 7 HP machine with a 20" contact wheel man-o-man, I don't think I'll be needing that one anytime soon ;)
 
i have been real happy with the HARDCORE 1.5 var, i bought about three years ago. smooth,quiet and good looking :cool:
 
Mine is the BIII with variable 1.5hp. Had I known then what I know now, I'd get 2 hp for sure. Whatever you decide on, don't overlook the addons - tool rests for both contact wheel and platen, etc. Variable speed is the best thing you will ever do for yourself. I love this machine, it's powerful, quite, steady. If I were looking again I'd also consider Rob Frink's.

Dave
 
You can't go wrong with Rob Frink's KMG-1. I got extra tooling arms with mine so I can change from small wheel to big wheel to platen literally in seconds if I wish. Also belt changes only take a few seconds. Best machine I ever bought and certainly the one that gets the most use in my shop. The only drawback is that motor issue. You do need to get a motor for it and as others have said variable speed is the best. If you can't quite afford both the grinder and variable speed you can use pulleys. I end up running mine on one set of slower pulleys and just leave it there and I'm perfectly happy.
 
The earlier post was correct, a simple search will reveal a lot of comments. Personally, I bought a Log Cabin Forge grinder. Seems like Bob Sigmon and I have similiar tastes in that it represents a lot of value for the money--even got the Variable Speed with a 10" wheel and the small wheel attachment. I looked real hard at Bob Frinks KMG-1, but I wasn't bright enough to go shopping for a motor to match it up with. Stan Parson at Log Cabin offered a wrapped up package ready to grind out of the box (he even threw in 3 new belts to get started!)--Dan
 
If I were looking again I would get the Hard Core. I have seen it demonstrated many times at The Oregon Show grinding contests. I know its alot of money but very well spent money.
 
I have a 960 Burr King 1.5 hp veribale speed, a
fantastic machine very smooth, also have a Coot
with a 1 hp motor, I used this machine for 7 years
till I could aford the Burr King. The Coot has been
converted to a small wheel grinder with 2 contact
wheels runing at the same time a 1.5 and a 8" works
good Gib
 
There are a lot of very good grinders out there currently, but I have a Bader BIII. I got it for the simple reason that I NEVER hear anybody complaining about the Bader. I only wish that I had saved a little more money and got the variable speed model.
 
You CAN'T go wrong with the Bader III. Go with 2hp Variable speed also (remember, you'll need a 220 outlet to go with this).
I got one for Christmas, and couldn't be more pleased. Plus, the guys at Bader III (I ordered it directly from them : see their website)are helpful, down-home type guys that know what they are selling and what they are dealing with.
I'm sure there are other great machines out there, but 2 hp is a MUST and VARIABLE SPEED is a must also.
I think when you are learning, the ability to SLOW IT DOWN is very beneficial.
Good luck.
 
I really appreciate all of the comments and advice on this thread. The Bader III and HardCore grinders are the ones that I have looked at the most.

I had also previously decided from talking to a couple makers that 2HP and variable speed is the way to go.

blade runner, thanks for mentioning the 220 aspect. I hadn't even thought of that. I only have 110 in my garage, so I guess that is something I need to work on.

BTW, what are the websites for Bader and HardCore?
 
I got a Hard Core and like it alot. The reason I like it is because it has a great work rest and platen assembly. The machines arm rotates around the motor for hieght adjustments. It also can be set up as a 9 inch disk sander and can be used as a buffer. Variable speed is great way to grind.

Koval's and Tru Grit both sell this grinder and have them on there web sites.
 
The BIII 2hp can run on both 110v and 220v. You just need to switch a few wires and throw a switch or two in the controller. Will take all of 5 minutes. Nothing to worry about.
 
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