Final decision - Grizzly 1x42" or Craftsman 2x42"

A

arjuna70

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Mar 19, 2010
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I'm new at this and have started assembling the tools I want to move up a notch. I have only been using files, stones, and a hack saw thus far. I recently purchased the DeWalt Portable Band Saw and a Craftsman Benchtop Drill Press. I'm looking to round out the tools with a Grinder but I can't decide. I'm trying to keep the initial outlay reasonable.

I've read all the threads comparing all the different grinder options and have narrowed it down to these two. The Grizzly 1x42" (The Delta SA 180 is nowhere to be found anymore) or the Craftsman 2x42".

The Grizzly is $167.00 shipped and the Craftsman is $107.00 picked up. I'm willing to spend the additional $60.00 but wanted some input. There are many threads that say that the 1x42 is more versatile and can be used forever even after getting a KMG style unit. On the other hand, there are a lot of threads saying it easier to grind metal on a 2x42 and the Craftsman unit is a great value for the money.

Which should I pick. I'm stuck. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
 
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I thought you could use a 1" belt on the 2"x42" anyways? I have the Delta SAE 180 and can say it is a lot better for working on handles than it is for grinding on steel. It is okay for small knives, but if you have a lot of steel to remove on a larger knife, they are not all that great. You can't hog any steel with it, but I bet you could remove steel pretty good with the 2"x42"....After all that is the main part of stock removal knife making...removing steel. Get the grinder that removes the most steel the most efficiently.
 
My vote is for the Sear's grinder.I had one and it's a good starter grinder.
Stan
 
I have the Craftsman. I would call it OK for a starter tool. It doesn't have much power and the belt speed is fast. I removed the entire platen assembly and rest, pitched them in the corner, and made my own. Works much better. If I were making knives to sell I would buy a better rig. Just my two cents.
 
Craig, I have had the 2x42 for years... Now it is used as a back up..After a few years the motor went out and i put a one horse on and now it works even better.....good investment..carl
 
I would go with the 2x42. I recently started making knives and bought a 1x42. There is a lot of lateral flex in the belt, which has caused me some grief. It seems to me that a 2" belt would be alot stiffer side to side ?
cheers!
 
Having used a 1" after using a 2" I can say start with the 2". Get a 1" later on for finer grinds/smaller pieces. I built a 2x36 that turns 1740rpm and I can do 10 times the work in half the time vs a 1". Save your belts to, I have a 180 grit that is so well used that it is more or less a buffer. I have not had to get out much sand paper lately except for the real fine grits (800+). All the major scratches can be removed with a worn down belt. The knife I am working on now I was able to sand with 1200 grit by hand because my worn 180 grit belt got it to that point.
 
Thanks for the help guys. I'll go with the Craftsman 2x42". For $99, how can you go wrong to get started.
 
So while I'm putzing around trying to decide, the Craftsman is back up to $139.00....:mad:

Any idea how often they go on sale, I don't want to waste $40 for no reason.
 
Even at the regular price, I don't think the Craftsman 2x42 would be a such a bad deal. I would get it. It would still be cheaper and more of a "grinder" than the 1x42. I wish they sold these in Canada.
 
I have had a 2" by 42" craftsman since december of 09 and for a first grinder I could not be happier. I think the seceret to any grinder is having an assorment of the right sanding belts. I have made six knives so far with mine and Im pretty happy with the results. and you can put 1" belts on it...
 
I'm anxious to finish up my shop interior and get started with mine. I will eventually get a grizzly when I acquire the rest of the funds (shop finishing and tools has drained my knifemaking/wood working money tree). By that time I should have some experience built on the 2x42.

Who is a good supplier of belts for the 2x42? I've did minor searching and I wind up finding 2x48 more than 42.
 
Hi Craig

I have ordered all of my belts from tru grit. Those guys are really knowledgable about their belts. Good luck
 
The Craftsman 2x42 arrived today :-)

I am pretty impressed with the quality--way better than the little HF unit. This thing is HD and seems quite well made overall.

Spent some time getting rid of the guards and useless pieces. I did not know one could use this horizontally--that allows the use of the big wheel surface. I suppose one could also cut the top off the metal belt guard to gain access to the small wheel as well.

Now to get a glass/ceramic platen mounted and do some work.

Oh, yes, the 6" disc sander works well--that will come in very handy.

While this isn't perfect, I think it is well worth the $99.00!
 
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