first grinder decision

Hoss

Hoss

Joined
Mar 15, 1999
Messages
536
Aloha! My first post on BF and hoping for some help with choosing which belt grinder to buy. I have been using files, etc and am trying to decide between buying a 2"x 72" grizzly (w/motor) @ $300.00 (plus $150.00 s&h to HI!!) or a 2"x 48" kalamazoo (w/out motor) @ $200.00 (I already have a 1/2 hp baldor motor). I know both will speed work up but am wondering which would be the better buy. Any info/insights are appreciated. Mahalo!
 
I gave Grizzly a call last week checking on S&H and it seems it has increased from $40 to $60 inside the contiguous 48 states. Still looks like a good deal on the knifemaker grinder. They advertise that it is indeed all ball bearing construction. My question to the group is ... does anyone know where the Grizzly line of equipment is manufactured and by whom? Made in USA, China, other? Is Grizzly just a wholesaler or manufacturer also?

DP, congrats!! I noticed that you made member status.

>> DeWayne <<
 
I have tried grinding on both machines mentioned, I recently purchased a Coote with a 10" contact weel using my own 1 hp motor.

I can say with no reservations that none of the 3, be it coote, grizzly, or kalamazoo, even comes close to the stability and "true grind" that you can get with a BADER!!

I avoided the advice from several top makers on this forum when i asked the same question you have posted. Most said go with the Bader, and i didnt. I regret not listening to them, after grinding with the Bader, the others seem very "rough" on the pass.

Save up your money as im doing, go with the Bader.
 
The Grizzly is inexspensive when compared to other machines and is easier to use than a file. I think that the Grizzly is a good starter machine that will grind a nice blade. The draw back to the Grizzly is that it is a two wheel machine. It is awkward to use when flat grinding. You have to look from the side of the machine to see the center mark on your blade when flat grinding. The arm of the machine will flex when pushing the blade into the platten, which will cause the belt to track differntly. I also saw no easy way to mount a work rest for hollow grinding. Good luck--Ray--
 
I just ordered the Grizzly as my tenant downstairs moved and took his Burr King with him. That sucked. BTW: I was talking to Patton Knives here in Boise and they had a great method for less than durable platens. I think I'll post it in it own message. I will also have to figure out how to attach a perpendicular rest on the platen for contour grinding. Any ideas?
 
Forgot to mention that shipping was only $40.00 on the Grizzly grinder I just ordered. I didn't call but ordered it through the web.
 
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