- Joined
- Mar 18, 1999
- Messages
- 2,112
Quite a few folks don't have the resources to go out and purchase a Wilton or Hardcore grinder right off the bat. I was wondering what would be some solutions to a "first grinder" or maybe a beginner's grinder. I suppose that quite a few folks, like myself, started out flat grinding (and still do) due to the grinders available in their price range. When I first started out, a $200 grinder was not in my budget. That's about what a 8 inch contact wheel cost! I still have my 4 X 36 in bench top grinder and my 2 X 48 inch Kalamazoo. They both still get used.
If flat grinding, a disk or wide belt works well. There are many 6 X 48 inch grinders available for around 200 bucks. (Harbor Freight). There are sources for a wide variety of grinding belts.
A friend of mine built his own grinder using a motor of course, two pulleys, a drive belt, two pillow block bearings, a piece of round stock for the main shaft threaded at both ends, a 10 inch Burr-King contact wheel (the most expensive item) and an idler wheel assembly he bought from Texas Knifemaker's Supply. He does nothing but hollow grinding with it. The total cost just over $500. It has NO tracking problems whatsoever and is smooooooth! He only has the contact wheel and the idler wheel, no third wheel. Tracking is adjusted on the idler wheel assy.
This is simple, down and dirty and works well!
Burr-King 10 inch contact wheel ~$220.00
Pillow block bearings ~$ 60.00
Shaft ~$ 40.00
Idler wheel assy ~$ 90.00
Motor (used) ~$100.00
Flat platten assy. (optional) ~$100.00
Granted, he already had a table to mount it on. He uses the other end of the shaft as a buffer. It works fine and he makes some pretty good looking blades.
C Wilkins
If flat grinding, a disk or wide belt works well. There are many 6 X 48 inch grinders available for around 200 bucks. (Harbor Freight). There are sources for a wide variety of grinding belts.
A friend of mine built his own grinder using a motor of course, two pulleys, a drive belt, two pillow block bearings, a piece of round stock for the main shaft threaded at both ends, a 10 inch Burr-King contact wheel (the most expensive item) and an idler wheel assembly he bought from Texas Knifemaker's Supply. He does nothing but hollow grinding with it. The total cost just over $500. It has NO tracking problems whatsoever and is smooooooth! He only has the contact wheel and the idler wheel, no third wheel. Tracking is adjusted on the idler wheel assy.
This is simple, down and dirty and works well!
Burr-King 10 inch contact wheel ~$220.00
Pillow block bearings ~$ 60.00
Shaft ~$ 40.00
Idler wheel assy ~$ 90.00
Motor (used) ~$100.00
Flat platten assy. (optional) ~$100.00
Granted, he already had a table to mount it on. He uses the other end of the shaft as a buffer. It works fine and he makes some pretty good looking blades.
C Wilkins