GIB set up

A

AT Customs

Joined
Sep 1, 2016
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Hello all, I'm new to the forum and am a beginner at making knives. I've gotten a ton of info from previous posts and I am thankful to all of you that shared your wisdom and experience. I'm building a GIB from Polar Bear Forge and have a couple of questions. I have a GIB version one, actually bought it a couple of years ago but have not had a chance to assemble it until now due to a variety of reasons. My first question is related to the tension set up. I've watched a ton of videos and read a bunch and am wondering if a spring and gas shock is necessary or is it overkill? I've purchased a 50# gas shock system and wonder if this is enough or do I need the spring? I would also like advice on what wheels to purchase. I have both platens and want to know what are the basic wheels I need to start with (specifically sizes). Lastly what basic belts do I need to buy? I've looked through the forums before posting and cannot find this info, if I missed it please forgive me and please direct me to those threads. I appreciate any advice.
 
50 lb gas shock is plenty.

Go to ebay and search for "belt grinder wheels" and you will have a good choice.
 
Everyone will have what works for them, so this is just my set-up. I run a 60# gas shock, 50# should be fine. I purchased my wheels from knifegrinderparts also know as vwjackstraw on ebay. He makes nice wheels at a reasonable price. On my GIB I have a flat platen, small wheel holder on a separate arm with 3/8 and 3/4" wheels. Also on a separate arm I have a 10" wheel that I use for hogging metal and the occasional hollow grind. The bigger wheel saves belt wear versus the flat platen. The 2" wheels on my flat are aluminum and I if I had it to do over, I'd replace one of these with a 2" rubber wheel from Beaumont metal. While I can grind on the aluminum wheel, rubber would be smoother. With this set up I can do pretty much anything I need. As far as a drive wheel, I run a 5" with a 1750rpm motor and VFD set at 2x which gives me close to 5500 sfpm which I find to be plenty fast for the way I work. For tracking I have 4" aluminum domed wheel.

As far as belts, I run 60 and 120 grit ceramic then 220 silicone carbide as they are waterproof and I grind wet post heat treat. I usually have a decent finish at this point and will go to hand sanding from there.
 
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