good grinder for flat grinds for under $100

pimpnugget

pimpnugget

Joined
Mar 10, 2008
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hye guys iamgetting into bar stock knife making and i want to do primarly flat grinds and i just wanted to know what is a good grinder to do flat grings for under $100
 
You'll be hard pressed to find anything that is "good" for under $100 in the way of grinders. As for what is workable, many people start with a Crafstmen 1x42". However, it's not ideal, and it will take some time to get use to.

If money is a factor (and it is to all of us), then you can get a great start by hand filing. You can build a filing jig to guide you and file in your primary bevels. From there, you draw file (sit with the knife pointed towards you, and draw the file from the plunge to tip while holding it perpindicular to the blade). This will get you a great flat, but it takes lots of time and elbow grease.

A 1x42" is definitely a start, and it will remove steel faster than hand filing. From there, it's probably a good idea to go ahead and draw file to get things truly flat.

--nathan
 
If you're careful you can get some bada## files for $100..... while people do make knives with the small $50 sanders, you'd most likely be better off served using good files.
 
Do you have an angle grinder? Rig up a board in a vise, clamp your blade to the board and have at it with the angle grinder. You can rough out moving some metal then come back and draw file it clean. Or rough work it on a stone bench grinder. You can get either for $20 or so off craigslist or sales at auto stores, etc.
 
My first grinder was a Craftsman 2x42, and it has lots of limitations, but for me it beat the time and effort required to make my first knife with only files and sandpaper. I would recommend it (I think I paid around $100 on sale) if you absolutely cannot afford something better, or you don't know for sure if this is something you will stick with in the future, but I also suggest making your first knife with files for the experience (but use thinner stock or it will take forever.)
 
The craftsman 2X42 PJ mentioned above ain't bad and IS ON SALE right now at Sears for $99. Runs too fast, a little underpowered, but certainly workable and MUCH better than nothing. THe Sears belts are poo, but trugrit has much better ones and are good folks to work with. Figure on spending $60 on your first belt order though, because shipping is a bear so it is worth it to buy more than you need right now.
 
hey guys i just bought the craftsman 2x42 i cant wait to use it what is a good place to get belts for a 2x42
 
I was going to say a cheapy disk grinder. Congrats on the purchase, sounds fun.
 
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