Grinder advice

bodam said:
At this point, I'm leaning towards the Pheer, without the 8" wheel. I can always add one later. Jose quoted a great price shipped, with him doing all the wiring, etc. Once I am ready to pull the trigger, I will call him and Esteem and make a final decision, but the Pheer seems to have a solid following here, and he is hundreds less than the other similar setups.

That being said, what are the comments about the Pheer new model? Anything that stands out, either positive or negative?

One thing that I will need to fab up is a larger tool rest. Being a noob at flat grinding, I use a homemade jig to grind. And I need a larger area to move side to side while grinding. I'm hoping either Jose or myself can figure out an easy way to make a nice solid work rest.
Click to expand...

Is the body of the Pheer made with steel or aluminum? It doesn't say on their site. One thing I've hear about the Pheer is that you need to make sure the VFD comes enclosed in NEMA 4 box to protect is from debris. IIRC I read some of his older models had issues with exposure. From the looks of his website it seems he offers the VFD with the NEMA 4 box now.

I looked at the Esteem and probably would have bought one but there's just not many resources on the net about it. IMHO that gentleman would benefit greatly from even a simple website. I've heard nothing but good things about his grinder but when I'm buying a more expensive piece of equipment like a grinder future support is something I really look at. I've gotten better figuring out problems with knifemaking equipment but I'm no engineer. Now, he might offer the best support in the industry but with nothing more than a thread on Bladeforums I probably didn't didn't give his grinder as much consideration as it probably deserved when making my decision.

As far as the tool rest is concerned. Just get a big piece of cheap 1/4in thick A36 steel and cut out the shape you want. Then just clamp it to the existing tool rest. That's what I do sometimes and it works great. Just make sure everything is sitting flat and level(which isn't that hard with 1/4in thick plate steel).

It's a tough decision, I know.
 
JG Custom Metal Works said:
Is the body of the Pheer made with steel or aluminum? It doesn't say on their site. One thing I've hear about the Pheer is that you need to make sure the VFD comes enclosed in NEMA 4 box to protect is from debris. IIRC I read some of his older models had issues with exposure. From the looks of his website it seems he offers the VFD with the NEMA 4 box now.
Click to expand...

The frame is made of steel which is painted, and aluminum spacers. The controller on the 1.5 - 2 hp models is the KBAC 27D. I believe he uses the 24 on the 1hp model.
 
I'm going variable speed for sure now. And I agree with the Esteem, great following here, but zero for online info. I also wish he had a website or SOMETHING to go by, but I get it.

Is the KBAC 27d dust proof, etc? That's the box he's quoting with the 1hp motor
 
what is the price difference between the esteem and kmg consult specd.?
 
Last edited:
I am only a beginner, but I would go for a vfd controlled machine with just the flat platen, or just the contact wheel (depending on whether you grind flat or hollow) and get the other tool bar attachment later when you can swing it. I wouldn't want to forego the variable speed capability.
 
I haven't ordered anything yet. I'm waiting on an invoice to get paid, then I'm going to call him and talk through some details before I make my final decision. Hopefully within the next week or so. Then a 3 week lead time :(
 
Brett, I appreciate you jumping in here, I will definitely be calling you when I am ready to move forward. I've said all along that I'd love to have your setup first, just don't know if it will work in my budget. But, anyways, we will definitely get to know each other in the very near future, lol.
 
Karl B. Andersen said:
Esteem. Don't look back.
Click to expand...

I think you are right. Now that I learn more about grinder set ups, it looks like the Esteem IS the way to go. Brett has been keeping in touch, and educating me on the differences in all of the setups, and it just seems like he is a guy that you will contact over and over again for upgrades, etc. His communication is better, and that means something to me, when I spend a butt load of money on something.

Thanks again Brett, we will be talking again very soon!!
 
No Problem Robert, Im glade to be able to help. I got in a little trouble with my post to this thread I had made last night as it was taken down because it was taken as me trying to sell my grinders here in custom hand made forum . I apologize if any one took it take way as it was not my intentions at all. Only trying to help clear things up.
I may edit and repost it as there was some good info in the post.
Thanks Guys
bodam said:
I think you are right. Now that I learn more about grinder set ups, it looks like the Esteem IS the way to go. Brett has been keeping in touch, and educating me on the differences in all of the setups, and it just seems like he is a guy that you will contact over and over again for upgrades, etc. His communication is better, and that means something to me, when I spend a butt load of money on something.

Thanks again Brett, we will be talking again very soon!!
Click to expand...
 
Brett Mathews said:
No Problem Robert, Im glade to be able to help. I got in a little trouble with my post to this thread I had made last night as it was taken down because it was taken as me trying to sell my grinders here in custom hand made forum . I apologize if any one took it take way as it was not my intentions at all. Only trying to help clear things up.
I may edit and repost it as there was some good info in the post.
Thanks Guys
Click to expand...

I saw your post and it was straight forward you clearing up some misinformation about your product. It was clear that it had nothing to do with promoting sales at all.
 
pre sale and post sale customer service has always been key. hope fully you still get a good product at a good price.
 
I had a similar incident not long ago with something I posted that was a bit too close to soliciting sales. I learned 2 things, never talk money, and never invite someone (or the vague "anyone that's interested") to contact you to discuss purchasing anything. Keep it to facts and the mods are happy. I get the fact that sometimes it's really not spammy at all and it's an appropriate approach to communicating, but by applying it strictly to everyone it means we're not flooded by people who actually ARE being spammy.

I read the original, it violates the rules, but was a good post. You will be contacted when I start pricing a new grinder.
 
Kloepper Knife Works said:
I had a similar incident not long ago with something I posted that was a bit too close to soliciting sales. I learned 2 things, never talk money....
Click to expand...

I have a question. If someone, which appears to be the case here, is mischaracterizing the pricing of a product relative to other products, how does the vendor correct the misinformation without mentioning the price?

John
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top