Grinder Choices...

larry1096

larry1096

Joined
Mar 7, 2002
Messages
181
I'm on the verge of getting a new grinder. Right now I have a very old 2x48 with a 6" contact wheel that served well, within it's limitations.

I've been leaning toward a Grizzly, but I'm worried about the clearance on the machine side. I'd rather not have to 'work around' anything, if possible. It is possible to buy just the 'grinder' side of the Grizzly, but it's $200, only $55 less than the complete machine. Still, I think a pulley set-up would fix the clearance problem.

The Coote looks nice, but is (when you figure in a motor) quite a bit more than the Grizzly. And it doesn't seem too versatile AFA wheel sizes, etc.


The KMG from Beaumont seems GREAT, but at ~$800 plus a motor, it's much more than the others. I'd love to have it, but as a hobbyist I'd have a hard time really justifying that expense.

So my question is-is there something between the Grizzly and the KMG that's worth considering? Any parts suppliers that can set you up with the stuff to build your own grinder at a reasonable price? I'm just trying to get some input from you experienced guys before I fork out some bucks, and I appreciate any input anyone might offer.

Thanks,

Larry
 
I had a Grizzly and didn,t have any problems with clearance on the machine side.
With the motor mounted even with the edge of the bench there is plenty of room for grinding.I grind 6 to 10 inch blades mostly. You could always get the 10 inch wheel.
Take Car
TJ
Oh I went to a KMG it,s a great machine.
 
I love my grizzly. I also love my KMG. To me they are very different machines. I have a bunch of attachments for my kMG and variable speed, so I use that for all of my finer finish grinding. I use my grizzly to hog steel off in a hurry. I still do all my flat grinds on my grizzly, since i got the kmg I haven't even tried to hollow grind anything on the grizzly. I made a bunch of knives on the grizzly, and I was very happy with them. My knives definately improved when I got the KMG so for me it was worth the extra cash. I still use my grizzly everytime I am in my shop though.
You will be happy with both machines.
Kyle Fuglesten
 
FOR THE BUDGET YOU WANT TO STAY WITHIN:

Go with Norman Coote. It is more versatile than it appears. Motors are available from surplus and Ebay. The Coote lends itself to variable speed. As for the Grizz: one of my favorite makers uses and has used one for some time. The Grizzly will probably force you to become a better blade grinder while a variable speed will make your learning curve more comfortable and it is only a matter of time before you will want variable speed.

Pretty mixed in my recommendation. I started with a 1 X 30 that just screamed at high speed. You have the 2 X 48. Its time to go variable speed 2 X 72 (that's my apinion).

RL
 
You can get the grizz without a motor, at about 100 or so bucks cheaper. I traded for a motorless grizz, added my own .75" mandrell and a 3 speed pulley system. The motor, mandrell I already had, but imagine you can get them for the 100 bucks you save on the grizz without the motor. All in all the grizz is a very adequate grinder, with the proper upgrades, variable speed and a better platen.


Ken Beatty :)
 
Is there any way to add a speed control to the standard Grizzly? How about those devices they sell to vary the speed of a router?

Thanks for all the replies-I DO appreciate the advice!

Larry
 
not that I have seen or heard about yet.

most guys that change the speed of the Grizzly do it by keeping the Grizzly motor turned off and running some other motor that turns a belt where the Grizzly buffer side is now.

Im not sure a "dimmer switch" would work to slow down the Grizzly motor without causeing harm to the motor.
 
No. A light dimmer or such (a triac controlled AC motor control) will not work properly on brushless AC motors. Using one will appear to work but the torque will not be there. For electronically varying the speed of a brushless AC motor you will need to vary the impedance by changing AC frequency. VFC (variable frequency controls) are expensive by design and components.

You would be best off either altering the Grizz for a gang pully setup or buying the Coote and either use a gang pully or a variable speed DC motor setup. Get the Coote with Norman Coote's pulley setup and a AC motor. That will allow you to step the belt speed up and down three speeds. Or, you can go with a DC motor and a electronic variable speed control. In shopping for a DC motor look for one that is rated at 90 to 110 volts, minimum 14 amps and preferably higher - up to 16 amps. Its RPM rating at full voltage should not exceed 4000+ RPM but not be less than 1800 RPM. Look for a 1 1/2 HP motor minimum but do not be fooled by the HP rating. Be sure to check the current rating - remember the amperage rating I wrote above. A rating of the same specs I wrote of above and claims to be 1 1/2 HP but only specifies a current rating of - say - 10 or 11 amps is NOT 1 1/2 HP. If you do the math it may look like it is but it is not. No motor is 100% effecient. (REMEMBER - I am only speaking of DC motors in the above recommendation.)

DC motor drives (controllers) of adequate output are often availabe at good pricing from individual sellers and surplus houses. I would be willing to help look out for the proper DC motor setup if you like. A motor may cost in the area of 50 bucks and the controller could go half again to twice that (neither not new - of course).

While you're at it add in another few bucks for a strip of pyrocerem from Steve Pryor for your flat platen. Regardless, you will be wanting that too

RL
 
Larry,

I understand the dilema, I went thru the same thing. But,..... oh just get the KMG. (You know you want to). I know it's a chunk of change. Never met anyone that regretted it.

Steve
 
Steve said:
oh just get the KMG. (You know you want to). I know it's a chunk of change. Never met anyone that regretted it.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I did last year. I had been using an old shop built grinder for years, and sprung for the KMG. Rob is a nice guy to work with, fast service also, and lots of options and accessories (there's where some of the $$$ go). I have the 10" wheel, and a variable speed motor. I don't however have that new platten attachment with all of the wheels and belt, that you can rotate on the arm, haven't figured out yet what it's far. Anyway, with the KMG you'll be happy, but lots of guys have the others listed above, and can outdo me in a heartbeat.
 
ok, this may seem like a stupid question here, but can anyone recommend a couple of grinding wheels or suppliers. I do mostly axe and utility sharpening (for friends and family that have let thiers go way too long). Just a hobbyist as well.
 
There are dedicated sharpeners (look at Lee Valley) but most pros prefer to work knives and knife edges on belt grinders. I've never been a big fan of grinding wheels after watching one let go at 3450 rpm...NOT fun.


Larry
 
dersnaillik said:
ok, this may seem like a stupid question here, but can anyone recommend a couple of grinding wheels or suppliers. I do mostly axe and utility sharpening (for friends and family that have let thiers go way too long). Just a hobbyist as well.
Click to expand...
You might want to look at paper wheels as an alternative. There is good info on them here (about mid page).

Regards,
Greg
 
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