Grinder Options

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Kadecho

Joined
Jun 5, 2015
Messages
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Hey everyone, I just recently started knifemaking and I love it. While doing research to start, everyone said to skip purchasing a belt sander and fork out the money for a grinder. I, in my infinite wisdom, was on a tight budget and so anxious to get started. I picked up a sander from Lowe's, and it's a good little machine. I'm wanting to step it up now and purchase a grinder. I'm still on a tight budget, but am pretty adamant about having a three wheel setup with switchable contact wheels and flat plattens. Am interested in hearing about options all over the spectrum, but mostly in the value-offerings (sufficient performance, low cost). I know that might be nonexistent, but like I said, I'm interest in options of all price ranges. Thanks
 
The 2x72 machines that come to mind for me in the value range are:

Complete:
Oregon Blade maker (find on E-bay)
Wilmont Grinders "Little Buddy".
Pheer 454

Kits:
Polar Bear Forge GIB and Sling.
NWG Grinder (No Weld Grinder)

2 Wheel:
Coote
Grizzly

I'm sure there are others, but these come to my mind.
 
First choice for me would be the Wilmont little buddy... phenomenal customer service and a great price. You could even probably snag a base plate from Chris (for a fee) and be able to use it in horizontal or vertical modes! Very handy indeed. I have the Wilmont TAG-101 package and it's amazing. I have used it almost every day for the past 8 months and loving it!! You will greatly benefit, whatever you choose, from having a vfd though. any knife maker will tell you this!
 
Greenberg Woods said:
I think the direct drive, with a VFD for under a grand is a great deal
Click to expand...

This.

As much as I like my KMG, I REALLY wish I would have listened to everyones advice when I first started and spent a few bucks more on a direct drive, variable speed grinder... The smoothness of the direct drive and added versatility of being able to run that belt at warp speed, a crawl, or anywhere in between with a flick if your wrist is priceless.

With that said... I know you're on a budget and that does not always allow for a 1500+ dollar grinder. I'd look seriously into a 2x42 Craftsman if you're on a really tight budget. They're under 200 bucks and will grind a fine knife with some practice. If you can afford a couple/few hundred dollars extra you can get a 2x72 Grizzly--which in my opinion, is a fair amount superior to the Craftsman. The biggest problem with both of these though is that they are one speed; REALLY fast.
 
I spent a LOT of time before I bought my 2x72, and I like what I ended up with http://amktactical.com/epages/3c926...26a50-9aba-43a5-9571-098ee03f1288/Products/33 but to be honest, I think I should have gone with the Pheer. The Pheer stuff represents a hell of a value and uses the typical 'tool arms' that will probably work with the Pheer even if it's from another mfg. I can tell you one thing for sure--it is a huge difference between stepping up to a 2x72 from a smaller 2x42 or even a Grizz wx72 which doesn't have the flexibility of the other grinders being referenced here. I really like my AMK, and was able to order it with some upgrades that I wanted--a Leeson moto, a 12" contact wheel among them--they are great to deal with, but I have found myself wondering if I could buy a tooling arm from another mfg that had some options on it I would like....
 
Our esteem is a dandy grinder, good price too..It was a huge step up going from a two wheel coote to a bader style grinder with vfd..
 
Another vote for an Esteem. Great quality, fit and finish at a great price. Go for 2hp with a VFD and never look back.
 
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