Grinder recommendation?

kristoffsky

kristoffsky

Joined
Mar 8, 2011
Messages
64
I've decided it's time for me to get a real grinder, instead of the HF 1x30. I'm going to go with a Pheer grinder, and I want a flipping platen, but I'm not sure whether to go with the 2x4" wheels or 4x8" wheels. Other than using it for handle shaping, I don't foresee myself using the 8" wheel much in the immediate future, but that might change if I actually had one. The 8 inch wheel comes with a shorter actual platen, and I don't know whether I like that idea much either. I'm leaning toward the 2x4" right now, and thinking I can just get a bigger contact wheel later on if I want to. Do you guys have any recommendations?
 
For the 2x4" wheels, it would be around $1125 total, for the 4x8" it would be more like $1435.
 
1.5 hp, I can't reasonably go any bigger without modifying some of the outlets in my house, which isn't something I want to do. VFD included, yes.
 
For a nema 4 kb ac drive and 1.5 hp motor, I would guess you'd be at $600. If not nema 4 then you are way under. $1400-600 leaves you with a few options other than the pheer. Do you want plug and play or do you want to be part of the build?
 
For that kind of money you can get a

KMG for $750
VFD for $450
Motor $247

Total $1452
 
Not that you asked but you can also build a GIB, for under 1000, i have a flat platen, 8 inch wheel, 3/4 inch wheel, variable speed 1.5hp
 
If you're willing to build - there are a number of people on here who have built GIB's with 1 1/2 to 2hp motors and VFD's with flat platens and 8" or 10" contact wheels for under $1k. Do a search for GIB. Personally I think you get a better grinder for less, if you're willing to put in the little bit of elbow grease...
 
If building one yourself, make sure that you have pretty good scribing, centering, drilling and tapping capabilities. Hardware is often times overlooked as a cost. Grade 5 hardware and lowes or hd is expensive. We have a Murdochs chain in the metro area and they sell by the pound. Gr 2 is like $2.50, gr 3 like 3.50 and gr 8 $7. For large bolts, no much savings but fallen smaller diameters, this saves a lot of money.

If your skills are high and you plan on the time, the the self build can be fun. If skills are less than ideal and you will be annoyed with potential tracking issues due to lack of precision, but something that is completed.

There is a thread on a wilmont WIP that seems interesting. Seems like it is $350 with motor, vfd.
 
I went ahead and ordered the 2X4 flipping platen. I'd love to build my own, but I don't have many tools and I'm not very good at building precise things. I know that if I tried to build my own, after correcting all of my mistakes it would probably rival the price of buying one, it would take longer, the end product wouldn't be as good, and I would spend a large portion of the duration of the time I spent building it being unhappy. I do like doing things myself, but sometimes it's a better option not to.
 
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