Grinder suggestion

S

stax

Joined
Jan 6, 2009
Messages
146
I haven't made a knife in over a year. I stopped because I didn't have time and because I was frustrated with the job my belt grinder does. It works OK for a beginner but I would like to take it to the next level. I'm thinking about spending the money to get a good grinder. I want something with at least 1HP, variable speed, 10" contact wheel and an area to flat grind as well. I'll spend $2000 if I have to. I know a lot of you have answered this before but I would appreciate opinions on what some of you guys would buy if you were in the market for one. If you know the price roughly, let me know that too. I don't need too much detail but I just need to know what people think is the best buy. Thanks
 
The TW90 is nice, but it's also double his 2000 limit

This is taken from my stardard reply.

Especially see Salem's page with reviews of all the grinders.

Try to build on if you can





Grinder / Tools

In my opinion, variable speed and a small wheel attachment are essential .
You can almost always improve tracking with more belt tension. It needs to be way tighter than youfirst think.









Commercial Production 2 x 72” Belt Grinder Reviews
http://www.prometheanknives.com/shop-techniques-3/grinders
http://www.cnccookbook.com/CCKnifeMakingGrinders.htm

Mapp arm – Grinder Toolrest


DIY 2 x 72” Belt Grinders

KMG Clone Free Plans
http://www.dfoggknives.com/PDF/GrinderPlans.pdf

NWG No Weld Grinder
http://www.usaknifemaker.com/plans-for-the-no-weld-grinder-sander-nearly-50-pages-p-723.html

EERF Grinder (EERF =“Free” backwards)
http://wilmontgrinders.com/EERFGrinder.aspx
http://blindhogg.com/blueprints.html

Buy the kit
http://polarbearforge.com/grinder_kit.html

What Belts to buy?
http://www.usaknifemaker.com/abrasive-belt-basics-what-kind-should-i-buy-p-1393.html
 
Well almost..double.......$3400 plus shipping.

IF you are going to build one I liked the EERF kit.
 
For that kind of money you get the most from buying the KMG with 10" package along with 1.5 hp motor and VFD. That is about your $$ limit
 
I built my Grinder in a Box for around $600 with belt driven pulleys to make VS. I am very happy with it. Take a look at polarbearforge.com for more info.
 
For 2k you could get a GIB w/ a VFD, a 10" wheel and whatever you choose for a second wheel(3",4") on the multi platen along with a couple 2" wheels and the flat platen plus a small wheel attachment and still have money leftover.
BUT... it takes time to put it all together and get just right. I love mine.

Or, get a KMG or a Wilmont already assembled and go to grinding. No time lost but will likely be close to the 2k with less options.
 
I believe the variable speed is good but unless you are going to make only folders you should have at least a 2 hp motor. Frank
 
An important point

If you use the KBAC27D VFD, you can plug a 1.5 HP motor into any 110v 15 amp outlet.
 
.There are many nice grinders on the market. I happen to have two KMG's. What ever you end up buying; purchase belt speed and HP as part of the package. For some one with more advanced grinding skills; HP and belt speed is needed to get the most out of the grinder you are running.
I operate two and a three HP grinders and I favor the three HP. It is equipped with a six inch drive wheel and develops 5400 sfm belt speed. I would opt for the HP before spending the money on a VS Drive hands down.

Fred
 
I have a WILMONT grinder and I am very pleased with it. I also have an EERF that is just finished. I have not used it yet but looks like it will work well.
Jim
 
Something with rear wheel drive and tooling arm design (e.g. KMG, Bader, GIB, Wuertz) at least 2hp, and variable speed.

Get a platen attachment, 10" or 8" contact wheel, and a small wheel attachment with a 3/4" wheel to start with.

Those are the basics of a solid, versatile, and pleasing-to-use grinder to me. I'm with Fred though, I like my 3hp machine.

For the above, KMG might get you the closest to your budget. You definitely could build one with the above requirements for the money.

Looks like for $1113 + tax and shipping you can get a KMG with 10" wheel, platen attachment, work rest, small wheel attachment, and 3/4" small wheel from Beaumont. This does not include a motor or VFD. Rob lists a VS 3hp setup for $1180 at his site. You can put together a 3hp motor and VFD for WAY less than that if you buy surplus or scrap 3 phase motors, and cheaper VFD options like the TECO FM50. Check Ebay for used 3phase motors. I got a 2hp Leeson there for $75, and it works great.

The KMG always looked like a great deal to me.
 
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