Grinder Wars

Phil705

Phil705

Basic Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2007
Messages
364
With some trepidation I am asking for advice on a new grinder. Trepidation because I don't want to start grinder-wars again, but I was not paying attention to past discussions as a new grinder was not on my radar. Now it is.

I have been using a Grizzley grinder for about 2 years, and feel that it is time to move up. I am not a professional knife maker, and I do not plan on trying to make a living at this. Mostly I make knives for my own use or to give to friends. 20-30 knives a year is about my max production. I will have a new shop with grid power instead of solar. I only do stock removal.

So, what are your thoughts? What brands, what size motor, 120 vs 220 volt, variable speed motor vs pulleys, what accessories, etc. If you have a favorite brand, please let me know why it is best for you.

Yes, cost is an issue, but I want to do it right this time.

Phil705
Winthrop WA
 
KMG and Bader are both nice grinders, imo. The KMG seems to be a little less expensive overall, especially if you're willing to cobble up your own motor setup. I've never used a hardcore, square wheel, leblanc, burr king etc. I was told by a burr king and bader clone owner that his burr king was "nice but overrated".

I think the KMG offers the most bang for your buck in the "professional" level grinders. I think the bader III comes in at a close second. Either way, you'll get very good support and tooling.
 
get a KMG, VFD, 2HP motor . Regular compliment of grinding wheels (4", 10") and flat platen.
 
I agree (and have) KMG, VFD, 2HP motor. Get the dust proof enclosure VFD, I forget the initials, but the required rating -4.

One accessory I'm planning on is a Bader double billy roll on a KMG arm. Dan Farr used one at the VT hammer in last summer and I was very impressed. It's an odd looking small wheel attachment that offers better visibility and tighter access than the KMG small wheel attachment at the cost of slower wheel changing.
 
I have a Bader BIII.Love it the only recomendation would be to get a variable speed.
KMG would be my second choice,cost being the main factor.
The thing I like about the Bader is direct drive.And an unlimited number of attachments.
I'd get a 4", 8", & 12" wheel and the platten.
Pop's knife supply has the best prices I have found.Also good prices on contact wheels.
The only comment I'll make to you is either way you will never be sorry.My grinder is the one tool I'v not thought of replaceing.
 
Hey Andy, don't see you around here much.

I agree that Pop's has good pricing on Baders. If you go with the full monty, the Bader probably does cost less up front. The thing for folks to remember is that a base Bader comes with the motor, which adds to the perceived cost. If you buy your own motor, I think the KMG saves a few bucks, but it's not too different if you get the motor package with the KMG.
 
I have a 1 1/2 hp VS Burr-King and I absolutely love it.The smoothest and most quiet grinder out there IMHO.Dave:)
 
For me, the 3 most important considerations in a grinder are

1 variable speed
2 variable speed
3 variable speed

I dont want to seem like smart a-- but when I put a vair-speed controller on my Wilton, a whole new world opened up as far as really learning how to grind

Good luck with what ever new grinder you end up with!

Ken
 
Burr King Variable Speed here.... only other grinder I'd consider would be KMG with VS, anything you get get VS.... vs VS VS VS ;)
 
Variable speed would still be variable speed using stepped pulleys/sheaves too, right? I'll probably go that route to begin with.
 
naccibobacci said:
Was there a War? Beaumont Metal works, KMG, 2-HP w/ VFD all the way.
Click to expand...

I don't ever remember there being ANYTHING hostile in any grinder talk threads here on bladeforums shoptalk?!?!?:confused:

My KMG rocks, Bader B3 is good I have used both and you just can't compare the two hehe, both too good. Bader Space Saver with a VFD and 5HP 3PH, would be the sweetest machine ever to taste steel IMHO though.
 
Riverside Machine and Tool (Uncle Al's) 2x72. Leeson 1 1/3 hp, 220vt DC Baldor speed control with Bader contact wheels. Made in the US by a knifemaker for knifemakers. Works for me.
 
I have a Bader BIII with 220 volt, variable speed and have the 8" 10" 14" and the 2x1 wheel and the platten. Looking back about 2 months ago in one of my blade magazine they had a write up about the Bader 3 and it was rated Number 1. Its a great working machine and very liable. You would have to own one to appreciate its working abilities. :thumbup::D:yawn::jerkit:
 
I use a Bader B3 and love it. Get the VS and get at least 1.5HP ( 2HP is better). The accessories are numerous. Rob Frink's (Beaumont metal works) rotating platen is superb as the ultimate accessory arm.
I would recommend these:
Combo arm with 2"&5" wheels, and flat platen .( I think this is still available?)
Contact wheel arm with 3",6" ,and 10" wheels.
Fork tip arm with 3/4 and/or 1" wheel.
Tilt base to convert to horizontal.
Build a good spark catcher/exhaust vacuum system to suck away the grindings.
Extra arms for dedicated setups with work rests are nice.
Cute blond to rub your back while grinding for long sessions ( this accessory is not available from Bader ,and you will have arrange for it locally)

All that said, a KMG is also a superb unit.
Stacy
 
I had a blademaster for a while..but i bought a J&L from K&G..WOW!! I love it and will buy another asap..my .02 later Luke
 
bladsmth said:
...............Cute blond to rub your back while grinding for long sessions ( this accessory is not available from Bader ,and you will have arrange for it locally)

Stacy
Click to expand...

I've been trying to find one locally. If it's in decent shape the price is way over my head, and the affordable ones are worn out and have squeaky bearings.
 
The grinder that is tied for the best of the best, is made in Canada - the Bee metal grinder.

I'll leave it to others to decide which one it's tied with - (but about once a year, I ask Rob Frink to let me represent his product North of the 49th parallel.) ;) :thumbup:

Rob!
 
Edro20 said:
Variable speed would still be variable speed using stepped pulleys/sheaves too, right? I'll probably go that route to begin with.
Click to expand...


In my opinion after using my vari-speed controlled grinder , changing the speeds many many times a day, going to a belt and pulley set up is something I would dread.

Having the ability to search out that perfect ("sweet spot") while grinding , changing speeds with different grit belts, different materials is just something that a belt and pulley set could not handle with the same efficiency.

If your going to buy a new grinder and want to do it right at this point in time , I can not stress enough how much you will come to enjoy and depend on having vs.
 
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