Grinders: 2-wheel vs. 3-wheel

Pretender

Pretender

Joined
Nov 8, 2000
Messages
70
What are the pros and cons of 2-wheel type grinders (Hard Core, Burr King) vs. 3-wheel designs (Bader, KMG1)? I am just looking for general advantages of each design, not necessarily brand-specific differences.

Thanks for any input,
Dan
 
Well, I'm partial to the three wheel designs simply because I can "belly up" to them and get a much better view of what I'm doing. I have had many a hat that died from a 2" wide belt cut while using a two wheeled style grinder.

I also think that the three wheeled designs are easier to change belts, as well as attachments. I suppose it all boils down to what a person gets used to. Although I have used both in my shop, and still like the three wheel style best.
 
The Burr-King model 960, when used with the knifemaker attatchment becomes a three wheel grinder, with a vertical front platen.
 
the coote two wheel was my first real knife making grinder and i still use it a lot. it is two wheel only. the hardcore is the same as what bill described about being a three wheel. i flat and convex grind so a two or three will work. rob frinks kmg is a great machine from all i have heard. the coote is hard to beat for one deliverd to the door for $400 a couple of step pulleys and a 1750rpm 1hp or larger and you have a ajustable speed 2x72" for about $500
 
Originally posted by Mike Hull
The Burr-King model 960, when used with the knifemaker attatchment becomes a three wheel grinder, with a vertical front platen.
Click to expand...

Ditto with the Hardcore. The complaint I have with the vertical or upright 2 wheel grinders is that while flat grinding you must wear a ball cap while grinding. The bill of the cap will act as a "curb feeler" so you don't put your forehead against the belt!

For flat grinding on a 3 wheel set up (KMG or Bader) they become a 4 wheel set up.

The Hardcore and BurrKing models are extremely smooth running machines, the KMG and Bader are much quicker at changing from a contact wheel to the flat platen assembly and vice versa.

C Wilkins
 
Thanks for the responses. Are there any advantages/disadvantages to having the drive wheel also serve as the contact wheel like on the two-wheel design? I realize that adding a platen attachment increases the wheel count, but the basic design remains the same, right?

Thanks again,
Dan
 
There are no disadvantages, that I can see, to having your contact wheel be the driven wheel. In fact, it has one advantage of being able to be used for buffing wheels, 9" disc, etc. I have never done this with my Burr-Kings, but I know a couple of makers that have.
 
Originally posted by Pretender
Thanks for the responses. Are there any advantages/disadvantages to having the drive wheel also serve as the contact wheel like on the two-wheel design? I realize that adding a platen attachment increases the wheel count, but the basic design remains the same, right?

Thanks again,
Dan
Click to expand...

Yes, there are a couple of disadvantages that come to mind after having a two wheel setup for a while.

1) When changing from a hollow grinding set up (8 or 10 inch contact wheel) to a flat grinding set up which uses a 4 or 5 inch drive wheel the speed changes. Even on a variable speed unit, the maximum belt speed changes. On a KMG or Bader, the belt speed is the same whether flat grinding or hollow grinding.

2) The drive wheel on a KMG or Bader is directly off of the motor. If, or rather when a belt breaks, the contact wheel will stop spinning whereas a driven contact wheel "may" grab the work piece.

These two, along with a longer tool change out time are the only disadvantages that come to mind. After using Bader grinders for a couple of weeks last year, I am glad I have my Hardcore. I have not used a KMG but I know of a number of folks that REALLY like theirs.

C Wilkins
 
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