Help selecting the first machine.

I

itrade

Joined
Jul 3, 2002
Messages
645
(Warning complete novice here)

Background: I think I might like to join in on this knife making business. (The fun is toooo tempting!) Today a local restaurant asked if I could regrind some knives. They were serrated, but have worn down to a plain edge. They want to leave them plain edged, but re-ground and sharpened. Ok Fine.

So now (I think) I'll take the plunge and get a belt grinder/sander. However, that's when the confusion set in.

Geeeze guys, there are a bizillion choices out there. I'd like to get something that will get me into this knife making hobby, without breaking the bank. Then get a real tool if it turns out I'd like it.

There are a number of belt/disk combos that run from $100 to ..... But will a 4"x36" belt work out? Should I even bother with a $100 unit, but wait 6 months to save for a $500 one? What to do?

For example looking at Grizzly Machine Tools:

2"x72" $275
6"x36"/9" disk $189
4"x36"/6" disk $109
1"x42"/8" disk $129

Delta Tools look about the same - price wise.

Or KMG-PL $650 (that's way to much for me right now).

Thanks,

Steve
 
I found a cheap 4x36 belt/disk sander at HarborFrieght.

Hope that's an OK size for starters. The price is cheap enough for a throw-away part. But, not cheap enough if I can't make a knife on it :).

Steve
 
Welcome!

I started with a Grizzly 2x72. I think it is the bottom end for a starting grinder.

That Grizzly paid for several new tools, including a KMG1.

You will use this tool for the rest of your life, even if you only make a couple knives on it.

It is the Ford or Chevy of knifemaking grinders, but a Caddy in the sander world. I still use it regularly for other routine shop chores.

Do yourself a favor and get a 2x72.

Dave
 
try more like a hundai or other korean car. the coote 2x72 was the first 2x72 i bought. at about $400 deliverd its a good investment if you can't come up with the $650 for the KMG.
 
I`m still using my grizzly,I`m seriously thinking about getting a frink or a bader but as for now the grizzly keeps on doing it`s job.One thing about the grizzly is that you are very limited in wheel size,unless you extensively modify the grinder.I sure wish I had the ability to slap on a 1/2" or 3/4" wheel and do some nice finger grooves but the grizzly aint about all that.Even though I`m limited by the size of contact wheels the machine will accept I`ve been able to turn out blades like this on her:http://pages.prodigy.net/sjfulford/
I bought the grizzly when I didnt know if knifemaking was going to be a continuing hobby,like you I had the urge but did`nt want to throw a bunch of money into something I would get disenchanted with.I`m sure glad I bought that thing,I still view knifemaking as a hobby and I dont intend to try to make a living from it anytime soon,but I sell every knife I make,and that pays for new tools and more and better materials,plus puts a little beer money in my pocket.If you can afford one of the better machines,then get it,but if all you can afford is a grizzly you will not regret it and by all means get the 2x72 it was made for knifemaking,the others might be nice for woodworking and such but as far as grinding blades goes,the 2x72 is tops.
Scott
 
Thanks a bunch Rhino, WinDancer, Scott. You can make a not-a-clue guy feel downright welcome!

You all do agree on one thing 2x72. Leaves me with a question:

Is there something special about the 2" width?

I suppose the 4" is hard to work on, or something.

If I was going super-cheap (for now) would I be better off with a 1"?

Steve

PS: guys you have me drooling over some of those knives. Scott, I really like the 2 at the top of your web page. Maybe someday.....
 
The 2"x72" gives you the widest array of belts in readily available grit types and sizes. You are very limited in say, the 4"x36" or the 2"x48" and those belts are usually only available in AO and end up being more expensive to boot.

2"x72" belts last longer, run cooler and end up cheaper in the long run.
 
The 2x72 belt size gives you the most flexibility, variety, and availability.

The wheel or platen [the Grizzly comes with both] size of 2 inches gives you the best power with stability. Any narrower and it would be harder to keep the blade flat against the work surface. Any wider would make it harder to control from the extra surface area of the blade on the tool.

The Grizzly comes complete and ready to run, including the motor.

Do a search on this forum on 'Grizzly' and you can read tons of info.

Good luck!

Dave
 
As others have stated you get the better selection at this size, this includes ceramic and structured breaking (norax) grinding belts that are state of the art in preformance.
 
Sorry I didn't know just how common my question was. I found the 'search' button and looked up some of the phrases ya'll used and found a number of previous posts.

Thanks again and sorry to bother you.

BTW one guy posted about using a portable belt sander in a vice. I have a 3x21 1/3 hp that runs at 600 sfpm (whatever that means). I tried that out. Works fine for mangling up some old kitchen knives.

The restaurant own gave me a dozen knives. Some he'd like sharpened and returned; the others .... well whatever I want. That's a fair deal.

Now I can play for free :).

Be forwarned: Ya'll seem quite nice and helpful to the novice. I'll be back (probably with a Grizzly).

Steve
 
Itrade,please dont hesitate to ask any question here,there are no stupid questions,many makers here including myself(I still consider myself a newbie)love to help a new guy with anything we can,there`s plenty of room in this world for another knifemaker,and besides,someday we may be asking YOU questions.Keep grinding and keep asking.One thing I feel needs to be addressed,since youre new to this addiction,do yourself a big big favor and never never buy the cheap bargain brand belts!They are not a bargain.Buy the best quality belts you can afford,you will save money......................
Scott
 
Thanks again!

Friendly forums are not always easy to find.

I played around with re-shaping and polishing this week-end. I learned 3 things really quick.

1. Playing with hardened steel is not fun.
2. Re-polishing an abused blade is counter productive.
3. Using my hand held belt grinder in a vice is really hard on the ears. Even with protection.

I went to sears and found the 2 2" sanders in stock. Was not really impressed as the table on the 1hp wasn't even straight and didn't have a horizontal setting. I went to Harbor Freight and the 4" models weren't too bad, but the 1" was a joke.

Looks like a real belt sander and some blanks are in my future.

BTW for hollow grinding has anyone tried those rubber expanding grinder wheels that take a 'belt'?

Steve
 
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