Help with grinder purchase

T

Taximanny

Joined
Jul 27, 2015
Messages
460
I have probably read every thread on grinders in the search hear so I just boggled my mind with info.

So for $200. I can get the Grizzly or craftsman.
When I read hear on grizzlys the dont state the model number for me to know what to read up on for pros and cons.
Grizzly 2x27
Craftsman 2x42
I am gettin one or the other and would like a final input.

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Get the Craftsman,much better belt selection. Tru-grit has alot of different belts for the 2 x 42
 
If you ever see somebody mention a "Grizzly" belt grinder, they are almost, if not always referring to this 2X72" version: https://www.grizzly.com/products/Knife-Belt-Sander-Buffer/G1015

looks like you got the 72" part backwards when reading. ;)

And yes, between the two you listed above, deffinitely get the craftsman 2x42". When it comes to the craftsman vs the 2x72" Grizzly, that's another discussion.

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
... (It's been quite a while since I've posted any new vids)
 
Get the Craftsman 2"x42" or if you want to increase your budget, the Grizzly 2"x72". The Grizzly 2"x27" would really restrict you as far as belt selection. I started on the Craftsman and made some nice knives with it.
 
Taximanny said:
Thanks for info...
I ordered the craftsman
Click to expand...
Now you will want to do some research on modifications to make the Craftsman more friendly. Mainly you will want to add a glass platen so you get smooth flat grinds. Do a google search for "2x42 mods" and you will find lots of information.

Also, you might want to checkout supergrit.com They have a pretty good selection of belts for the 2"x42".
 
Thanks a bunch
I have been looking at the mods...
As for glass on the platen can I use a piece of wall tile cut down?
I have seen this before.
I have been using 80 grit on my 1x30 than 120 after that.
I'm just learning to grind, and would rather take off slowly than to hog off, so I can correct along the way.
What grits can you recommend for a starter.?
 
80 and then 120 is a good starting point. The craftsman will run fast so you will need to develop a soft touch.
 
For the glass platen I use pyroceram. It's a type of fireplace door glass and I get it from my local glass shop. I've heard of people using tile for the platen surface, but I don't have any experience with it. What ever you use be sure to build a ledge under the glass to support it. You don't want the glass to come off and go between the belt and bottom wheel, you'd get glass shards flying everywhere. I glue my glass on using JB Weld, but I've heard of others using double sided utility tape and I might try that the next time I replace mine.

As far as belts, I used 60 grit for hogging and cutting bevels and then on to 120, 220 and 400. The problem I had with the higher grit belts is that they would jump/bump whenever the belt splice came around. In an effort to fix this, I made a leather strap that went over the glass platen that softened the bump of the higher grit belts (see pic below). This helps, but the ideal solution is a grinder with variable speed so you can slow the belt down. when I had the 2x42 I did a lot more hand work than I do now. A lot of the time I came off the grinder after 120 grit and went on from there hand sanding.

leatherplat.png
 
P.Brewster said:
Nope it is a 2x27. He provided the model number and photo.

Regardless, the 2x42 is a better buy due to belt size and availability.
Click to expand...

I was talking about the Grizzly grinder that most people were probably referring to being the 72" model, considering they are the two most talked about "beginner" grinders out there, and that he said they never gave a link. And it was a bit of a joke, since 27 and 72 are the reverse or earchother.

Not so funny apparently ;)

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
... (It's been quite a while since I've posted any new vids)
 
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