Homemade grinder died - what's affordable?

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WYK

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Jan 11, 2005
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I need a flat grinder mostly for hunting and Bowie knives. I would like to get a solid professional unit, but I just don't have the money to spend ;( What's out there that's affordable? I'm talking under $600-800 or so. I was eyeing the Coote and the Pro Cut II or the Grizzley.

WYK
 
The best bang for the buck is probably the Coote. I've got one and with step pullies is very usefull. That said I'm dreaming of a KMG one day, and if you can afford it go for it. The KMG is build like a tank and like the Coote it can be expanded latter as you can afford it, though it can be expanded/customized a bit further than the Coote. Like you I mostly flat grind though so a big contact wheel isn't that important. I've been running my 8" wheeled Coote for a couple years and haven't had a problem, very well built and sturdy.

Do a search and you will probably find every type of grinder discused.

Good luck
 
I have a Coote and am very happy with it. If you have your own motor, though, the KMG would fit your budget, and it will expand to do whatever you need it to do. For low $600's, I got my Coote 2x72, small wheel attachment, pulleys and a drive belt. Just had to add a motor and away I went! The KMG is a heavy sucker, too, so shipping is about 2.5 times more than the Coote, but it is THE machine for professional knifemakers. For my purposes, though, the Coote works nicely.
 
I like the Coote. It's likely all I need. But, I don't see the platen, does it have a good platen? Does it actually come with a clamp or anything? My old stuff was pretty proprietary.
Obliged for all the assistance!

WYK
 
The coote is a great machine. I love mine :cool:
It does have a platen, its just above the wheel. The machine is set up so that you can use the wheel, platen, or slack belt without changing a thing.

I don't know what you mean about it coming with a clamp :confused: There is an adjustable work table, that mounts in front of the platen.
Extra options you can order include, a work rest for the contact wheel, a sanding disc that bolts to the side of the contact wheel, and I think there's some sort of small wheel attachment you can buy also. Its all listed at www.cootebeltgrinder.com look on the accessories section.
For about $50 you can get 3 speed step pulleys for it, if you can't afford a VS motor. I've got them on my coote, and it works out great. I welded up a big hinge/frame to mount the motor on so that all I have to do is lift it up to take the tension off the belt and switch it to a different speed.

If you plan on doing any hollow grinding I'd suggest you get the 10" wheel. I've run mine a good bit now and like the grind it gives alot better than an 8" wheel. You can stil do small knives on it just fine.
 
Sorry, Matt. I was meaning to use clamp as a synonym for platen and it confused y'all. I saw that it had a seperate knife rest and that made me wonder what the deal was.
I'm not fond of hollow grinds for hard use knives. I only make hunters and bowies currently, and may get the 10" wheel later if I wished.
I appreciate all y'alls help!

WYK
 
The machine has to be fit to the wheel. The larger circumference of the 10" wheel would mean sliding the upright with the idler down a little bit. Since they are milled to a tight fit, and held with a carriage bolt its not a real simple change.
 
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