I am ready to buy my first belt grinder and I really need some opinions ; what to buy

LARRYZ10

LARRYZ10

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Feb 6, 2010
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Hi, I am Larry Lehman and I have been saving money for a professional quality belt grinder many months now. I have watched videos by Loveless, SR Johnson, Ed Caffrey, Harvey Dean, and Johnny Stout and I have made over a hundred different knives without one so far. I have about $2100.00 to spend now and I am thinking of a KMG with 10 inch wheel, VFD, and a 2 HP motor from Beaumont. I would have the platen included but would start out attempting a hollow grind which I like. Is a 10 inch wheel the best choice right off. I like deep hollow grinds that are at least 3/4 inch. Am I misinformed. What would you guys do for a first grinder? Thanks, Larry in Bakersfield
 
I'm no pro Larry, but I would pretty much do what you suggested in your post if I were you. There are other pro grinders rising to the surface lately like the Weurtz TW90 and soon Mick Strider's grinder, but for the money you have to spend, you can get the KMG with some bells and whistles to suit your needs, and I don't think the KMG will be outdated for a very long time, if ever. It's such a solid, well built machine. It will serve you for your lifetime for sure. I really don't think you can go wrong with it.
 
The KMG is a great choice with the 10" wheel.You won't be sorry.
Stan
 
I read the title and thought you were one of those guys that wears his pants around his knees, and were going to pull em up and put on a belt for the first time...

You named the exact set up I have (I also got the Flat Platen attachment) You can't go wrong with the KMG and Rob. I had a VFD go out and Rob took care of it no problem. I stick mainly to the flat platen, but use the 10" for the few hollow grinds that I do, I use it to profile most blades as well.
 
Sounds like you've done your homework :) You could build pretty much the same thing for less money/more work. But I don't know anyone who complains about their KMG.
 
I love my KMG with lots of accessories but would look very hard at the Weurtz TW90 if I was buying now.
 
What you are thinking of ordering, is exactly what I ordered from Rob after having a variable Burr King for 11 years. At this point I still have the BK, and two KMG's (the variable 2hp and a variable 3hp) :)

The TW-90 is a fantastic machine and I will have one in the next year or three.... but for where you are at with this, the price point of what you have your sights on is easier to swallow and it will provide you with a grinder that will last the rest of your days.

Of course the counter argument is that Travis's grinder also is horizontal, and from the sounds of his new surface grinding attachment--- it's a knife maker's surface grinder on top of all that. It's definitely worth looking into... :)
 
NickWheeler said:
What you are thinking of ordering, is exactly what I ordered from Rob after having a variable Burr King for 11 years. At this point I still have the BK, and two KMG's (the variable 2hp and a variable 3hp) :)

The TW-90 is a fantastic machine and I will have one in the next year or three.... but for where you are at with this, the price point of what you have your sights on is easier to swallow and it will provide you with a grinder that will last the rest of your days.

Of course the counter argument is that Travis's grinder also is horizontal, and from the sounds of his new surface grinding attachment--- it's a knife maker's surface grinder on top of all that. It's definitely worth looking into... :)
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What I would really love to have is more shop space... so, like Nick said, I could pick up another few grinders. I'm lazy, and it would be really nice to NOT have to switch out the tooling arms all of the time. I'm really happy with my KMG (pretty much the same package you spec'd out except with an 8" wheel and a hand full of small wheels). I wouldn't trade it for any of the other grinders out there... but the TW-90 looks like it might be fun to have. The only thing that bothers me a bit is the smaller tool arms. I wish it would accept KMG arms. {shrug}
 
james terrio said:
Sounds like you've done your homework :) You could build pretty much the same thing for less money/more work. But I don't know anyone who complains about their KMG.
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James, I have no experience welding or drill and tap. I know I could learn to tap and buy just the ones I need but the welding would have to be paid for. My neighbor is an electrician and can wire the vfd and motor but the rest will have to be purchased. My friends in Canada all built Polar bear grinders with Wayne Coe suppying the vfd's and motors but they build theirs together as a club. Money is a concern but I have saved $2100 which would just about set me up. I need a talented buddy to attempt a scratch build or kit. Thanks for the advice. Larry
 
Nick, Do I need a surface grinder? What do they do specifically well. Do they flatten the blank stock or are they used to profile or what? If I will want one soon then maybe I should save some more money and get the TW-90. Convince me please...I don't want to regret this purchase in a couple years. I dont have room for more machines and am on a budget. Thanks for helping. Larry in Bakersfield
 
If you have that much to spend then you should def get a bader space saver. I have 7 of them and they are the only tool that we continue to aquire. Get machines!
 
LARRYZ10 said:
James, I have no experience welding or drill and tap.
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Take a gander at No-Weld Grinder plans. You can buy just the instructions or a full kit ready to bolt together. It's just a thought, as I said I think anyone would be pretty happy with a KMG. You mentioned Wayne Coe, I've visited him at his shop, he is a hoot to hang out with. His grinders are based on the NWG plans and work great. Look him up on youtube, he has a couple videos there now.
 
LARRYZ10 said:
Nick, Do I need a surface grinder? What do they do specifically well. Do they flatten the blank stock or are they used to profile or what? If I will want one soon then maybe I should save some more money and get the TW-90. Convince me please...I don't want to regret this purchase in a couple years. I dont have room for more machines and am on a budget. Thanks for helping. Larry in Bakersfield
Click to expand...

Surface grinders make steel flat with precise control of thickness. They're great for folder makers and damascus makers and handy for all knife makers. I wish I had one -- that and the horizontal feature are why I'd like to upgrade from my KMG, not that I can afford to.

That said, you don't need a surface grinder. A number of folder makers are happy without one.
 
Hi Larry, I started a hobby to sharpen lawn mower blades, household kitchen knives, restaurant knives, ect. Evidently there is not a need for that in this area. So..I have a brand new KMG-8 with about two to three hours on it if that. It has the 1 1/2 hp variable speed and is very strong. I also have the Rotary Platen with the tooling bar that i paid 473.00. The KMG is wired for 115vac but can also be wired for 230. Also included is the tooling tree and two extra tooling arms. I have almost $2,800 in the setup and i just put it up for sale on craigslist. Its under the tools category in Hartford.Ct. I'm asking $2,400. You can call me at 860-435-2033 or my cell at 860-671-0480 ask for Tom
 
I don't disagree with what Dan posted, as I made knives for several years withOUT a surface grinder.... but now I don't know how I'd get along without mine. I use my surface grinder on every single blade and flat surfaced knife component that goes out of my shop. :)
 
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