Information on DIY plans for a 2" x 72" knife grinder

[dadarrow]

Greetings all! As mentioned in a previous thread, years ago I "started" to build I GIB (Grinder in a Box) from Polar Bear Forge. Never completed. Now back on it. I was wondering two things:
1). What are some DIY options out there for a 2 x 72 grinder? In other words, can anyone point me to people/sites that have plans for a DIY grinder? Is there anyone that has plans already done that guys are using (CAD files, etc.) that are good DIY projects for building a grinder (similar to the GIB from PBF of years ago)? Also, it doesn't seem that the GIB (or GIB2) plans are readily available anymore...does anyone have a file on it or has that grinder chasis been modified/upgraded that there is no longe a need for it?

2). Is there a market now for a DIY grinder or is it better to secure a pre-built grinder? It seemed like a good idea back in 2012 when I purchased the GIB kit but I'm wondering if guys are trying to build their own grinders these days or just purchase from a reputable grinder manufacturer/suppier?

My reason for asking is that I am going to complete my GIB project as a build with a couple of my adult sons. We thought it might be fun to build more than one. We have access to a laser cutter. I have the ability to "reverse engineer" my GIB parts and perhaps make it available to anyone if there is interest (or maybe we look at a new/upgraded grinder). Just wondering what interest might be out there or if there are better options now thirteen years later. Thanks for anyone that reads this and double thanks to any responses! I value the expertise in this forum!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Since we are just talking about ideas, this is an OK thread for shop talk. Sales and pricing is for another place and time.

A grinder kit is always a welcome option to many new makers. My only caveat is that you aren't someone with years of experience on a 2X72 and may not know what is or isn't needed. There are certain things that it must have, and some things that are nice to have.

I would start with a list of features it needs to have and develop you CAD drawings from there. Make it heavy and sturdy. 1/4" is a good plate thickness for much of a grinder.

Starter List:
1) 2 tool arm slots. Tool arms can be an option, or they can be part of the kit. ... Or people can get/make their own.
2) Flat platen as part of the kit, or as an option. Make it one that can be angled as needed.
3) Motor mount holes for 56-C-face motor
4) Work rest options for long or regular rest. At least one is needed as part of the kit.
5) VFD mount bracket.
6) Good tracking mechanism. Study what is out there and copy the best types.
7) Ratchet tension.

I would let people buy their own wheels, but giving some source suggestions in the instructions is a good idea. Samd for motor and VFD. Let people get their own.

 

[dadarrow]

Since we are just talking about ideas, this is an OK thread for shop talk. Sales and pricing is for another place and time.

A grinder kit is always a welcome option to many new makers. My only caveat is that you aren't someone with years of experience on a 2X72 and may not know what is or isn't needed. There are certain things that it must have, and some things that are nice to have.

I would start with a list of features it needs to have and develop you CAD drawings from there. Make it heavy and sturdy. 1/4" is a good plate thickness for much of a grinder.

Starter List:
1) 2 tool arm slots. Tool arms can be an option, or they can be part of the kit. ... Or people can get/make their own.
2) Flat platen as part of the kit, or as an option. Make it one that can be angled as needed.
3) Motor mount holes for 56-C-face motor
4) Work rest options for long or regular rest. At least one is needed as part of the kit.
5) VFD mount bracket.
6) Good tracking mechanism. Study what is out there and copy the best types.
7) Ratchet tension.

I would let people buy their own wheels, but giving some source suggestions in the instructions is a good idea. Samd for motor and VFD. Let people get their own.

Thank you for your input. Very helpful. You have always provided good information and I am grateful! As a noted previously...we "started" this idea in 2012 and never got around to building the grinder. I now have new motivation and will be completing the process on the GIB that we purchased in 2012. A couple of my adult sons work in a wood stove manufacturing plant and can assist me in getting the steel laser cut if I want to build another kit. We were just going to duplicate the GIB material that I already have and add the wheels, motor, etc. I am still trying to get my material list together (bolts, handles, VFD, platen design, etc.). Just received my motor today. Before I start to assemble, I am having my son create a file so I can cut another set of steel out for another build. It seems to me the GIB seems fairly bullet proof. Just didn't know if there are any newer designs or upgrades. I have seen pics of some that guys have done that include floor bases and tool arm storage. I am trying to determine what we are going to do.
One think I know is that I will do a documentation of it and video the process. I think it will be enjoyable. I also contacted Beaumont Metal Works and am dialoguing with them concerning wheels. I can order off of ebay for much cheaper but I like the warranty that Beaumont has. Just trying to set $ aside for what is needed.
From your knowledge, does a 56C frame and a 56 frame mean the same thing? Is that the configuration of the 4 holes to face mount it? I'm sure there are resources to get this data but thought I would ask. Seems like alot of the motors out there (ebay, marketplace, etc.) are a 145T or a 184TC. Wish I knew more!

 

[dadarrow]

Thank you for your input. Very helpful. You have always provided good information and I am grateful! As a noted previously...we "started" this idea in 2012 and never got around to building the grinder. I now have new motivation and will be completing the process on the GIB that we purchased in 2012. A couple of my adult sons work in a wood stove manufacturing plant and can assist me in getting the steel laser cut if I want to build another kit. We were just going to duplicate the GIB material that I already have and add the wheels, motor, etc. I am still trying to get my material list together (bolts, handles, VFD, platen design, etc.). Just received my motor today. Before I start to assemble, I am having my son create a file so I can cut another set of steel out for another build. It seems to me the GIB seems fairly bullet proof. Just didn't know if there are any newer designs or upgrades. I have seen pics of some that guys have done that include floor bases and tool arm storage. I am trying to determine what we are going to do.
One think I know is that I will do a documentation of it and video the process. I think it will be enjoyable. I also contacted Beaumont Metal Works and am dialoguing with them concerning wheels. I can order off of ebay for much cheaper but I like the warranty that Beaumont has. Just trying to set $ aside for what is needed.
From your knowledge, does a 56C frame and a 56 frame mean the same thing? Is that the configuration of the 4 holes to face mount it? I'm sure there are resources to get this data but thought I would ask. Seems like alot of the motors out there (ebay, marketplace, etc.) are a 145T or a 184TC. Wish I knew more!

Since we are just talking about ideas, this is an OK thread for shop talk. Sales and pricing is for another place and time.

A grinder kit is always a welcome option to many new makers. My only caveat is that you aren't someone with years of experience on a 2X72 and may not know what is or isn't needed. There are certain things that it must have, and some things that are nice to have.

I would start with a list of features it needs to have and develop you CAD drawings from there. Make it heavy and sturdy. 1/4" is a good plate thickness for much of a grinder.

Starter List:
1) 2 tool arm slots. Tool arms can be an option, or they can be part of the kit. ... Or people can get/make their own.
2) Flat platen as part of the kit, or as an option. Make it one that can be angled as needed.
3) Motor mount holes for 56-C-face motor
4) Work rest options for long or regular rest. At least one is needed as part of the kit.
5) VFD mount bracket.
6) Good tracking mechanism. Study what is out there and copy the best types.
7) Ratchet tension.

I would let people buy their own wheels, but giving some source suggestions in the instructions is a good idea. Samd for motor and VFD. Let people get their own.

Also...so you don't think I am a total amateur (although I am!)...my posts are a collective post with three of my adult sons. Two of those guys are metal workers so that's a big help! my 25 year-old is the one really pushing his knife making efforts. He is forging frequently and is also doing stock removal. He seems motivated so I am moving forward on this build. I have a 32 year old interested and my 33 year old is a fabricator and oversees the laser production for the company he works for. These guys are a bonus to me! I have ideas and they have motivation! My dad was a machinist his whole life and although I've tinkered in the shop, I'm more relying on my sons! I'm just trying to stay ahead of them!
Dirk

 

[StuNY]

FWIW I am a hobbyist knife maker (Well, starting to sell a few now) but when I started 10 years ago I went for the GIB and find it does everything I could ever want. Well... except rotate 90 degrees. I have built all my tooling now beyond what came with it. I have radius platens, 10" contact wheel, small detail wheels, various rests and now finished my surface grinder attachment that is quite a joy to use! When I was making my decision I was just not at a point where I would afford a commercial grinder. Building the GIB, and all my tooling let me spend more time than money on the journey. I would think there would be quite a strong market for doing something like this again by working from your GIB (and hopefully adding 90 degree rotate!) and providing a kit. The biggest value for me in the kit was that all the parts I couldn't make came with it (cut 1/2" steel etc). I could cleanup the parts that did, and do some tapping on my own along with the tool accessory building. I see a lot of guys here building knives with files and I'll bet they would be an awesome market for a kit like this! It is a really solid design. A number of years back I bought a 12' length of square steel tubing for attachments and just realized the other day I have used it all up now! Good fun.

Good luck with it!
Stuart

 

[dadarrow]

FWIW I am a hobbyist knife maker (Well, starting to sell a few now) but when I started 10 years ago I went for the GIB and find it does everything I could ever want. Well... except rotate 90 degrees. I have built all my tooling now beyond what came with it. I have radius platens, 10" contact wheel, small detail wheels, various rests and now finished my surface grinder attachment that is quite a joy to use! When I was making my decision I was just not at a point where I would afford a commercial grinder. Building the GIB, and all my tooling let me spend more time than money on the journey. I would think there would be quite a strong market for doing something like this again by working from your GIB (and hopefully adding 90 degree rotate!) and providing a kit. The biggest value for me in the kit was that all the parts I couldn't make came with it (cut 1/2" steel etc). I could cleanup the parts that did, and do some tapping on my own along with the tool accessory building. I see a lot of guys here building knives with files and I'll bet they would be an awesome market for a kit like this! It is a really solid design. A number of years back I bought a 12' length of square steel tubing for attachments and just realized the other day I have used it all up now! Good fun.

Good luck with it!
Stuart

Hey Stuart...thanks for the response. I am looking forward to building my grinder. Once completed, we will make some modifications and look at the possibility of putting a kit together. I appreciate the comment on making it flip to 90 degrees. Do you happen to have a pic or two of what your grinder looks like? It might help us in our modifications.
Thanks again!
Dirk

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I would look at the Grinder thread in the stickys. It has a list of most popular grinders. Search each grinder and look at the features that make it popular.