Is this grinder a waste of money?

J

Jarren

Joined
Apr 25, 2016
Messages
8
I'm just planning on making a few blades as a hobby and want to try my hand at it before I make any huge investments. I know hand filing and sanding is an option but j do t mind spending a little to make the job easier and I'm sure i can find other applications for the machine if knife making doesn't pan out for me.

Question is does this little grinder look on to start with just to get a feel for the process?
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Any sander can do the job, just how easily. I would pick the second myself. I started with the 1 x 30, I like a wider belt better. It seems easier to get consistent grind.
 
When I started I bought the Harbor Freight 1x30 w/o the disc sander on the side. I think I got it for about $30 with the coupon. I hated it when I first started using it but that was just part of the learning curve for me. Now that I've ground out a few knives and started using a grinding jig, I'm happy with it. Don't get me wrong, I would love a 2 HP 2x72 and will get one at some future point, but this grinder or the one I got will get the job done w/ minor modifications.

If you do get one, go ahead and order some low grit ceramic belts from Supergrit for profiling and grinding your bevels. They're a huge step up from most of the AO stuff you get in the stores or on Amazon, you won't regret it. If you make an order, get a handful of the lower grit belts because you'll go through those faster than the higher grit.

I had also purchased the Harbor Freight 4x36 and 6" disc sander combo and have found little use for it. It's come in handy a couple times but I've made most of my knives entirely on the 1x30. I say that because I don't know if it's worth spending $130 on this setup, especially if you don't use the little disc sander. But if you have other uses for it, maybe it's the right tool for you.

All that said, because I only have the 1x30, I've resigned to sticking to only 1/8" stock at the thickest for my blades and won't be grinding bevels more than 3 1/2 inches or so (and that's also because I just have a small two brick forge as well). You can do thicker and longer matieral, but I just don't have the patience for it! ;)

Good luck!
 
I know you mentioned it but personally, I'd spend the money on good files, a cheap angle grinder, sandpaper and some 1084. Make a knife with the angle grinder, files and paper first. Really see if you even enjoy spending a few hours in front of a knife repeatedly sanding to get rid of the previous grits' scratches. ;) That said, the 1x30 would be my choice if you're set on buying a grinder first.


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Yep, I agree on buying the 1X30 first, that's only $30 to $40 from harbor frieght and it works good for knife sharpening after you finally get a "real" grinder :)

Ken H>
 
Another vote for the HF 1x30. I use it for initial profiling, hand file the bevels using an Gough jig, back to the 1x30 for the handle shaping. It's a love hate relationship but for 30 bucks you can't beat it.
 
Thanks for all the responses. Being a watchmaker I have all sorts of tools and equipment and I have learned to stay away from the economy brand type equipment from bad experiences, i find most jobs are easier with less , but quality tools than a shop full of bad quality with that being said 30$ is an easy pill to swallow if it does not turn out to not be what I'm looking for. I know with other hobbies i have I've started with the cheaper stuff then decided to by the mid line to only end up buying the top line. I'm not ready to bite the bullet on a grinder that costs thousands yet being I haven't made a single blade yet but don't want to fight the process because my equipment is lacking when I could have afforded to get something a little better.

Seems like the HF model
Would be logical to start with but I'm just leery of the quality and wasn't sure about the 1" width.

Again thanks for all the comments.




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If your willing to spend $150 ish on a machine, you can find a Craftsman 2x42 for that, the newest version has a 1/3 hp motor and the older ones have a 1/2 hp.
Keep in mind that there are some 2x72s that run $450 and you would just need a motor, or $500 motor included.

It essentially comes down to your income, and how much you want to spend on a machine that you may end up replacing.
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The machine that you posted can be had for less coin at your local Harbor Freight, or even craigslist.

It would work ok for starting out, but many find it to be lackluster due to the speed of the belt and the platen that tends to be a bit wavy. There are some other issues, but if you are starting out, most of them can be accepted in exchange for some experience and trial and error.
 
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I started making knives on a 1x30 and still use it for light duty handle shaping. By starting on a smaller grinder or with files, you learn to appreciate the larger grinders. Plus it's not a huge investment. That's just my two cents.
 
I am one that agrees with starting with a less expensive belt sander to kind of learn the ropes--if I was going to start with a 1" machine, I would go with the Rikon version of the first grinder you posted, last time I saw one was on Amazon for $105 it's a good quality machine--and as others mentioned, you can relegate it to sharpening or certain shaping tasks or whatever in the future. Of course I have to throw in that you could get an AMK http://amktactical.com/epages/3c926...26a50-9aba-43a5-9571-098ee03f1288/Products/42 and this would get you into a machine with a 12" contact wheel and a flat platen--I have one an am very pleased with it---another level for sure, but still reasonable IMO
 
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Something like the AMK is what I will eventually want. I can understand the starting out with less to make you appreciate everything a little more.

Not to over load this topic but let's say I wanted to put a budget of a thousand dollars give or take to get started. Where should my money go?

And I am going to start with stock removal to start.

What I already have:
flex shaft hand tool (Dremel type piece)
variety of angel grinders
porta band saw
Bench vice


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Drill press, grizzly 2x72, belts, a Very good respirator.
Next step up from grizzly would likely be a Coote 2x72 with your choice of motor and vfd.
 
The machine isn't a waste of money. The power and platen are definite downsides, but I still use my HF 1x30 for light duty tasks. I use it for sharpening quite a bit. The leather belt also gets used on occasion. I think I paid $39 for mine with a coupon. By the time you realize the limitations of the 1x30, you will have an investment in 1x30 belts that is way more expensive than the machine itself.
 
One thing to consider, if you spend $1K on a 2X72 grinder with VFD now, "IF" you do decide knife making isn't for you, it will sell fairly quickly with only a small loss on the investment. Spending money on good tools isn't like putting money in slot machines where it's gone with nothing to show for it.

Ken H>
 
In my opinion if you can afford a 2x72 do it without a doubt. I'm doing everything with a 1x30, including bevels on kitchen knives post heat treat. I'm doing everything in my power to try and upgrade right now. They are handy to have around but you will want to upgrade in a very short amount of time.

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One of these, hands down will save you more time and money while ending up with a far better product. Check out my videos if your not familiar with us. Ask other makers.

Good luck and have fun with the adventure, Fred

bubblejigcom

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Hey Jarren, not to push the envelope too much, but I'm telling you from experience what I wish I had done. If you want to keep the budget close to 1K then there is the basic AMK without variable speed, which can be added later on. This one: http://amktactical.com/epages/3c926...26a50-9aba-43a5-9571-098ee03f1288/Products/33

Other features you may want can also be added--they are offering a free upgrade to a 12" wheel right now, and that price includes shipping. I would really try to squeeze a few more bucks together and do this. Also you will have a good amount in belts once you get 'crunk' but the 2sx72 belts are the best value for the buck for grinding belts. I can assure you that you will be miles ahead going this route--and as another poster mentioned, you aren't spending money that can't be recovered if you decide you aren't into the knifemaking thing.

Good luck to you--these are really my best thoughts--counting costs and everything!!
 
Thanks to everyone for all the suggestions. Now I have a lot to think about and some more research to do.


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