Just HOW GOOD is the Hardcore??

Dr.Lathe

Dr.Lathe

Joined
Aug 4, 1999
Messages
2,596
I'm buying a variable speed grinder this week. It's going to be either the Bader III or the Hardcore CNC milled version. I still can't decide :( Did anyone get to try the Hardcore at the Eugene Show last weekend?? I know some of you have them. I have no need for the platten attachement and will only be changing from 3" to 8" wheels. Feedback MUCH appreciated.

Lastly, I have a THICK CHUNK of D2 perfect for a small integral. Email me if you would be interrested, I'll NEVER get around to using it:rolleyes: Free to good home with a SERIOUS milling machine ;)

EDIT: The D2 measures 3/4" X 1 7/8" X 9 1/8"

Neil
 
I would think that the Bader would be the better choice for going from 3" to 8" inch contact wheels. The Hardcore flat platen atchment comes with a five inch contact wheel. Because of the arm design on the Hardcore I would think you would have a hard time hollow grinding with a 3" wheel on this machine. The Bader has alot more room around its arm.
 
Neil- e-mail being sent on steel. I have some SERIOUS files and sandpaper! And hope to have some time after I clear up a couple of scrimshaw projects.;)
 
Neil-

I entered the grinding competition and John had brought the investment cast Hardcore.

It's very similar to my Burr King, but it has some nice refinements. Like the tensioning lever and such...it's very sanitary.

Larry didn't want to fiddle with changing from the flat to hollow arrangment. So I thought I was tricky and I hollow ground the clip with the 5" wheel and flat ground the main bevel...very smooth for both.

The 1.5 hp motor (Baldor) on that Hardcore seemed to have a little less snoot than my 1.5 hp (Leeson) and I can't imagine why.

This is definitely the PRETTIEST grinder out there ;)

I'd still look really hard at Rob Frink's grinder though. I really like the features he's got going. It seems to have all the benefits of the Bader and Hardcore wrapped up in one machine.

Let us know what you get :D
Nick
 
I've got one, Neil.

If you are not changing from a contact wheel to flat platen it is not that big of a deal. That is one of the complaints I have with it, tool set up time. Nick hinted at another one. With this DC variable speed drive, you are not able to run it on 220v. It does seem to have a bit less power than a 1 1/2 220v motor but it is not "that" bad.

Now, the biggest plus of all, it is the smoothest machine I have worked with and tracks like a freight train on new rails! It is one fine machine. It is not as loud as some of the other machines I have used either.

If looking for a "three wheel" machine, give Rob Frink's grinder a very close look before you plop down your cash.

If you want to discuss further, send me an email.

C Wilkins
 
Guys,

Thanks for the info. After what was mentioned here and after looking at the Hardcore on Kovals site, I think the Bader might actually be best for my needs. The grinder I use now is a very heavy duty, home made one. It is set up to run either 72 or 108 inch belts and has a Burr King ilder wheel/tracking adjustment. It also has a horizontal flat platten, and FIVE HORSEPOWER motor! It will continue to use it for roughing out profiles, rough hollow grinding and tapering tangs. IT HOGS FAST !! :)
I also have a horizontal belt grinder that I do all my "inside" grinding and finishing with. No need for the very small wheels on the new grinder.
I want the new variable speed grinder mainly for finishing and also hollow grinding using the smaller, 3-5" wheels. I can't run anything smaller than a 6 inch wheel on my old grinder.
From what I understand the Hardcore will require me to run a third wheel in order to use the smaller wheels. It seems this will also take longer to change over. This is why I now believe the Bader is probably the best for my intended use. PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong or making a big deal over nothing?? :)
As far as the Frink Grinder, it looks great and MANY people recommend it. I'm off to check Robs website again as soon as I post this. Right now TIME is a big factor and locating, and mounting motors and speed controls, is not what I had in mind. I'm hoping to order a grinder with a pedestal and be up and running shortly after it rolls of the truck!!

Neil

PS the D2 is GONE!!
 
i have my hardcore set up with a platen with a 2" x 5" on it. as C.L. stated it is a smooooooth machine. not tiring at all. i also use the small wheel attch, for 3/4" and 1". i use the 2' and 5" for profiling and handle sculpting. change out is not a big deal to me. so it takes a minute in stead of 30 seconds? BFD. i feel the smoothness makes up for any time loss. i have the milled 1 1/2 var, and would by it again.
 
I also got a chance to grind a blade in the Eugene show. Nick speaks the truth. I have nothing but good to say about the Hard Core. It is smoother and quicker than my Burr king and also tracks better. I havent seen the Bader up close but if I was buying a new grinder it would be the Hard Core. If for no other reason; It just looks sexy.
 
CL,

I love your signature line!

Bruce,

I admit that the looks of the Hardcore DO have a LITTLE to do with my interrest in that machine :) It certainly would look nice in my shop!


Now I'm swaying towards the Hardcore. I would be willing to sacrifice some setup time for better tracking. I'm going to give it more thought and try reach a decision over the weekend. I DO have to get one up and running ASAP. I have a BUNCH of 30V knives that will be ready to finish soon!!

Thanks again everyone,

Neil
 
Like Nick and Bruce, I too used the hard core in the grinding competition at Eugene. I also used this grinder last year and thought it was very nice then with a couple of things that I didn't care for on it. Imagine my suprise when the tracking and tension controls had been changed to just what I would have asked for if I had, had any say in the way this machine is made. After using the hardcore last year I looked at a few of the other grinders, wilton, bader, and of course I have my old stand by Burr King. After using all of the above I would buy the hardcore, especially since I can't get a new Burr King.


Bill
 
I have (2)Baders, a BMII and the New B3 Variable Speed, I love them, the new BIII is so much nicer than the BMII, tracks better and the speed of changing wheels. Plus parts are easily available, since the company in in New York and All the big Supplies carry them....This was my concern if I needed parts, how fast could I get um.:D
 
I also have a BII and BIII and wouldn't trade them for anything else. I have used these machines for three years and absolutely love them. Wheel changes are fast, tracking is great and overall looks are not bad at all. Plus I have to agree, when you need parts they are easy to get.

Marcel
 
I can't let this thread go with out a plug for Rob Frinks KMG-1 grinder. With a tool bar for each wheel or planten, the change over is wrench free and takes 10 seconds or less. Runs and tracks smooth. I have a bader 1&1/2 variable on it, the one Hardcore uses. Great combination. I don't recall hearing anything bad about the Hardcore, Bader III or Frinks grinders. Sounds like they are all good choices.
 
It should also be mentioned that the folks at Tru-Grit are very nice people to deal with. My only objection to my Burr-King is change over time is slightly more involved than with some some. It sounds as though the Hardcore which is based on the BK is an improved BK. It certainly is a good looking machine. Knife makers/collectors are supposed to notice things such as how something looks. Just curious, what are the tensioning and tracking improvements on the Hardcore?
 
First I would like to thank everyone for their input!!

After several phone calls to TruGrit, I realized that the Hardcore wasn't going to do ALL that I wanted. I grind about half of my knives with a 6" wheel, not presently available for the Harcore. The other downside that I just couldn't see having to deal with is the need for the third wheel or slack belt setup when using smaller wheels. The Hardcore would have looked great in the shop but for my needs it just wasn't right.

Last night I ordered the Bader BIII 2 hp variable speed with all the attachments I need. Since Bader had one ready to ship, I should be up and running in about a week :)

Neil
 
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