kalamazoo 2x48 grinder

raylaconico

raylaconico

Joined
Jan 30, 2004
Messages
4,030
I am thinking of getting this grinder as an upgrade to my 4x36. I don't have much money to spend. Does anybody have any experience or opinions on this grinder ? Can it be used horizontally? Thanks.
 
It is advertised as able to be used horizontally or vertically when without motor. The one with a motor is just vertical.

I just ordered one, it should be here any day now. I got a motor on its way also, a 1HP Baldor (HUGE thanks to jfraps for this one). I'll let you know how it all works out.

The main reasons everybody likes the 2x72 grinders: The belts last longer b/c they're longer, and you can get a huge selection of belts for them, ceramic belts especially (very nice for the hard steels). I can get by with a 2x48 and it's a LOT cheaper so I got one.

I'll let you all know how it looks/works once I get it and set it all up.

_z
 
Makers also get 2"x72" because you can hollow grind.You can get a good selection of belts for a 2"x48" . I have an account with Klingspore and they are very good.You can only do flat and convex grinds, but that is what I prefer anyway.It is not a bad machine for the money.Dave :)
 
Right. And beyond hollow grinding w/ a large contact wheel, 2x72 grinders also offer a lot of flexibility: Slack grinding, flat, hollow, small-radius, etc.

But you pay for it, check out the prices on the more capable 2x72s and you'll see a lot more than 188$ for a pricetag.

_z
 
Thanks for the advice. I think I'll try to get one. Last weekend, I ordered the Grizzly2x72 but they're on backorder until mid June and I don't want to wait so I may just get the kalamazoo.
 
raylaconico said:
I am thinking of getting this grinder as an upgrade to my 4x36. I don't have much money to spend. Does anybody have any experience or opinions on this grinder ? Can it be used horizontally? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Email me.

Craig
 
Welcome to Shop Talk Ray! My first grinder was an underpowered 2X48 and I still use if for a lot of stuff 15 years later. The Kalamazoo is a decent machine from all I've heard. Be sure to buy at least 1 HP motor for it and it's very worthwhile to have at least step pulleys to adjust the belt speed. Whenever you get serious about making though you're going to want to upgrade to 2X72, so be warned! ;) Nice thing about buying good tools is you'll always have em and they'll always be useful.
 
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