Recommendation? Kalamazoo 2X48 Model 2FSM Belt Grinder

A

AbLonewolf

Joined
Jan 30, 2020
Messages
75
Good day folks. First a little background information on myself:

I am retired and about 2 years ago, started this beloved hobby. I have probably built about 25 knives since. I use flat bar steel, cut pattern out, and do the rest of the required steps. At the beginning, I kept some. redone some, and gifted a few of them out. I do not advertise. I am getting somewhat better at it with experience. A few buddies have bought some of them...and now a few of their buddies are doing the same. So mostly word of mouth. All the knives I make are hunting knives ( 3 to 4 inch blades) drop points and skinners. I will not get into "Presentation" knives.

I will not make this as a business. As I mentioned before, strictly a hobby, and this status will remain. Not a money making venture either other that a few bucks in my pocket...or to buy more materials. I already have a pile of hardwoods for scales, but starting to experiment with some synthetic materials (Dymalux, Juma, etc).

I do a lot of woodworking, and as such, have a good inventory of the usual tools/machinery required for knife making, including a few grinders: 6X48, 1X42, etc. BUT...some of the steps are challenging without a decent setup.

Without spending big bucks on a 2X72 belt grinders, I have been shopping around. I do realize the 2X72 is the best option, but I cannot justify the cost due to the low numbers I produce...so...

Looking at the above Kalamazoo belt grinder. It is available in Canada and could pick one up on sale for $811.00, free shipping. This business (KBC Canada) has a large inventory of belts also.

Does anyone here use this particular grinder?

And if so, please let me know what you think about it...pros and cons...or possibly a similar machine in that price range.

Thank You in advance...
 
yes a 2x72 will cost twice as much, but you are limited with the 2x48 because they do not make attachments or decent work rests and contact wheels for them ?
 
what does the new 2X48" do that the 1X42" that you already have doesn't?

seems like a waste of money to me, if I were you..... I'd save longer for the 2X72
 
Crag the Brewer said:
what does the new 2X48" do that the 1X42" that you already have doesn't?

seems like a waste of money to me, if I were you..... I'd save longer for the 2X72
Click to expand...
I hear you.

The 1X42 I have is a simple "sander" with a 1/4 HP motor. Does not have a tracking wheel so plunges are difficult as the belt wanders a bit.

Trust me...I would love a decent 2X72. Very few retailers in Canada. A 3 pulley KMG with wheel and platen option goes for around $2500.00 (not including shipping and Sales Tax). Ordering from the USA would be a lot more.
 
Didn’t @StacyEApelt mention a company making a decent 2x72 a few months ago (maybe Reeder, or something similar to that name?), for around $900-ish? Miles ahead of a 2x48, and you can add accessories as you are ready for them.
 
DanF said:
Didn’t @StacyEApelt mention a company making a decent 2x72 a few months ago (maybe Reeder, or something similar to that name?), for around $900-ish? Miles ahead of a 2x48, and you can add accessories as you are ready for them.
Click to expand...
Maybe he did. Not sure. But coming from the USA...big increase.

It is not a question about being able to afford it. I can if I want to.

My question was for the limited use I will be doing this, what is the best set up for it.

Thanx...and I appreciate the input.
 
REK Knives said:
Personally I would go for this 1x30...at least you have some nice tool arm options moreso than the kalamazoo
Click to expand...

That thing is awesome! :D I want one!



OP, I had and used a Kalamazoo 2x72 for a few years, and it was fine but it's not really that good for making blades. Later I got the Coote 2-wheel grinder and it was superior to the Kalamazoo. I was using these 2-wheel grinder types for running in reverse and grinding lengthwise on long blades. I don't think it's worth it and you might as well get a real knife grinder, even the little one above.

Lorien Lorien has a tooling arm 2x72 belt grinder that might have been made in Canada.
 
REK Knives said:
Personally I would go for this 1x30...at least you have some nice tool arm options moreso than the kalamazoo
Click to expand...
That is a nice little machine! Will study this further. Thanx.
CasePeanut said:
https://vashtigrinders.com is based in Canada. Looks like nice stuff.
Click to expand...
Thanx. I looked at these. Similar prices as KMG
Mecha said:
That thing is awesome! :D I want one!



OP, I had and used a Kalamazoo 2x72 for a few years, and it was fine but it's not really that good for making blades. Later I got the Coote 2-wheel grinder and it was superior to the Kalamazoo. I was using these 2-wheel grinder types for running in reverse and grinding lengthwise on long blades. I don't think it's worth it and you might as well get a real knife grinder, even the little one above.

Lorien Lorien has a tooling arm 2x72 belt grinder that might have been made in Canada.
Click to expand...
That is exactly what I wanted to hear.

To the ones that replied, thank you for your advice.
 
I would say that i am equally far down the road as you, about 3 years in and same amount of knives. Still havent sold any and dont plant to make a business out if it.

There have been a lot of threads on the grinders and all the advice goes towards the 2x72 with a VFD. I went for a cheapest all in set up from Poland (I am based in EU) and haven't regreted it even a bit. It is an amazing upgrade from my 2x42 (500w, 3000 rpm), much more power, control and precision.

Consider building one as well if you have spare time on hand (there is really good build plans on forum from a member, but I cant remember the name now), also sayber OSG for grinder builds and plan.
 
FredyCro said:
I would say that i am equally far down the road as you, about 3 years in and same amount of knives. Still havent sold any and dont plant to make a business out if it.

There have been a lot of threads on the grinders and all the advice goes towards the 2x72 with a VFD. I went for a cheapest all in set up from Poland (I am based in EU) and haven't regreted it even a bit. It is an amazing upgrade from my 2x42 (500w, 3000 rpm), much more power, control and precision.

Consider building one as well if you have spare time on hand (there is really good build plans on forum from a member, but I cant remember the name now), also sayber OSG for grinder builds and plan.
Click to expand...
You're probably thinking about the plans by B bjansen . They are excellent and the plans can be found in this thread:

Free 2 x 72 belt grinder plans - 2020 version

Hello, I have been designing and building my own version of a 2x72" belt grinder for a number of years and I made some modifications over the years to where they are now. Recently, a talented CAD user (who was building a grinder off my plans) was courteous enough to model the grinder and each...
www.bladeforums.com www.bladeforums.com
If you are thinking about building, or maybe a kit, take a look at Automation Direct. They advertise $49 shipping to Canada on their website. I know there are a bunch of people on this forum that are happy with their motors. They also sell NEMA-4 VFDs, but I don't recall anybody here posting about using them.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top