Kalamazoo grinders questions

[shappa]

Hi guys, I'm on a limited budget(who isn't)and the amount I can justify for a grinder is about $300. It's a hobby not a profession with me.
How good are the Kalamazoo grinders? Are they worth the $$?
Let's hear some opinions!
Thanks

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~~TOM~~

 

[C L Wilkins]

I still have one that I used for a couple of years. It is not a bad grinder. Check out the Coote grinder as well.

K&G offers them with both 2X48 and 2X72 inch belt sizes. The 2X72 belts are about the same price as the 2x48 and last quite a bit longer. I bought mine without a motor. You can get a 1 horse motor from Grizzly for a good price.

I used mine with sheaves like a drill press has for "variable" speed.

C Wilkins

 

[shappa]

Where can i check out the coote on line?
Several posts have mentioned it favorably but I've never seen one.
Thanks.

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~~TOM~~

 

[indian george]

I have been using a kalamzoo for 2 years. Tracking is a minor problem. Currently run'g 1 hp 3725rpm motor with step pulleys. I also arched the idler pulley to help in tracking. An attached a 1/4" thick steel plate with rounded edges for plunge cuts, also made a toolrest on the base of the grinder for hollow grinding. the 1hp motor is a little under powered.

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INDIAN GEORGE