Looks like I"ll be pulling the trigger on an AMK 77 grinder

Congratulations on your decision and thanks for taking us through the process of how you made that decision! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
I've watched the videos of the AMK a number of times. I would think it will be an excellent tool in your shop and will last many, many years.
It's amazing how the prices creep upwards as you add a few things to the base price.
 
TonyRV2 said:
I was tempted to go with an Esteem, but I don't think I'd be happy with an 8" contact wheel.
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Keep in mind that contact wheels and small wheels are not necessarily grinder specific (with tooling arm based grinders). I got my wheel (10" - pictured above) on ebay. I also got my small wheel attachment on ebay.

With that said these guys look like they make a nice system, as I mentioned I am ordering the hollow grind jig from them.

They are also considering making a surfacer, which I would be very interested in.
 
The grinder is the heart of the knife maker's shop, so you really want to get this right. I have no experience with the AMK, but of the four machines you listed, it would not be my first choice for a couple of reasons. First, it appears the majority of the machine is aluminum which is of course lighter than steel. Light is not something to look for in a grinder. Almost all grinders on the market are made of steel with the exception of the tooling arms. There is a reason for this, you want that mass to lower vibrations and create a smoother running machine. Also threads in aluminum have a tendency to gall. I also notice for some reason there is a standard electrical outlet and switch wired and mounted to the machine. The KBAC drive is mounted in a NEMA 4X enclosure which protects it from dust and moisture. If you ever want to run your grinder wet, which if you do any post heat treat grinding, you will. That outlet is going to be a hazard.

My first choice of your list would be the esteem. Brett makes a great machine and if you're having to wait to get your hands on one, it's because there's a demand for his product. If your concerned about the extra cost, it's really easy to purchase a small wheel attachment on ebay and mount it to a piece of 1-1/2" bar. I put mine together for about $80 with a couple size wheels. Same for a large contact wheel. The horizontal flip base is nothing but a hinged plate. again, easy to construct.

I don't mean to throw a wrench onto your works and I hesitated to post anything, but I assumed you were looking for input. So, that's my 2c for what it's worth.
 
NC Biker said:
The grinder is the heart of the knife maker's shop, so you really want to get this right. I have no experience with the AMK, but of the four machines you listed, it would not be my first choice for a couple of reasons. First, it appears the majority of the machine is aluminum which is of course lighter than steel. Light is not something to look for in a grinder. Almost all grinders on the market are made of steel with the exception of the tooling arms. There is a reason for this, you want that mass to lower vibrations and create a smoother running machine. Also threads in aluminum have a tendency to gall. I also notice for some reason there is a standard electrical outlet and switch wired and mounted to the machine. The KBAC drive is mounted in a NEMA 4X enclosure which protects it from dust and moisture. If you ever want to run your grinder wet, which if you do any post heat treat grinding, you will. That outlet is going to be a hazard.

My first choice of your list would be the esteem. Brett makes a great machine and if you're having to wait to get your hands on one, it's because there's a demand for his product. If your concerned about the extra cost, it's really easy to purchase a small wheel attachment on ebay and mount it to a piece of 1-1/2" bar. I put mine together for about $80 with a couple size wheels. Same for a large contact wheel. The horizontal flip base is nothing but a hinged plate. again, easy to construct.

I don't mean to throw a wrench onto your works and I hesitated to post anything, but I assumed you were looking for input. So, that's my 2c for what it's worth.
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This^
Also, there generally a reason things are cheaper. Quality costs.
I have not used the AMK grinder. But looking at the pics there are some concerns that would make me stear clear of it. Some of which Chuck has stated above.

That said. If this is only ever going to be a hobby, I am sure it will work.
 
Ok....several posters have forced me to rethink things here. This has been a maddening process! I stated earlier that if I could find a tool arm based machine within $100 or so of the AMK I would give it stronger consideration. I think I may have figured a way, but it would require me to go with some aftermarket stuff from Ebay, for instance. I really wanted a turnkey system without have to do this, but I suppose it may be worth it if it gets me into a better machine. For $458 dollars, I can have a 12" AMK contact wheel, a small wheel attachment with 7 wheels, and two aluminum tooling arms, all from Ebay, including shipping. The Esteem grinder would then cost just the base price of $1650, which includes the platen, 2hp motor and VFD plus $180 for shipping. This brings the grand total to $2288, which is only about $135 more than what I was going to pay for the AMK-77, although I have included a couple tooling arms which are going to run me $90. So its even closer in pricing yet. This gives me everything I'd wanted except for the tilt base. I'm thinking I could just cobble something together myself for this, as Chuck Peters had suggested.

So here I am, 25 posts into this thread and I'm about ready to flip-flop. I should have gone into politics as a hobby instead.:D
 
Tony, as a suggestion, how about you start a new thread with a poll asking the knife makers here which machine they would rather have and list the four machines you're looking at. I would suspect the Esteem would certainly be towards the top, but don't take my word for it, poll it. It's polling season anyway.
 
Hey Tony, I may be the only one giving you input that owns an AMK -- but suffice it to say Allen Poe has a background working in the nuclear field and knows how to build solid gear. The point of the outlet is moot if you're gonna get a VFD-if you want a grinder that supports tooling arms, then I would recommend strongly waiting on the Northridge, one last thing I can tell you is that I've been using mine a bunch for the last 6 months and I know 2 other fella's that have been using theirs for 1 year plus, and none of these machines have had any problems--just FYI bro--Best-Don
 
NC Biker said:
Just to be clear, any of the four machines you're looking at will make a knife.
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True that Don, wasn't so long ago that folks just banged a couple of rocks together to make a knife...well a few thousand years anyways. :rolleyes: Nah....no more polls Don. I've been brooding about this long enough. I'll sleep on it, and tomorrow morning I'll order a machine and 'damn the torpedoes'.

I think for me that Northridge is absolutely out of the running for now. $2800 dollars for the options that I'd wanted and that puts them within range of a Wilmont Tag 101 which bases out at 3K. I'd go for the Wilmont before I'd ever buy a Northridge, all things being equal. Hmmmm....3K for a Wilmont....heck...only another 700 or so.......I think I'm going to go have a drink now.:D
 
Whatever you decide to buy, I'm sure you'll make it work for you, just like we all do. Good luck!
 
I know it gets way more confusing than what this simple minded hobbyist wants to admit. I've been in the market for awhile for a new variable speed 72" grinder myself. I've mulled it over and over myself. All the grinders you've mentioned are in my sites as well. With all that said I know and admit the accessories for Northridge seem to be way over priced but seem to be of the highest top quality. But as some one else mentioned if you can build a knife you should be able to build the accessories yourself how ever maybe not of the same quality. But even if you can't you can always purchase later as the funds dictate. I'm sure professional knife makers could justify the accessories in a heart beat with one or two knives. But not me as a hobbyist. With that all said I'm going to order a Northridge basic package tomorrow my mind is made up! LOL As of now!
 
I will add there is a TON of difference in motors. Not all motors and especially 3 phase motors are not equal. Northridge has a link to explain why he uses the motors he does and explains better than me. But as a stupid ol electrician for 35 years I agree totally. I know of at least one of the manufactures you mentioned that I considered doesn't use the optimum motor, not sure of the rest as they don't even explain. I guess if you emailed or called they would clarify. But difference is there and a cheaper motor is not included in your price break down.
 
This might be of interest:

[video=youtube;UFyA9kLsGMU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFyA9kLsGMU[/video]
 
LCoop said:
I will add there is a TON of difference in motors. Not all motors and especially 3 phase motors are not equal. Northridge has a link to explain why he uses the motors he does and explains better than me. But as a stupid ol electrician for 35 years I agree totally. I know of at least one of the manufactures you mentioned that I considered doesn't use the optimum motor, not sure of the rest as they don't even explain. I guess if you emailed or called they would clarify. But difference is there and a cheaper motor is not included in your price break down.
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The esteem uses the Leeson, same as northridge.
 
Ford, Chevy and Dodge makes lots of motors. They are not all the same. I don't know so what is the rpm of the motor on the Esteem? Just curious as I don't know.
 
LCoop said:
Ford, Chevy and Dodge makes lots of motors. They are not all the same. I don't know so what is the rpm of the motor on the Esteem? Just curious as I don't know.
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1725rpm, 6" drive wheel
 
Good to know, thanks for that info. I was not meaning Esteem was using a cheaper motor as I didn't know. But atleast one of the brands mentioned does use a cheaper motor. I guess my only hold back from Esteem is having only one tooling arm possibility.
 
Fish30114 said:
The point of the outlet is moot if you're gonna get a VFD
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I'm not sure how you figure the point is moot unless AMK has changes there engineering on this grinder. As you can see in the photo, even with a VFD they are using a standard outlet and switch to disconnect power to the VFD. There is a slot provided in KB's drive for a NEMA4 switch to provide disconnect, but instead their engineer has chosen to not use it. To me this creates a hazardous situation just to save a couple of bucks.

amk.png
 
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One little minor detail is the esteem comes with a glass platen plate over the steel. The glass with stay flatter longer.
 
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