most versatile grinder?

joncevans

joncevans

Joined
Jul 14, 2005
Messages
200
I'm bound and determined to give knife making a whirl, so I thought I would start this thread, and see what all of you experienced knife makers thought was the most versatile grinder. Keep in mind I'm just starting out, and need to get the most bang for my buck. In other words if there is a grinder out there that will perform multiple tasks, and is more economical than buying two machines I would like input from you guys on which one to buy. Also the type of knives I would like to start out making would be full tang fixed blades, and most likely handled with linen mcarta. I hope I'm not junking up the wrong thread, and if so let me know...

thanks in advance Big Jon.........
 
Well, at the risk of offending, as most "new" makers seem to want to start with cheapo grizzly grinders, if you have the money, you would be hard put to beat the versatility and ruggedness of the KMG1 grinder by Rob Frink of Beaumont metal works.

You can change setups pretty fast and it's a smooth running machine.

There are other machines on the market of course, but that's the one that came to mind from your requirements.

I have a couple of Burr Kings and a Blademaster and they are all excellent grinders, but if I was to buy a new one, I think I'd give Rob's a try.

http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/

Good luck to you however you go.:thumbup: :D
 
I am new to this also and all I have is a crappy homemade job for now but I plan on getting a real grinder soon!! It seems that everyone likes the KMG here, but the wilton square wheel looks like it offers the most bang for the buck?? It comes with a platen and several size wheels on one unit. Is there something wrong with this setup that I don't know about?? Any imput would help me decide what to get...Thanks all..:cool:
 
I second the recommendation for the KMG, it is a grinder that you can grow into as you progress. Also, it will hold its value.

I don't know of any inherent problems with the Square Wheel grinder...though I don't use one, but the KMG with its interchangeable tooling arms is very convenient. Also, with the Square Wheel grinder, you are locked into the motor they provide, while the KMG allows you to choose the option of adding an inexpensive single speed motor (of the horsepower you choose!) or go for the controllable VFD/motor combo.

...plus, Rob Frink is just one hell of a good guy and is an American manufacturer of grinders and tooling...Grizzly imports from overseas...

:)

-Darren
 
i would just like to comment that i am just starting as well but yesterday i went out and got an angle grinder at harbor freight and it's great! i would like to get a belt grinder but i dont have anywhere near that kind of money :grumpy:
 
The Squarewheel was a very popular belt grinder at one time. I have had a number of people tell me they are no longer built anywhere near as well.
 
I looked at the kmg set ups, does anyone know of other places online that I could look for these? Dont get me wrong, but it seems to be a little pricey for someone starting out. Will this machine save me alot of money later on? Will it take the place of two machines that would cost as much, or more than the kmg combined? I havent seen the square wheel yet, but I will keep, an eye out for it.
Is there a good online knife maker supplyer you guys all use? Where else can I look online for grinders,and such? And what about used equipment?
 
I noticed that kalamazoo offeres a grinder that looks like a copy of the square wheel it's called the S272..Any word on these??? I'ts only 1hp but for 995.00 it seems like a good deal..
 
I think the KMG will save you money in the long run. If you take care of it, and end up deciding that knifemaking isn't for you, you would be able to re-sell it for close to what you paid. If you buy a cheapo Grizzly (like I did a few years ago) You aren't likely to get much interest on re-selling that. With so many KMG fans here, as well as the guy who makes them, you can't go wrong for getting some help in getting started with it. Don't worry about other equipment, once you are hooked, you'll always need to buy "just one more thing...." Good luck.
 
I do not have much advice regarding which machine to buy because I also built my own and that is what I have. I cannot afford a KMG or any other good machine so I have to stick with what I have.
I just have a remark about horse power. I have a 1hp motor on my machine and it is more than adequate. If you stop a 1hp motor then maybe you are just being a bit over zealous. You are supposed to let the machine do the work. If you "hog" too hard you are in danger of over heating the steel anyway which will make it more prone to warping during heat treatment. You also kill the belts prematurely.

I know you did not directly foo foo a 1hp motor, Rocketman and I am not attacking you, this is just a general statement because I have noticed that some folks feel it essential to have a big-ass motor on all machines.
This is also not "sour grapes" because I cannot afford a KMG.
Everything is relative, I have seen guys try to force a Dewalt mitre saw through a too big, tough piece of Maple too quickly and then say the saw is crap because it stops or smokes the motor. A Dewalt, crap!?:eek:
Anyway, just my stupid opinion and something to consider. Nothing nasty intended.
Sincerely,

Mike
 
joncevans, many people like this (linked) grinder a lot. it doesn't have the versatility of attachments that the more expensive grinders do, but it does allow for a small wheel attachment which many people like. it is a well built tool.

http://www.cootebeltgrinder.com/
 
What about plans, and specs to build your own machine? places to buy needed parts for machines? ect ect...
 
I know of no actual plans for anything but a machine called a Unigrinder. I don't have a link. Parts like bearing'd wheels you can buy at Beaumont.

A number of people have been very inventive coming up with their own solutions based roughly on the designs of the KMG and Bader 3.

Good luck! :)
 
I also vote for the KMG. I just picked up another new grinder, a Bader III on the suggestion of Bob Loveless. A lot of it's design was by good friend George Herron. So far,I have nothing but good to say about it. I own or have owned in the past, Square Wheel, Blade Master,And still using a Burr-King 960, designed by Bob Loveless. The square wheel was very versatile, But noisy. The Burr King is smoother as glass, and the quietest one of the bunch. A real pleasure to run. The Bader is a bit noiser, but very quick change, and hogg's like you wouldn't believe. There is a shot of the Burr-King and the New Bader on my site, under the Loveless Connection. Her's the Link. Mike http://www.lovettknives.com/
 
Mr. Lovett, what is the benefit you derive from having the grinders tilted? That's interesting. Thanks for any answer (well, almost any;))!
 
midin, I don't see a problem with a 1 horse but like you said it seems that everyone recommends going with something bigger..I personally don't like the idea of overheating the steel by grinding too fast. but anything would be better than my current setup...
 
joncevans,

Your initial inquiry was regarding what had the most versatility. People answered that sincerely and accurately. The Grizzly cited is an entry level 2x72 grinder. Lots of people make lots of knives on them. It goes real fast @ 3450RPM, too fast in some makers' estimations. It has limitations in left-hand access for hollow grinding, somewhat alleviated by buying the 10" wheel option. If you want a smalll wheel attachment, I've seen one fabricated in a foto, but you won't find one to buy. The platen doesn't have the beef that something like the KMG does, but you could change it to be a bit better.

The bottom line is you get what you pay for. The Grizzly will work for you, especially if you don't have experience with the other machines. That said, there is a reason it is a fraction of the price of the top line machines. Were you to stick with knifemaking, you would probably end up with a higher-end machine. Nonetheless, the Grizzly would probably continue to have a place in your shop.

There is just no inexpensive high-end grinder available for purchase or people would be using them in their shops, too. ;) Compare it to a Chevy Cavalier and a Caddy CTS. Both'll get you where you're going, but it just isn't the same.
 
fitzo...

I agree that everyone has answered sincerely.....its just a little confusing trying to figure out if its best to spend the money on a high end machine, new or used. Or should I stick with the affordable, until I can justify buying a better one. If I sounded like I was second guessing someone, or have offended anyone opinion I didnt mean to. Like everyone else I have to make my dollars strech, and I get a little nervous spending a lot of money on myself for somthing I want. I just want to find as many opinions from everyone else so I can make my own decision on which grinder to buy....
 
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