Need a grinder

theamazingdrew

theamazingdrew

Joined
Nov 18, 2009
Messages
1,258
Im looking for a grinder to profile blades I have just started knifmaking and need somthing more than files.
my requirements;

1. sub 180$
2. enough power to profile blades
3. and from somplace with fast shipping
Thanks
 
I think its going to be quite hard to find a grinder with those requirements. If it were me I'd stick to files and save a little more money and look into a grizzly grinder. They're about $475 if I remember correct. Or if your crafty build your own kmg style for around the same price. In the long run you will appreciate waiting rather than spend $180 and end up wanting to upgrade soon anyway. Just my 2 cents.
 
Maybe, for now, get a cheap (< $50) 6" or 8" bench grinder off of Graigslist? And/or even use an angle grinder?
 
If you want something that fits that criteria I would suggest the Craftsman 2x42. If you want to just profile the blade and finish with a file that would be fine. If you want to modify it for better grinding I would at least get this http://www.usaknifemaker.com/store/...2.html?zenid=f98057f949e5b92a4a581fd32269dab6 and modify the platen. The platen that is on there isn't the greatest. Also go to a site like trugrit and get yourself some good belts for it.

Or you can go here http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=699736 and shop around from a few various places that also sell belts.
 
Hey guys, thought i would ask in this thread instead of making yet another one on grinder selection.

im about ready to move up, at the moment im using a hand held belt sander and just inverting it. belts are short and grits are limited and so life is pretty bad and progress is slow.
Being in australia my choice is somewhat limited i would say.
first of all theres something like this
http://www.carbatec.com.au/carba-tec-6x9-beltdisc-sander-with-stand_c2770
i know that many would consider the belt too wide for knife making

or something like this
http://www.justtools.com.au/prod3183.htm
which has shorter belts and probably less power given my small 6" grinder

and to further complicate matters theres this one too
http://www.timbecon.com.au/details/1x5in-vertical-belt-sander-10284.aspx

I have to admit i like the idea of the first one the most
given my modest budget what does bladeforums recommend?
 
If you're looking to spend what the first one costs FTO you might consider getting the no weld grinder plans and making your own. I don't know how easy it is to get the materials in your neck of the woods though. You can check this site for the plans. A few people here have built them http://www.usaknifemaker.com/store/...9.html?zenid=f78467c39a8db6f34eaae12c5ed62a33 But if you can get the materials fairly easily you can make your own.
 
my dad works with alot of stainless so i'd have no problem getting the framework together, no idea where i would get the wheels, but if im going by the pricing on the website it would end up fairly expensive wouldnt it? and then throw in the cost of the motor and having to have belts shipped.

id like to be able to drive up the street and buy new belts should the need arise
 
I just recently bought a Jet Multitool from Tricktools that has a 2x48" belt size. I love it! It has plenty of power and grinds steel like mad. I'm not worried about it going too fast at 5200 sfpm since if I want to take it easy, I just put a finer grit belt on and use less pressure. I ordered it on December 1st and it got here within less than a week. I was expecting to be waiting at least 4 weeks for it. For the price, I think these machines are a good buy. I already had a bunch of 6x48" belts lying around, so I just made them into 2x48" belts and they work just fine. The Multitool has a good tracking system, so no problem there. It was a bit of a pain setting it up, but overall, I really like it. Someday I might get a 2x72, but as long as this works good I don't really see the point. That extra 24" going from 2x48 to 2x72 just doesn't really seem worth it. I would have probably bought a Grizzly if they shipped to Canada though.:rolleyes:
 
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