Needing a real grinder

F

floatlikeariver

Joined
Sep 6, 2006
Messages
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I bought a belt grinder attachment a while ago that uses a bench grinder to provide power and a 48" X 2" belt. Works mediocre at best. Under powered, shakes, shimmies, ect. I want to purchase a grinder with a vertical platen for flat grinding, but also varying sized contact wheels for hollow work. Variable speed would be nice, and POWER. I don't want to wish I had bought something else down the road. Any suggestions as to some good ones I might check into?
 
KMG, Bader 111, Wilton square wheel, Coote, Grizzily, Uncle Al's grinder, Kalamazoo, Hardcore,etc etc..I use the KMG it is a favorite on this site. Check out true grit or koval's web site, they sell grinders..:cool:
 
The KMG is the way to go...But if you dont have the cash for one, a Coote grinder is about 400 bucks (have to get your own motor) and i believe it's the best budget grinder.

You can get them in the 2x42 and the 2x72 with contact wheels from 6 inches to 10. The whole thing tilts back for hollow grinding and you can buy attachments
 
If you have the money, a KMG with a flat platen, 10" wheel, variable speed and the small wheel attachment with a 3/4" wheel would be a good starter package.

If you're on a budget, the Grizzly 2" x 72" knife making belt sander works well.

I've had both, still have the Grizzly. The KMG is MUCH easier to grind on. Smoother and has a work rest that is actually at 90 degrees to the wheel, the Grizzly's workrest is horrible. It drops down from left to right, so it's hard to keep the bevels symmetrical. Possible, but takes more concentration and time.

You might also want to check out the Wilton Square wheel, Bob Loveless mentions in his book "How to Make Knives" that he used it exclusively in his shop for 6 years. It's the 1911 of grinders and priced competitively.
 
I'll put my 2c in for the KMG too. I use a BIII but had I known better when I bought it would have gone with Rob's machine. The tool rests Rob builds are far and away better than what you can get from Bader. Rob's rests are what I'm going to get from him next. I like his flat platen better too. Definately go for 2hp variable speed. If you don't, you'll live to regret it. 1.5hp is not enough in my humble opinion.

You didn't ask but I'm going to throw this in too: Buy the best belts you can find. (3M ceramic for example, and Norax in the finer grits.) They will pay the extra cost back in saved time twice over. And try to remember to use a fresh belt Often! When the steel starts to heat up much faster than when the belt was fresh, change it! Just do it. You'll be miles ahead, I promise. ;)

Soapbox off,
 
Burr King 2x72, and 10 " wheel and platen,
Bader BMIII with a 10" wheel
Wilton with a 10 " wheel and platen,

All good....and I don;t know about KMG....
I don't own one of those although alot of makers seem to like them....
 
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