New Grinder For Husband

A

aeide1995

Joined
May 8, 2016
Messages
4
Good morning everyone,
I would love to get my husband a grinder as a present.
He has been watching the Forged in Fire TV show and seems to like the one they show on there.
Can anyone please tell me the brand name of that one? I have tried to pause the show, but still can't make out the name.
Or if you have specific ones you like, I'm open to suggestions.
Thank you for your help.
 
Either KMG or a Bader B-3 is the standard grinder.

KMG is made by Rob Frink at Beaumonf metal works, and Bader is made by Stephen Bader company. Bader is available from most knife suppliers, or direct from Stephen.

You want a 1.5HP motor and if the budget allows, variable speed control. The accessories to start are the contact wheel and arm (8" wheel is fine, 10" is even better), and the flat platen arm. Belts and other accessory arms will best be ordered by him as he decides what he specifically needs. A small wheel arm is also really nice to have. Most folks start with a 1/2" and a 1" small wheel.

PS,
He is a lucky guy. If he ever treats you wrong, let me know and I can introduce you to several nice knifemakers who would treasure a wife like you ( especially if you bring the grinder with you :) )
 
Reminds me of mine except mine was there with the necessary funds for the work shops I've had.
Frank
 
I just have two questions.
1. Do you know what power he has available (110v or 220v)
2. Do you have a sister?

Sent from my XT1095 using Tapatalk
 
The Bader III is definitely a fine machine. I just went through the process of deciding on which grinder to buy and have looked at, considered, contemplated and priced out just about every grinder on the market. The Bader will come in just north of about $3000. I wasn't sure I wanted to spend that much on my first grinder so my choice came down to 4 machines which all priced out in the $2100 to $2800 price range. These were, in order from lowest to higher priced, the AMK-77, the Esteem, the Pheer 454, and the Northridge. I initially thought I would go with the AMK grinder, but considering it was primarily light weight aluminum construction and used a motor of dubious origin, I changed my decision and today sent a check to Brett Mathews, the builder of Esteem grinders. This is a solid machine, steel construction with a 2hp American made Leeson motor and variable speed drive. It also comes with, in my humble opinion, one of the best standard work rests available for any grinder in its class. The Pheer grinder is also a good grinder and many here own one although it will cost a few hundred more than the Esteem. Northridge is a startup builder of grinders and they also have what appears to be a nice machine. Options for it however appear to be a bit pricey, and it topped the list in terms of price for the options I was looking at. Another important aspect is customer service. All of the grinders mentioned so far in this thread have builders that stand behind their product and are quick to assist with any questions that you may have.

I should point out that I priced all grinders with a 1.5hp or 2hp motor, variable frequency drive (VFD), Flat Platen, Contact Wheel, Small Wheel Attachment, and a Tilt Base.

One other thing to consider, and I've been told this by a few builders, is that prices will be going up after June 1st due to more stringent federal regulations kicking in regarding motor efficiency. The difference will likely be in the neighborhood of about a $75 increase or so according to the folks that I've talked to.

You've definitely come to the right place to ask your questions. There is a wealth of knowledge available here and a strong willingness to help others that are just starting out in knife making. Good luck in your decision. Your husband, however, obviously doesn't need any more luck.
 
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He's an electrician/mechanic/do everything guy, so he will have what he wants/needs for power.
Sorry, no sister. :)
Budget is around $5000
I know that's probably high, but I would much rather pay more for good quality equipment, that will last, than to have to buy something again later.
That way he can also have different things added on if he needs.

I am so glad I found this board - You all have been great!
Have a good one -
 
Ok, this is a hoax right? Who are you really? Obviously you've been sent here by that 'other' forum to drive everyone here crazy....its a short drive really. :D
 
This is just like when Penny walks into the comic book store on "The Big Bang Theory". Bunch a nerds' jaws hit the floor and nobody can really believe it.
 
'The budget is $5000...' My wife would keeel me if she knew what i spent on a grinder.

Possible suspect....



In all seriousness, I made my first couple of give away knives on a vise with a few nicholson files, a hacksaw, a Harbor Freight 1X30 ($40) and sandpaper and I sent my knives to Texas Knifemaker's supply for heat treating. I bought my steel from Aldo at NJ Steel Baron. I'd recommend you let your husband get started that way and if he loves it, like I did, he can get what he wants from a grinder --I bought an Oregon Blademaker Grinder and 1.5 HP motor with a VFD and couldn't be happier-- and a small oven from Evenheat (I'm building one) or forge (I bought the Atlas) and I bought a 4X4 anvil from oldworldanvils.com.

I'm just a hobbyist FWIW (nothing ruins fun for me quicker than doing it for money) but making knives for friends and family is a great, rewarding endeavor.

Good luck!

Ty~
 
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If you are willing to spend that kind of money, the only option is the TW90 from Travis Wuertz. It is the Ferrari of grinders. The Bader and KMG are the Cadillacs. All are good machines. Even the TW90 will cost you less than your budget. The TW90 is made by one of the Forged in Fire winners.
 
For your budget, I would suggest one of two things.

1) A TW-90 grinder. Travis Wuertz make one of the best grinders out there. It is what the serious maker wants. Call him and he can work up a package that will fit his needs.

2) A Bader B-3 with a 2HP variable speed motor. Get a 10" contact wheel and arm, the flat platen, the small wheel tip and small wheels of 1/2" and 1". Get the flip over base that will allow him to use the grinder as vertical or horizontal. The Bader is a real workhorse, and mine has nearly 20 years of use with few issues. Parts and accessories are available from most any supplier, too.

Additional idea - Give him the rest of your budget in a gift certificate to Trur Grit for buying belts and getting HT done ( hardening the blades after he grinds them).
 
I was thinking get the Bader, then use the rest to purchase a Heat Treating Oven. An Evenheat would be great. He would then be able to grind and heat treat almost all and any blades he would make. He would be set for sure!
 
aeide1995 said:
Budget is around $5000
I know that's probably high, but I would much rather pay more for good quality equipment, that will last, than to have to buy something again later.
-
Click to expand...

In that case

I agree, also look at the A TW-90 grinder, with the surface grinder attachment.

I know a surprise is fun, but let him in on the decision.
 
Or TW-90 + Surface grinder for the cost of attachment you can get very nice surface grinder :)

Edit:

Wait, wait wait.... TW-90 cost 3,5k $ O_O

HOLY FORK!

(This type of grinder in PL cost 800$..., and grinder build like a tank that even penny will stand cost 2.000$ [and mass of this grinder is 100-200kg])
 
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You all are too funny! I won't keel him for buying what he wants. ;)
You have to think of this from my perspective. If he has good tools/equipment, he's happy and he makes me some of the best things I could ever need.

I'm not going to purchase this without him knowing.
I just wanted to do my homework and look smarter than the average wife. Thought he would appreciate me being able to talk a little "Shop Talk" with him.
It's fun to learn and be able to hear your opinions.
I like the idea of the heat treat oven also, I know he's talked about that too.
 
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