New grinder recommendations

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Dave Behrens

Dave Behrens

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Feb 25, 2011
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Im in the market for a new Grinder. Im stuck between Bob Doziers Grinder and the Burr King Knifemakers Variable Speed Model both are in the same price range. Anyone with any expierence in these please chime in, or any other quality models feel free.
 
I've used both. I like the Burr King much better and it is the smoothest grinder I've run.

No, I don't own a Burr King, but have two Bader B-IIIs and a KMG. All very good grinders!
 
I've used both as well. The Dozier was really nice to hollow grind on with a 14" wheel, but on the whole I'd give it to the Burr King too. Like Don says, it's really smooth. I wish I had one. The only thing I don't like about them is it's a bit of a PITA changing attachments, if you do it much. Three or four side by side would be awesome.
 
Salem Straub said:
I've used both as well. The Dozier was really nice to hollow grind on with a 14" wheel, but on the whole I'd give it to the Burr King too. Like Don says, it's really smooth. I wish I had one. The only thing I don't like about them is it's a bit of a PITA changing attachments, if you do it much. Three or four side by side would be awesome.
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That's my only concern with the Burr King, but it's really not too big a negative. The B-IIIs though are super easy and quick to change out, as is a KMG. I have three now and don't changes too much anymore, but if I do get another, it'll likely be a Burr King... Just saying. :)
 
12345678910 said:
There is a good summary of reviews here
http://www.prometheanknives.com/shop-techniques-3/grinders


If you are willing to pay the price on a Dozier, I would look at a TW90
He has some interesting ideas so far & maybe more in the future.



Or have you considered building your own?
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Wow that TW90 looks like an awesome grinder. Not a bad price either. Wonder how smooth it runs though. About building my own, while I like to think my knives are good quality, im not skilled or knowledgable enough to build my own. It would probably resemble Homer Simpsons "artwork".
 
tribalmagnum05 said:
Wow that TW90 looks like an awesome grinder. Not a bad price either. Wonder how smooth it runs though. About building my own, while I like to think my knives are good quality, im not skilled or knowledgable enough to build my own. It would probably resemble Homer Simpsons "artwork".
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If you only have 1 grinder, I think the versatility the tool-bar system offers is important.
Time spent on changeover can be irritating and interrupt your workflow.
I think that is much more important to me than the difference in smoothness from one to another.

I often see the Burr King recommended as the smoothest
I'm not sure why "smoothness" is such an issue.
In the admittedly few types of grinders I've tried, vibration wasn't an issue.

The TW build quality looks great, I don't imagine he is putting out an unbalanced product.


The only issue i can think that "smoothness" applies to is a KMG/nwg style with belt and pulley drive as compared to direct drive.

I believe that a fully keyed slot drive shaft and the inherent imbalance in belts leads to the perceived "unsmoothness"




I prefer precision ground steel, but
The TW90 SG attachment is interesting and would allow you to use cheaper mill stock and PG the flats and tapers in yourself.




If I was buying my first and only grinder, & had the budget to buy it, TW90 would be in the top of the picks.
Or
a Bader 3, separate Horizontal grinder, plus the SG attachment for the tw90
 
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