New knifemaker! Advice on grinders please!

SkagSig40

SkagSig40

Joined
Feb 1, 2001
Messages
2,671
Hello,
I'm 38 and finally starting my life long dream of knife making! I have a budget of $3,000 for the grinder and I'm considering the Northridge Pro package for $2,700 found here:
http://www.northridgetool.com/packages/

A local talented knife maker who took me under his wing recommend it to me saying it is made to a very high standard and very versatile. Anyone use this grinder and what are your thoughts on it? Any other advice on grinders for me? I'm kind of the buy once, cry once mentality and I'd like to get a grinder that will allow me to grow as my skill improves rather then upgrading as I go. Cheaper in the long run. Many thanks for any help and advice!
 
Just my 2¢, use that budget to get a good grinder AND an assortment of contact wheels. 1/2"-2" then an 8" and 10" or 12". Versatility is key with these! Flat platens are great and a must have but the contact wheels are indispensable. I only had a very limited budget and built mine for $750 and it's a beast! Don't get too sucked in to "name" and get a reliable base with lots of extras!
 
That grinder was my second and favorite grinder. The North Ridge products are superior--they are planning some awesome stuff for the future, a new work rest table--very awesome--and an as yet undefined surface grinder attachment, the Pro Series grinder is really a nice piece, with all the options one needs except for a small wheel attachment--I would consider getting one of those, but you will be starting at a high level with that as a grinder!
 
I am very happy with my Northridge. It feels well made and has been easy to use and adjust. I did not get the pro package. The tilt feature would be very useful.

I moved from a glass platen 2x42 to the Northridge, so for me the VFD was the most immediate difference. That and interchangeable/multi tool arm slots. I will add the disclaimer that I haven't used any other 2x72 so my comparison is based only on a large step up in grinders.

Since you have the money going straight to the 2x72/VFD is a good idea.
 
Appreciate the input gentlemen! I think I'm going to order the Northridge Pro package. Any other tools of equipment you guy use a lot and recommend for a beginner?
 
I agree with whats usually comes on up on posts like this or the other one running right now. It comes down to personal choice and thank goodness there are lots of great choices now adays. It also seems everyone pretty much agrees there choice was a good choice for them. I have made my own grinders and regrettably spent lots of money trying to get them "smooth" running. I'm just a hobbist novice knife maker who usually only makes knives in the winter months. With all that said I finally broke down this spring and purchased a Northridge. It's been way to busy of a summer for me to give it a full work out. However I'm totally pleased with my purchase and totally impressed with the quality of the NR grinder. My only wish is I had all the money I've spent trying to save a few bucks and just purchased a great grinder early on. I can't imagine anyone would regret buying a NR grinder! Good luck with what ever decision you make.
 
SkagSig40 said:
Appreciate the input gentlemen! I think I'm going to order the Northridge Pro package. Any other tools of equipment you guy use a lot and recommend for a beginner?
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what do you have in your shop? some basics would be small drill press, small band saw for wood, finishing sander, hand held belt sander, 4 1/2" angle grinder, M35 or M42 drill bits from 3/64" to 3/8"(don't get a set, get the ones you need for handle pins, screw holes, and tapping holes). I would budget at least $150 for belts
scott
 
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