Newb grinder question

Reignman

Reignman

Joined
Oct 18, 2012
Messages
1,073
Anyone have any recommendations on where to pickup a good grinder for garage applications, diy grinding some blades?
Starting to think I'd like to make some folders for fun as a hobby and have a background in Machining/Assembling high performance engines so I'm hopefully not 100% an idiot :D
 
Well, price can vary rather widely depending on just what exactly you're looking for. A 2x72 grinder is the most recommended size for knife making, and is plenty suitable for most garage/shop tasks as well. Expanding from that, how much do you want to be able to do? You can get a "S.L.I.N.G" kit from Polar Bear forge that will be good for flat grinding or contact wheel grinding, or I think he makes one for both. Some assembly is required, as well as sourcing wheels, hardware, and a motor, but you could likely build one for less than $500 if I'm not mistaken.

A little more "turn key" (but not quite) is a chassis from Oregon Blade Maker. All in, you can have a pretty nice setup for under $1000, including a budget vfd (variable speed) and motor.

If you get into the $1500-$2500, you start looking at several more options: Northridge, KMG, Pheer, AMK, Wilmont LB1000 etc... with variable speed set ups.

The next tier would be up to around the $4k range which gets you into TW-90 territory, Wilmont TAG, Hardcore, and maybe one or two others.

At the end of the day, they can all remove material and make knives. Some will have more features or be easier to use or do more with, but whether it's worth an extra $500, $1000, $1500, $2000 etc.... is your call.

Wilmont Grinders is probably about 2 hours or so from Charlotte. You might see about taking a drive there and talking with Chris Williams, see a range of grinders, and talk shop.
 
I just bought a esteem for about $2300 with vfd and a 2 hp motor. I also got a couple of extra tooling arms and tool rest. For me it was the best deal for a full option machine. FYI prices seem to be going up with some new requirements for mothers.

Your budget does affect what you get. Files or smaller machines can be the best way to go if you only plan to make a couple of knifes.
 
DIY takes on a whole new meaning when you start to tackle "FOLDERS" they are considerably more precise to ensure proper function and there are some makers here that started with a Harbor Freight 1X30. I would recommend that you make a list of the Manufactures already mentioned then look at few WIPS on Folders which will give you some direction on how much you will probably need to spend to get a machine that will produce quality results then research the companies to find your machine. I have over $8k in grinders plus attachments acquired over time of course and I still don't have a TW-90 (Travis Weurtz Grinder $3500 someday). The better quality units also have better customer service and always coming up with improvements "Buy once Cry once".
 
I appreciate the input guys... I am not afraid to pickup a DIY setup. I've seen guys like Mick using belts with no brace behind the grinding area or support? Probably misspeaking. the 1x30 sounds interesting.

From what I've read so far, the 1x30 guys are sharpening blades..? I'm needed one to grind and sharpen so I'm sure it's changing the belts and touch for that.

Do you sharpen down below where the steel reinforcement is or in the middle area where there is no support backstrap?
 
knife to a gunfight said:
Well, price can vary rather widely depending on just what exactly you're looking for. A 2x72 grinder is the most recommended size for knife making, and is plenty suitable for most garage/shop tasks as well. Expanding from that, how much do you want to be able to do? You can get a "S.L.I.N.G" kit from Polar Bear forge that will be good for flat grinding or contact wheel grinding, or I think he makes one for both. Some assembly is required, as well as sourcing wheels, hardware, and a motor, but you could likely build one for less than $500 if I'm not mistaken.

A little more "turn key" (but not quite) is a chassis from Oregon Blade Maker. All in, you can have a pretty nice setup for under $1000, including a budget vfd (variable speed) and motor.

If you get into the $1500-$2500, you start looking at several more options: Northridge, KMG, Pheer, AMK, Wilmont LB1000 etc... with variable speed set ups.

The next tier would be up to around the $4k range which gets you into TW-90 territory, Wilmont TAG, Hardcore, and maybe one or two others.

At the end of the day, they can all remove material and make knives. Some will have more features or be easier to use or do more with, but whether it's worth an extra $500, $1000, $1500, $2000 etc.... is your call.

Wilmont Grinders is probably about 2 hours or so from Charlotte. You might see about taking a drive there and talking with Chris Williams, see a range of grinders, and talk shop.
Click to expand...

Great idea, if your within driving distance set up a time and take a ride.

I personally think the lb1000 is on par with all but the most expensive grinders.
If you buy it complete it comes with budget wheels, Chinese motor and no vfd, but the grinder itself is very nice.

I think my next grinder will probably be another lb1000, set up horizontal.
 
If you're handy, a bare-bones setup can be built for about $600, a VFD would be closer to $1,000. Mine was at the $600 end of things & was a huge improvement over the HF 1X30 I started out working on. It's not a variable speed, but could always be converted into one at a later date if I wanted to. Industrial Metal Supply had the tubing I used & the other parts were from online sources. The motor is just a HF TEFC (totally enclosed, fan cooled) 1 hp which is OK unless you really lean on it. More than one way to skin a cat.....

Finisheds_zpsxzvgxhx0.jpg
 
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