Next upgrade

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seiryu

Joined
Jun 28, 2010
Messages
94
Hi Everyone,

I currently have a Sears 2x42 and a small 10" skil drill press. While both of these machines are adequate for what I'm currently doing, I'm really starting to get in to knife making and I would like to upgrade both of them.

Currently I have the funds to either get a new belt grinder or a new drill press. While I will eventually replace both I can only really replace one right now. What do you all think the next best upgrade would be, a more stable drill press or a better grinder? I'm looking at a KMG belt grinder, does anyone have a suggestion for a good drill press?

Thanks a ton!
 
If you have the cash now, I'd definitely go for the KMG.

I think that will open up many more possibilites and make what you're doing now much easier. There are SO many things you use your grinder for and a drill press just drills holes.

It is also easier to come up with the funds for a new drill press later on.

Also, if you can in any way afford it or make it happen, get variable speed. You will not be sorry. If you don't but could have, you'll kick yourself.

If just the standard KMG is absolutely all you can afford, then do what you have to.

I'd scrape, scrounge and ask family/friends for help to cover the KMG with variable speed if I was even close to being able to make it work.

Just my thoughts.
 
A grinder. I get along fine with inexpensive drill presses. I use 4. I have a Bee grinder with a 10" wheel and a clone with a platen . Both have variable speed drives and both are super to have. They make the grinding become so much easier to do and isn't that where all the like is spent? Frank
 
Hi Guys,

Thanks for the quick responses. I was asking the question because the sears grinder is the only one I've ever used and it seemed to work pretty well for what I was doing. Based on your replies I'm guessing that a better grinder will make a pretty big difference.

I'll definitely go variable speed. The one thing that I have noticed about the sears grinder is that it seems a bit fast.

Thanks again!
 
The way I think about it is this:

If you have a long two lane highway to work and you have to drive in a blizzard. A rusty old pinto with no heat and a brand new 2011 Ford F-150 (maybe rust orange in color) can both get you there. The new Ford won't make you a better driver but your drive will be a lot easier with more options.

A new KMG won't (necessarily) make you a better knife maker but it will make what you're doing much smoother and easier with more options.
 
seiryu, um, are you gonna sell the sears 2x42 if you get the KMG? Please keep me in mind if you do. Where do you live?
 
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