I finished the Mickley no weld grinder today....I started at 9:30 this morning and finished about 1:00PM. I had all the parts ready but not measured, marked nor drilled..just raw parts. I had studied the plans last night and thought they made sense. The plan from Tracy is quite unique and very well thought out. I was a little shocked at how easy it was. I do have a metal bandsaw and drill press which made it easier...but most knife makers have these two tools. I also have a KMG and the tool arms work fine in the no weld also. I made the adjustable table in this time also. I thought it was going to take me a weekend......shock of all shocks...I finish in a few hours. I tuned it up which took a hour of this time....an extra washer here, take one out there to make all the wheels line up. I had forgotten a few lock washers and put those in also. If you already have another grinder that uses 1 1/2" tool arms this grinder would be a great asset as you may interrchage wheels, flat plattens, etc. For a little amount of $$$ you have another grinder. I am impressed. If I had one bit of advice it would be to make sure you measure acurately and after punching for drilling..remeasure and make sure you have three inches on center for example...not 2 15/16 or 3 1/8" or worse. If you spend a little time measuring you will not have to force anything or redrill.
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No Weld Grinder Build
- Thread starter John L
- Start date
I'm running a 3 hrspwr DC motor with controller. No pics yet....the old lady is in FL with the camera. While she's away I'm partying in the garage
Tracy: I studied the plans, layed out all the parts, marked them all with paint pen as to what they were, front, up etc., and then bored 1/8" holes everywhere. Then bored all the 3/8", then the few 1/2", tapped a couple 5/16 holes for 3/8 x 16 threads, and bolted the thing together. Bolting took about 1/2 hr. I built the adjustable tracking gizmo next, then the table. I secured a KMG tooling arm and started her up. Didn't track to well. I put a yardstick against all the wheels to see what was out...the pillow blocks were 3/16" out of parallel. Loosened bolts, realigned, tightened and voila!! Ran like a champ. There are really only 5-6 main parts not including the tracking gizmo..so it really does go fast. I'm still impressed with the design. I think if I was to do it again I would spread the pillow blocks somehow as they are only spread 2" or so and think the strain on the 5/8" shaft is a little much. Maybe not too
Perhaps bolt on a 1/4" plate to spread them 6-8" I think.
Tracy: I studied the plans, layed out all the parts, marked them all with paint pen as to what they were, front, up etc., and then bored 1/8" holes everywhere. Then bored all the 3/8", then the few 1/2", tapped a couple 5/16 holes for 3/8 x 16 threads, and bolted the thing together. Bolting took about 1/2 hr. I built the adjustable tracking gizmo next, then the table. I secured a KMG tooling arm and started her up. Didn't track to well. I put a yardstick against all the wheels to see what was out...the pillow blocks were 3/16" out of parallel. Loosened bolts, realigned, tightened and voila!! Ran like a champ. There are really only 5-6 main parts not including the tracking gizmo..so it really does go fast. I'm still impressed with the design. I think if I was to do it again I would spread the pillow blocks somehow as they are only spread 2" or so and think the strain on the 5/8" shaft is a little much. Maybe not too
Perhaps bolt on a 1/4" plate to spread them 6-8" I think.
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- Joined
- Nov 2, 2006
- Messages
- 250
is it really that easy to build? I am curious so even 1/16 off on some drilling and its out of whack??
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2007
- Messages
- 3,121
one of the 1/4" holes is off (a little less than 0.05") on my kmg clone, so I will have to redrill slightly larger, It is a real PITA, considering that I carefully laid out my holes with dial calipers and a centerpunch. My receiver was a little over 12" and a little off of square because i didn't machine it- that is what messed me up. Oh and yes unless there is play, it must be quite accurate.
Viking: Yes it is easy to build..just try to lay out as accurately as possible. Order a package of shim washers from Tracy and you can easily tune up...you need a jandful anyway to build the thing. No... .05" out does not affect the machine at all...just use your tracking adjustment and you will be fine.
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2000
- Messages
- 5,179
Very cool! I'm looking forward to the pics too. I've thought about ordering Tracy's plans just to see how it's built. I don't currently have room for another grinder but I've sure thought about this one. Do you use locktite to hold bolts together? I wonder about it shaking itself apart, and how much of a maintenance issue that might be. Just curious.
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2007
- Messages
- 1,976
I've been using a NWG I built from tmickley's plans daily for about 8 months now. Once I had it dialed in I locktited every thing down. On those parts I thought I mite need to change occasionally I used double nuts. I'm using homemade plywood idler wheels and my tracking wheel Is wood also.
If those interested in this type grinder..google shop and home built grinders there is a site dedicated to this project. You may see Mickleys', KMGs', and other home built grinders constructed to imitate these above grinders. With all the pictures you can better understand the simpleness of these grinders...especially Mickleys design. The cost..not including wheels and motor whould be 75 bucks or so. The wheels are expensive soooooo..you may either order them, scrounge them, find them on ebay, makeum. or use your own ideas..like plywood wheels covered with duct tape or...? Good luck as it is a fast and fun build.