No Weld Grinder Metric by Mickley Knives

[Supertool]

Hi there,
First post for me. I have been collecting knives for many years and am taking my passion for blades to a new level - making them. Where I live there are not many belt grinders to choose from so I want to make my own. I like the looks of the No Weld Grinder by Mickley and have read good stuff about it. However I live in Cape Town South Africa and before ordering his plans, etc. would like to know if anyone has been able to convert it to metric successfully?
Thanks

 

[Tinbasher]

Why not just buy a tape and rule with inches on it ??

Dankie

Richard

 

[andrevh]

There are a number of local makers that build grinders if you want to buy one.
Let me know if you need there details.

Andre
www.andrevanheerden.com

 

[Supertool]

Just thought it would go quicker if plans were already converted.

 

[Supertool]

Would really appreciate any info on getting started. Going to check your web now as well.

 

[sunshadow]

to convert inches to millimeters, multiply by 25.4

-Page

 

[SteelSlaver]

Having made a couple large projects from metric prints using SAE steel it is not quite as easy as 25.4 or visa versa. The problem is that the steel does not quite fit. If the conversion of the metric steel comes out to say 1.375x1.375 you have to adjust. Then every thing that fits off your adjustment has to be adjusted. With a big complicated project it is a nightmare as the adjustments built off adjustments. I built a 10'x60' trailer with a rock crusher and conveyor system that weighted over 100,000lb when completed. It was interesting.

BUT, the great thing about Mickley's grinder is that it is basically all adjustable. If you get metric steel close to the SAE called out for you should be able to adjust for that difference by moving the clamps a bit. You might want to adjust where you drill the holes in the sets of bars for the clamps a bit so they fit a bit snugger if your steels dimensions are a bit small or if your steel is slightly larger. As long as the wheels come out in line and are near the correct distances apart every thing will be fine. I am sure you can do this with very little trouble. This was made for the garage steel worker. I have seen pictures of several assembled units and you won't have to make many adjustments because of metric steel size. Finding 2 pieces where one slides inside the other might be a bit of a problem but, I am sure they must exist. You would just need to take a trip to a steel supplier to check them out. Welding shops often have piles of material left over from other jobs and most of the people are friendly and helpful.

 

[Supertool]

Thanks very much. Going to go for it! Appreciate the feedback all!