Noob Belt Grinder Question...

Balin

Balin

Joined
Sep 1, 2008
Messages
62
I searched thru the forum to see if this thread has already been talked out... No luck from what I found.

I'm interested in doing stock removal, and am considering a quality belt grinder setup. I have always heard good things about the Burr King, but know there are other choices out there. Question is, who makes a quality rig, that has the attachments / options to take me farthest down the road? I am more interested in working larger pieces, but wish to work from knives/daggers to swords. I anticipate doing both a lot of hollow grinding and fullering. To be honest, I am not even sure what equipment I will eventually need. All advice is appreciated. :D

Thanks!
 
For the $$$ I would look at the Bader III, I own a Wilton Square Wheel and Bader II Grinder. Both are good machines but the Bader gets my vote as I have the ability to run a 14" wheel (which I do). My square wheel does a good job and is fast to change from wheels to platen. However, the BIII tracks smoother IMHO. Someone with more experience than me will chirp in on the subject. By the way, "Welcome to the Forum"
 
Looks like I get to make the first KMG recommendation :)

In many ways the Bader and KMG are very similar. Unlike the Burr King you can get a huge selection of attachments and change them very easily. On the other hand, if all you expect to do is use one wheel all the time, the Burr King supposed to be a very good grinder.
 
Bader III and KMG are the two top dogs out there for the money. The others cost more or do less (or both). I like both machines equally and think you'll be happy with either.
 
I think you should take a look at Bob Dozier's grinders.

Fastest wheel/platten changes I have ever seen & tracking is unequalled.
 
Been extremely satisfied with my Coote as a newbie to knifemaking - so far has done everything I have needed it to do.
 
I have been using the Riverside Machine and tool 2x72 for over three years and it is a great machine. It's uses a Lesson DC motor, Baldor speed control and Bader wheels. I wish Al would promote them more. So far it seems I am the only one using it on the forums.

I have only modified the rest and the platten. For the platten I used a 1/4" chunk of HT'd O1 and have it attached with four 1-24 countersunk machine screws.

It has more then enough power since both times I tried to load/stall it I broke the belts.

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0XgBsHhgd92xraWxeUHM0oiDuKD2yS!!ksW803*G7RaEUQemq3mmobBkE!CEYNf*JEOe*zME5UisEHHPCcD6cBhGC*b1ooLpknCdkaKTtKiglXEfVbKo7J2zF8pOZ5iTPIEzIDJwuL9A/P?dc=4675587823301629712
 
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One question, are you committed to making knives? If your not sure this hobby is something you want to do, then before you spend $2,000+ on a grinder, why not get one from Sears or Harbor Freight first? If you try it out and its not for you its easy to dump a $200 grinder at a garage sale, much more so than a $2000 one. I started with a "starter" grinder and still use it, so it wasnt a waste. Just a thought.
 
I still use my 2x42 Craftman for wood and metal grinding. I like that I can pop over to sears on my lunch break and buy belts and be grinding/sanding that evening. Five minutes the other direction and I can buy the ceramic and zirconia belts for it also. So I have two grinders and the 2x72 did not replace it but joined it.
 
Hey Nuke41 -

I have a Grizzly knifemaker's grinder / buffer. Honestly, it is great for doing rough work, but I'd like something more substantial... My next investment after the grinder is a 36" heat treat oven... I'd like to get serious and not have to send my stuff out more than necessary.
 
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