Opinions needed on first grinder

While it will definitely work, you will go through more belts as the shorter the belt the shorter their life. You may want to look in to a Grizzly. They utilize a 2"x72" belt, and they are a pretty darn nice machine.

I started on a 8" bench grinder in conjunction with a 4" hand held disc grinder. So, the grinder you posted is better than what I started out with, I'm just thinking that if you are serious a Griz. might be a better way to go.

I hope that helps
Nick:)
 
For just a few dollars more you can get a Coote http://www.cootebeltgrinder.com/

It's a great grinder, uses 2 x 72 belts, and will last forever. You have to supply a motor for it but you can find a used one cheap and upgrade as you can afford.

1/2 hp is woefully underpowered for a knife grinder & as Nick pointed out the belts won't last long. Plus you can find 2 x 72 belts in a much wider variety of grits.

Ken
 
Thanks for the link to the Coote. Makes me feel like I dodged a bullet. That looks like the machine for me.
 
I agree with the Coote suggestion, I think it's the nicest "budget" grinder out there. You'll want a tefc motor 1HP or higher for the Coote. An ODP motor will work just fine, but they can get metal dust in them and don't last as long in a shop. They're quite cheap though, so I think it's fine to start out on, as long as you know you'll probably be replacing it.

If you want to get a VFD to control speed, you need to get one with an appropriate NEMA rating, I think pretty much everyone uses NEMA-12. The dust from the grinder will surely affect a VFD and replacing a "cheap" one isn't nearly as affordable as a "cheap" motor.

If a VFD is too much to start, you can get pulleys from Norm Coote and use a step-pulley setup.
 
UnixDork said:
What should I look for in a motor & variable speed control? Thanks again.
Click to expand...

Go here http://www.practicalmachinist.com then go to the VFD, Phase Converter, and Trasnformer subforum. Be prepared for some heavy reading if you know as little about electronics as I do. I've spent some time reading through some of the posts and now have a MUCH better grasp on all things connected with motors and variable speed devices than I did a few days ago.

Ken
 
I have to agree with the Coote suggestion - I have heard that they are great pieces of machinery. I have a 2 x 48 Multi-tool that I got several years ago from TKS, powered by a 1HP motor, and while I've learned to work with it, I can honestly say that I wish I'd waited and gotten a Coote (for a lot of reasons...). You might also consider building a KMG clone. That's going to be my next grinder - heard really good things about those, too. I'd suggest just working with files and sandpaper until you can get a Coote or other good 2 x 72. Just my $.02 worth...
 
Agreed with all the above. The grinder you posted is odd sized. There is a lot about the Coote I don't like, but it is undoubtedly the best budget grinder out there. If you keep making knives you will probably replace it - and get much of your money back in doing so.

Keep making knives with the best tools you can afford. They pay for themselves over and over - but only if you keep making knives.

Rob!
 
Not trying to hijack, but I am wondering as to what motor to get. Coote's recommends 1750 RPM for the 10" wheel (which is what I ordered). Many TEFC motors are available and so on (BTW I am looking for single phase 115V for/with the stepped pulley thing). Should I just get any old TEFC motor I can find that meet the minimum spec.? Anyone know of a good online motor source that have good motors? I hate buying "harbor freight" quality stuff, but I can't justify (read: I aint got the money) for the premium stuff.

Sorry Unixdork if I hijacked, but maybe you can use the replies too..:foot:
 
Step pullies:thumbup: They're all I need for now, it made a huge difference being able to slow the grinder down to prevent some mistakes. Someday it would be nice to have the variable speed.
 
Here is my opinion:

If you can spare an extra $150 to $200 on top of the $450 you've budgeted, go with the Coote.

I finally ordered a 2"x8"x72" Coote grinder and I can't wait for it to arrive. I chose the Coote over the Grizzly and the aforementioned Texas Knifemaker Grinder for one simple reason. I can replace the motor. I can start out with a 1 hp 110v motor with pulleys and upgrade later to a 2 hp 220v 3 phase with a VFD.

I could save and wait for a VFD KMG or Bader but they are three to four times more expensive. I can only afford $600.00 a year, I could get the Coote this year or wait three years and get the KMG. I'd rather make knives this year.
 
I have a grizzly it's a good general purpose workhorse for the price, if you have the bread to spare get a Bader or one of Rob Frink's KMG grinders. That ickler you originally referenced has all of the bad things mentioned above and nothing good. I know there are people who buy cootes, but my understanding from general conversation is that when they can afford it they eventually go the nextstep to either a Bader or a KMG, and everyone I know who has either machine loves it.

-Page
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top