Opinions on Prospective Grinders Wanted

H

huntingsgr8

Joined
May 25, 2015
Messages
89
I'm In the market for a belt grinder, and as most people are, I'm on a budget. I've narrowed down a few possibilities, but never having used one I'm liable to miss something when I look at them. All I really need is something to do flat grinds on knives, maybe swords somewhere down the line. I just don't want to end up with something that's going to leave me hurting down the line because of some penny pinching manufacturer. Please have a look and make recommendations.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/TR-Maker-Be...m=132656835675&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982


https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...l?spm=a2700.7724838.2017005.14.36c25698cdiBeD


https://www.alibaba.com/product-det...l?spm=a2700.7724838.2017005.16.36c25698cdiBeD
 
I'm in the same boat, looking to order a grinder on a budget.

Just looking at the ones you linked, I would want the capability to use two tooling arms.

I've almost narrowed it to the SRG grinder here;

https://kadrmaskreations.com/t/tools

But I'd be curious to hear about some good alternatives.
 
There are several options around for a chassis in the $600 range. I would certainly go with the kadremask before either of the links by the OP. Buy in USA for several reasons. I'd go with other grinders than either of those, even if I had to increase the budget a $100 or so.
 
Reeder - that's the one I was trying to think of. The chassis without wheels for $600 is a MUCH better buy than the original 3 links provided. Add $250 for a VFD and 2 hp 3 ph motor, then order platen & tracking wheel and drive wheel from OBG, you've got less than $1,000 for the complete variable speed grinder. Well, not much over $1k if any.
 
I'd stay away from all three personally. The SGR seems to be a great value for the money, and I've see a lot of good reviews on the Reeder. Northridge is also coming out with a budget chassis for around $450 or so, though I'm not sure what that includes, and they don't have it listed yet.
 
I live on the north side of the border, so I have to pay 36% more on every dollar, that's where most of the stinginess comes from. I wish I could get things as cheap up here. I followed the first link, I like the looks of it. If I could arrange cheaper (than 186$ U.S) shipping on it, I'd seriously consider it.
 
huntingsgr8 said:
I live on the north side of the border, so I have to pay 36% more on every dollar, that's where most of the stinginess comes from. I wish I could get things as cheap up here. I followed the first link, I like the looks of it. If I could arrange cheaper (than 186$ U.S) shipping on it, I'd seriously consider it.
Click to expand...

I'm sure you've heard the phrase "penny wise and dollar foolish"... There's another that goes "buy once, cry once". I know it sucks having to pay a premium due to the exchange rates, but a 2x72 is most knife maker's bread and butter, and often the most used tool in the shop. I've spent more time (AND money) than I care to admit, trying to save a few bucks on a tool or otherwise, just to realize that I'd have been time and money ahead to have just bought the more expensive one in the first place.

The alibaba stuff always makes me nervous, because you truly don't know what you're gonna get, and the returns, exchange, or warranty process can be a huge pain, if they are even willing to work with you at all. There are a small handful of sellers that have been proven out for the most part as good to deal with on alibaba, but I've heard a lot of horror stories too. Some of the other "budget" machines are just poor designs, and again, you don't know how well they're really put together until you get one and find out that you have to spend 100 hours tweaking and adjusting everything just to get it half way usable. I'd hate to see you buy a "no name" budget machine, just to find out it wasn't worth the money you saved, especially when some of the machines that cost a bit more have a much more proven track record and customer service.
 
I'm another happy owner of a Reeder grinder with their dedicated grinder table. I was able to purchase the grinder, table and several accessories for less than one of the most popular grinders alone.
lU7CZGQ.jpg
 
That is one good looking setup you've got there. With that stand you can roll it outside for grinding to keep the dust from inside garage. NICE!!!
 
huntingsgr8 said:
I live on the north side of the border, so I have to pay 36% more on every dollar, that's where most of the stinginess comes from. I wish I could get things as cheap up here. I followed the first link, I like the looks of it. If I could arrange cheaper (than 186$ U.S) shipping on it, I'd seriously consider it.
Click to expand...
I had some heavier items shipped to canada by shipping companies for about 100USD. I agree it can be a pain to have to buy things with play money (CAD). I would consider saving up if you can. Knifenaker.ca is based out of canada and they have kmg and bee grinders. They are near sundre. I was able to drive down and pick up my kmg in person so i didnt pay anything for shipping. They are great to work with. By the time you import a cheap grinder and pay shipping duties etc you may be close to purchasing a nice grinder from them.
 
the nice part about many of the $$$ grinderrs is you can start with a chassis and maybe a 3 speed pully setup then and flat platen then down the road and arms with different wheel sizes or get a VFD and have full speed control. im looking at gettign my 2nd grinder to go with my KMG. i will keep my KMG as my slow speed grinder and the new one will be based on 3500rpm motor so i can use the grinding belts longer (im no where close to proper SFPM for good belt life right now)

edit to add as cute as that grinder on a stand is i woudl tip it over if it wass not bolted down somehow
 
Have you looked at Vashti Tactical in BC? They make a few really nice looking rigs including a new tilting model.
 
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