Opinions on this grinder for new guy

R

RAU

Joined
Jul 16, 2013
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Hi guys I'm pretty new I've made a few forged knives than I ground with bench grinder and files but I need a belt grinder of some sort but I'm on a real small budget. What do you guys think of this? I think I could do a lot worse right? Depending on what you all say I'm going to make this guy an offer. Any help is greatly appreciated!!


http://allentown.craigslist.org/tls/4843430950.html
 
I'd pass, if it were me,buy a sears 2X42 belt sander for about 150 and have 150 for belts. It's a much better unit IMO
 
I may not be the best person to take advice from, I am entirely new to knife making myself but I have done quite a bit of reading and have asked similar questions about grinders. I think the main point I have learned from reading and asking those questions is to spend more now and have less regret later. I think most people here would recommend at least stepping up to a 2" x 72" if you consider the cost of belts and how much life you get out of each belt, the 72" is the more efficient. The Grizzly grinder might be an option, I was told it was too fast for a beginner.

I may be sleeping on the couch for the next few months after I dipped into emergency funds to spend $1650 on a grinder, money comes and goes, hopefully tax season helps there, selling a guitar was another thing I did to cover some cost.
 
SBuzek isn't this jet substantially more powerful with it's 3/4 horse motor than the craftsman you speak of?
 
I would get the Craftsman also. I have never wanted more power from mine. I think with either one you will be out growing it and looking for a 2x72 so no point in spending the extra on the Jet.
 
RAU said:
Hi guys I'm pretty new I've made a few forged knives than I ground with bench grinder and files but I need a belt grinder of some sort but I'm on a real small budget. What do you guys think of this? I think I could do a lot worse right? Depending on what you all say I'm going to make this guy an offer. Any help is greatly appreciated!!


http://allentown.craigslist.org/tls/4843430950.html
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That Jet is identical to the older 3 wheel craftsman 2x42. I wouldn't pay $325 for one, I think I bought mine for $55, although it was not brand new.
 
another vote for the Craftsman. I bought one last year, used it for a year and saved some money I made from selling knives in that time. When it was time to upgrade I sold the craftsman on ebay for more than I paid for it. No point in waiting and saving for a 2x72 now when the value of the 2x42 won't decrease hardly any at all and you can sell it later when you want to step up to a 2x72. In the mean time you'll get a lot of great experience.
 
Thanks guys craftsman it is. I def want the 2 x 42 right? Not 4 x 36 right?
 
Yup, you want the 2x42. 4x36 can be used for certain things but the 2x42 has a large selection of belts for it and a 2in belt is most common to knife makers. When, not if, but when (it's an addiction) you decide to move on to a bigger machine it will most likely be a 2x72. Once you master the craftsman, you can do almost anything on a good 2x72!

If your on a budget for belts as well, try out the merit best value ceramics they offer over at trugrit. Excellent price and works well enough for me,although every now and again I get one that is out of square. I usually will use the wonky ones for handle shaping and other non precision tasks. I use them from 36 to 120 grit. YMMV, but I've really enjoyed owning my craftsman. I have a 2x72 and still set my bevels on the craftsman because I have a bunch of belts left to use. I will use it till it blows up!

Justin
 
RAU said:
Thanks guys craftsman it is. I def want the 2 x 42 right? Not 4 x 36 right?
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:thumbup: Your gonna want to add a glass platen on it also. Do a search for "Craftsman 2x42 mods" and you'll find lots of information.
 
NC Biker said:
:thumbup: Your gonna want to add a glass platen on it also. Do a search for "Craftsman 2x42 mods" and you'll find lots of information.
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Agreed! All I really did was attach a glass platen and cut the work rest on mine. Then I duct taped an Allen wrench on the tracking screw(before I had my welder lol). I'm surprised I forgot about that, made all the difference in the world with the platen mod!

Justin
 
J.Babody said:
I duct taped an Allen wrench on the tracking screw
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Great minds think alike! :)

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