Opinions on this grinder

kinda useless, and you can get it cheaper direct from the manufacturer. The company that makes it is Ickler, they used to sell through Centaur Forge

google Ickler sander

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I'd save a little more for a Coote or even a Kalamazoo. I got my KMG without a motor for $700, and its a HUGE step up from that.
 
Could you guys be a little more specific on what makes it good/bad? It's not going to be doing anything but handle shaping. I appreciate the recommendations, but I would like to know why.
 
2 by 48 belt life is very short. I started- 30 years ago with one with a 1/2 horse notor. You could make knives but very slowly. I think it will only take a 6 inchwheel that is directly mounted to the motor shaft.
When I went to a Square wheel I did more in the first 30 minutes than I used to do all weekend with this.
 
I have one of those Ickles that I set up with a 0-750 RPM VS motor. I made it for sharpening kitchen blades, but hardly pull it out lately.

The unit is OK, but not really worth the money compared to what you get in a Grizzly or other entry level grinder. You have to be able to add the motor on the contact wheel and make a mounting frame for the whole assembly. Alignment of the motor/contact wheel is important. The tracking is pretty good, but not that simple an adjustment. It is more like a small wood belt sander than a knife grinder. It can't be modified and isn't very versatile. I would not recommend getting one.

I would recommend building a NWG or "Grinder in a box". The money spent there is well spent and the wheels and parts will all fit on another grinder later.
 
BryanNomad said:
I'd save a little more for a Coote or even a Kalamazoo. I got my KMG without a motor for $700, and its a HUGE step up from that.
Click to expand...

This right here. I was about 5min away from buying a Coote but just a little more gets you into a KMG which the route I took. Tons of options!
 
Thanks guys. I have looked at the Coote's before, it's on my list for later if I ever do get into grinding my own barstock. For now, I would just like to get something that works for wood and g10/micarta shaping, that I can utilize this motor I have to cut cost.
 
Handle shaping is relatively easy, and can be done with lesser hardware than the Ickler. I still use my HF sanders for that purpose (both the 1 x 30 and the 4 x 36. You don't need anything terrible special for that.
 
I started with a HF 4x36. When that burned up, got a Craftsman 4x36. Craftsman just died and sears is outta biz here in Wenatchee. I use the sander for the rough out, use files and a dremel for final shape. I suppose I'm just looking for an excuse to buy something substantial.
 
Hey sc-bane, hit me up. I'm not that far away- if you could make the trip I think we could throw you together a 2x72 belt grinder with contact wheel and platen in a day from what I've got laying around. And then you could check out the shop a bit...

You're getting good advice here. That thing ain't worth the money. And for shaping, having an 8" contact wheel is REALLY nice. When I started out it was with platen only, and my handles were less comfortable and curvy. Not to say that you can't shape curves with a platen or slack belt section, but a contact wheel helps.
 
What bugs me is that only 6 months ago I was wishing I knew someone needing a grinder in Wenatchee- there was a Craftsman 2x42 for I think $40 for the longest time in the "barter" section of Wenatchee CL. It's no longer there, sadly. Would have been a good cheap grinder for a new guy.
 
Thanks Salem. I forgot to check on this post for a couple days and just looked it back up. I am in Salt Lake for the next two weeks for my two year olds oncology appointments, but I should be back in Wenatchee after the 14th of march. May I add you as a friend?
 
Thanks. I am currently drooling all over your maker's forum. That 11" dagger is just outstanding.
 
Thanks man. I'm working on a 10" twist dammy dagger right now, having fun with it. For some reason I got the dagger bug not long ago.
 
Totally! That way the next time my girlfriend burn the pot roast, I have a motivation tool!
 
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