Opinions on this please.

Fletch Helical

Fletch Helical

Joined
Sep 29, 2009
Messages
1,614
Alright I KNOW this can be a "touchy" subject and I realize this isn't the ideal piece of equipment. BUT I have a birthday coming up, people are looking for ideas and I think I read at least one person here uses it.

So here goes :D For someone just starting out would it be worth putting this n my birthday wish list? http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...Name=All&psid=NEXTAG01&sid=IDx20070921x00003j

Now for those who don't know I have Stacy from here helping my on my first build which I'll basically be doing all the work with a file. At this point I'm just thinking ahead :). But as a total noob would it be worth having this instead of filing blades?
 
Opinions vary.

The 2x42's run a tad fast. You either learn to cope, or you don't.

I've run a Craftsman for grinding my knives, but mine is one of the older 3-wheel versions with a 1 HP motor and removable platen. If you ask for one, ask for the highest HP they make. They don't make the 3 wheel version any more, and all the models are under 1 HP now.

Is it a 2x72? No. Not even close. If you know you like knifemaking and know you are going to stick with it, then eventually you will want a "real" grinder. Everyone who has a 2x72 will tell you not to waste your money on anything else. But, we all start somewhere.

Belt life on the 2x42 will be shorter, and grit options more limited. But, you can get good belts from places like trugrit.com.

Once you do eventually move on to a "real" knife grinder, you're 2x42 will be great for handles.
 
Now what is the biggest downside of it running too fast? Is it the heat aspect or it removes too much too quick? Or both?
 
Fletch Helical said:
Now what is the biggest downside of it running too fast? Is it the heat aspect or it removes too much too quick? Or both?
Click to expand...

It's both. I first bought the Craftsman, then added a KMG later. My opinion of the Craftsman was that it beat files and sandpaper for bulk material removal, but it was extremely limited and frustrating to use. I was afraid to approach it with my blade nearly every use and there are all kinds of ergonomic issues with it (guards and structural pieces in the way, no real contact wheel to speak of, changing discs is a nightmare, etc.)

Would I do it over again...probably, because I didn't know if I would like and stick with making knives, and I couldn't justify spending ten times as much for a 2x72. If you are in a similar position and/or funds are very limited, give it a try. If you can afford more and/or you know you are in it for the long haul, get something better.

Also, if you are handy and resourceful, you can build yourself a nice grinder for a lot less money than buying one off the shelf.
 
I've used one for a year now. It has its limitations, as mentioned above, but beats files and sandpaper by a long shot. It's not too great for some handle materials, as the speed generates too much heat. I've learned pretty well to deal with the limitations, and faced with spending 1200 for a KMG vs. learning to live with my 150$ too fast grinder, I can't justify the expense at this time. Trugrit and supergrit stock a good assortment of 2x42 belts.
 
Now since I've never tried it but with regard to the amount it takes off. I'm guessing going with a finer grit, less pressure, and cooling the knife isn't the simple solution to avoiding this is it?


My original intention was to use it to remove the bulk of the stock and get somewhat close to where I wanted to be then do the rest with files and sandpaper. I mean if I get it as a gift it's a freebie obviously. Should I really get obsessed with making knifes and want to pursue it my next step would likely be the No Weld grinder, and I know there is some instruction towards the back of the $50 Knife Shop book I just haven't gotten there yet.
 
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I usually go 36, then 120, then 220, then 400 gator, then hand sand. Cuts the time down alot. The belts below 220 that I tried prior to the gator had the previously mentioned bump issue. The 400 gator leaves a decent machine finish, and a scotchbrite belt used after a 400 grit gator finish is even nicer.
 
I used one of the Sears grinder for a couple of years before I got my KMG.Good starting grinder for cheap.you will learn its limitations and it will work.Main thing to remeber is light pressure.
Stan
 
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