Please give Sources/Suggestions for Grinder

J

joeG26er

Joined
Mar 29, 2000
Messages
297
I am determined to make my own knives -
Could you please give me some suggestions on sources for a grinder?
I want to get a good one right off but not a "super" one - for budget reasons.
Thanks
I will search the forum as well but was hoping for current deals and technology

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RKBA!
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Well, I am not going to be purchasing any OTF's so I can spend $300-400 on a grinder...

Is the Grizzly G105 still the one to get?
Does Harbor Freight have a comparable model?
How do I get in touch with Harbor Freight?

Many many thanks!



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RKBA!
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Okay - that G1015 looks good - what accessories should I get with it from Grizzly (to save truck freight)

Thanks

PS -when I lived in California - I took metal shop so I am not a buck novice - I have used lathes, grinders, drill presses, oxy-acetylene and etc...

Many thanks for any help and assistance

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RKBA!
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Joe -

If you're going to order a Grizzly, also better check out Allen Blades' how to videos. He's a professional that uses the Grizzly. The videos show some neat tricks & tweaks. Just run a search on Allen Blades, and you can find a thread about them.

Centaur

PS What part of CA are you in?


[This message has been edited by Centaur (edited 04-25-2000).]
 
Hi Centaur-
Thanks for the info.

I will definitely look into that.

I used to live in CA...I am now happy to be living in FL - the gunshine state...LOL
wink.gif




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RKBA!
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Just to preserve balance and present a dissenting viewpoint, I will recomend the Coote 2x72 grinder as an alternative. It is made in america, by an american, and offers several options that the grizzley(to my knowledge) doesn't, such as a small wheel attachment, a flat grinding disc attachment, and a tool rest on the contact wheel for hollow grinding as well as on the flat platten. IMHO, the most important feature is that it runs off of a separate motor, which 1) gives more clearance on both sides of the contact wheel, 2) allows you to use step pulleys to get different speeds from a single speed motor, or upgrade to a variable speed without scrapping the whole grinder, and 3)lets you replace the motor when your first one horse motor burns out.

Unfortunately, I don't have one yet, I'm still working with an old industrial abrasives company grinder that looks like a miniature grizzly, but short of laying out the cash for a bader or hardcore, the Coote looks to me like the most versatile machine for the low end dollar.

The contact info is in a previous post, you can do a search in the shop talk archive to find the address and phone number (no web page)

James

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Those who are willing to trade freedom for security deserve neither, and in the end, seldom retain them!

[This message has been edited by T. J. (edited 04-25-2000).]
 
Joe,

I have to agree with Centaur and TJ. I have the Grizzly. When I bought it I only had a Craftsman to compare it to. There is no comparison because you just cannot 'hog' metal with a Craftsman (at least not with the supposed 1/2 hp model). As mentioned, get the video from Allen.
As TJ has mentioned the the Coote has many accessories that may be used in conjunction with that machine and allows you to hollow grind easier and use variable speed. I would love to have variable speed. As it is, I am currently have with my Grizzly. Some things I would like to do with it I cannot and must use another piece of equipment (e.g., drill press for finger grooves, etc.). When I do decide to upgrade it will either be made by me or will have all the options I would enjoy (the Coote may fit the bill).
My advice: If you can afford it, go with the Coote. If not, I think you will be happy with the Grizzly in terms of value for the dollar.

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But when the law, by means of its necessary agent, force, imposes upon men a regulation of labor, a method or a subject of education, a religious faith or creed---then the law is no longer negative; it acts positively upon the people. It substitutes the will of the legislator for their own wills; the initiative of the legislator for their own initiatives. When this happens, the people no longer need to discuss, to compare, to plan ahead; the law does all this for them. Intelligence becomes a useless prop for the people; they cease to be men; they lose their personality, their liberty, their property. -Frederick Bastiat
 
Come on over and try out my Grizzly sometime, Joe. That way you can make a decision based at least partially on experience. It's been great so far, but it does have its limits. I didn't expect it to be the last grinder I ever buy, though.

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Oz

Now, what other news did I have? Oh yes, IT'S A GIRL!!!
See her and my latest blades @
http://www.freespeech.org/oz/
 
I'll chime in for the Coote, too. It's a bit more expensive than the Grizzly considering you still have to buy a motor for it, but it's more solidly constructed, it's set up for hollow grinding, the platen is easier to change (no cutting and welding, it's just bolted on), and you can use a more powerful motor. Not to mention supporting an American small businessman, if you're into that.
smile.gif


The cost of my Coote was about $390 for the base unit, 2" x 72" with 10" contact wheel. I got the hollow grinding rest for another $35 and a Grizzly 2 HP motor for $200. Total cost with shipping for everything was just over $650, but that's not really comparable to the Grizzly. Knock the motor down to a 1 HP and lose the hollow grinding rest and you're down to about $515 delivered. It's still more than the Grizzly, but I thought it was money well spent for the advantages I described above.

Having said that, if $360 was all I had to spend on a grinder and I absolutely couldn't go higher, I'd get the Grizzly. I've purchased a lot of other tools from them and have received great service. Actually, I almost bought the Grizzly grinder but then I found out about Coote. Fortunately, the Grizzly was backordered when I ordered it so cancelling the order and buying the Coote was no problem.
smile.gif


My motor just arrived today, so I'll let you all know how the thing actually works after the weekend!

Ryan

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For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23


 
Wow- I appreciate all the great info.
Thanks-
I want to reiterate how warmed I am by the generous sharing of information and interest taken in my new endeavor.

Please keep more information coming.
Thanks

You should know, I WAS going to purchase about $1200 - $2000 worth of Microtech OTF's but a situation happened on the way....that changed my mind.

I have come to realize that it is better to create than consume

Buying this knifemaking equipment and pursuing this endeavor would be far more satisfying than purchasing a few spring loaded sharp-edged-pseudo-freudian implements...
wink.gif


SO! - What should I get for $1200-$2000?
Is there a book I should get above others?

Can anyone post or email me a laundry list of every item that is needed to comfortably and reasonably make fixed blades?

Can it be done for that budget?

Sounds like the grinder will eat up half of that budget already...

------------------
RKBA!
Click Here To Make $5with Paypal!
Pay ANYONE With Your Visa/MC Over the Internet!
 
PS- Thank you for the invitation Osbourn - I will surely take you up on your kindness sometime in the future.

Thanks

------------------
RKBA!
Click Here To Make $5with Paypal!
Pay ANYONE With Your Visa/MC Over the Internet!
 
I would also recommend the Coote, for all the reasons mentioned above. I have a Grizzly which I bought because that was all I could afford. It has and is serving me well. The next ginder I get will be Coote because it is more variable, specifically the motor aspect.
Other things to think about getting if you don't have them:
-A good vise (used Wilton if you can find it) with a 4"+ jaw.
-A variable speed drill press.
-Lots of Nicholson files (mill, flat and half round in bastard, smooth cuts in various lengths).
-Safety glasses, apron/coveralls, ear muffs, dust mask.
-Sanding belts (search forum for best recommendations for grits/manufacturers)
-Epoxy.
and of course steel and handle material and guard stock (if you like).

There is lots more, but this will get you started...
As far as books, I highly recommend the following in this order:
-The Wonder of Knifemaking by Wayne Goddard
-Knife Talk: The Art and Science of Knifemaking by Ed Fowler
-How to Make Knives by Bob Loveless & Richard Barney
-Step by Step Knifemaking by David Boye
I have many more that I recommend but I think these are a good start, and they are all still in print.
Good luck and enjoy

 
Hi Joe,I have a coote grinder
in the eight inch model it works good I had the ten inch but some thing was wrong with the
tracking,so I sent it back and got the eight
inch with the rest and small wheel
it makes excellent finger groves the address is
NE Coote
23 Mats ViewRd
POrt ludlow,WA 98365
1-360-437-0366
he even turned the wheel on the lathe
and put a crown on it for me.
tell him Nathan House refured you
Norm knows me
 
I'd also suggest Hrisoulas' books, and the Blades N Stuff catalog.
Disk grinders are GREAT for flat grinding. Harbor Freight has one that looks good for a pretty good price.

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Oz

Now, what other news did I have? Oh yes, IT'S A GIRL!!!
See her and my latest blades @
http://www.freespeech.org/oz/
 
I under stand the budget concerns.
The first grinder I had was a home made unit. It took a while to build and set up but I think it is worth it and I still use it. There are a lot of good resources for the parts needed to assemble one in the previous post in this category. I have seen everything from plans and pictures to the crown face pulleys and contact wheels. If you go this route you can either e mail me or post it and it will fill up with info.
The folks on this forum are the most generous with info I have ever found.
When you find the guys that fill our magazines online in this forum your talking to some of the best there is.
Good Luck
Scott

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Scott Jones
Heck yea I invented it ...What is it???
Good things aint cheap and cheap things aint good

[This message has been edited by Jonesy (edited 04-26-2000).]
 
Buy the COOTE. I just got mine together 3wks ago. I am not dissapointed at all. As a matter of fact I had a real knifemaker over today teaching me he was impressed and he has a Variable speed Burr King. The Coote has all the same stuff workes great and cost less than $830. I got a NIB Baldor 1hp dc motor and controller from Ebay for around $300
The grinder was $523 with 10" & 6" contact wheels also a Hollow grinding rest. I plan to get the small 15/16" wheel for doing finger grooves. The Grizzly does not have any of that and they have had some quality issues
biggrin.gif

NE Coote is also a really nice guy and very helpfull. He set the grinder up for both wheels NO CHARGE.
 
Any thoughts on the Craftsman Contractor Series
6x48" Belt/ 9" Disk Sander
with sturdy steel stand?

1.5 hp sealed BB motor
2700 rpm
Belt does vert and Horiz can be used for contour sanding - 6x10 cast iron belt table.
Disc - speed is 3450 rpm
6x12 table -
both have dust collection ports in the guards for wet/dry vac attachment

Includes miter guage and locking safety switch.

$299.99

OR
6x48 belt / 12 inch wheel
Industrial rated
2 hp motor
3450 rpm belt/1570 fpm
Single knob belt tracking - is that good?
6x10 cast iron table with mite gauge slot
12 inch Aluminum disk 2,000rpm
8 3/8 x 16 inch table
V belt, drive pulley and miter gauge
Enclosed steel cabinet
$649.99

Now how about bandsaws?

------------------
RKBA!
Click Here To Make $5with Paypal!
Pay ANYONE With Your Visa/MC Over the Internet!
 
about the bandsaws, go for a delta platinum 14", and buy carter guides. i have a ridgid 14" with carter guides, cuts as straight as a table saw, and resaw perfectly.
on the grinder issue, look into the bader grinders, they have many options available. i just bought 3 wheels from them (drive, idler, and a small 4" contact wheel, the contact wheel i bought isn't for knives though.) those are for the grinder i'm making. they are nice people, and i'm going to buy a 10" contact wheel from them.
 
I have the 4x36" 3/4hp Craftsman, with the 6" disk, and it has its uses, but it doesn't remove metal like the Grizzly. It's also incapable of hollow grinding. All the blades on my site were done with it, though, so it's not useless, just limiting. Belts are only readily available in 60-120 grit standard. That leaves a lot of hand finishing. It also takes a couple of mods to work optimally, and tracking is terrible. You'll find that even in with 1.5hp, the configuration makes it so it stalls out if you put too much pressure on it. The 1.5hp model also costs as much as the Grizzly delivered. It's great for wood, though.

------------------
Oz

Now, what other news did I have? Oh yes, IT'S A GIRL!!!
See her and my latest blades @
http://www.freespeech.org/oz/
 
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