PORTABLE Grinder

I

iamScott

Joined
Jul 16, 2013
Messages
5
For months I've been reading posts and I know most will say get a 72" model but as I am limited on space so that is a tough option. Been using a 1x30 but not at all happy with it.

I need to be able to grab the grinder and move it to a portable work station to grind, was eyeing the Craftsman 2x42 but want to make sure I get the best "portable" grinder I am able too find.

Am I going to be displeased with the Craftsman and want to upgrade again?

Which leaves me to the Grizzly G1015 which I know is often recommended here. It's a plus that it is a real 72", with 1 horsepower and even $50 off for veterans through October 15 so $525. This really would be the largest footprint I could juggle around in my limited space, just need to get opinions on whether or not I could be portable with it? Thinking I could mount it to .75" plywood and then clamp to my portable setup.

This is just a hobby for me, only made a few knives so far and will probably only make a dozen or so a year. I just like to pull the car out of the garage and set up and have fun. I welcome your input on the listed grinders or if I missed a model please refer me to it. I really want to purchase a turnkey grinder, not something like the Coote.
Thanks.
 
If you get serious, you will want to step up from a 2x42 Craftsman. Some of it's drawbacks are, it's speed, as it's screaming fast. A variable speed machine is a great step up. There are not as many types of belts available in the 2x42 size, also 2x72 belts are more economical. The Craftsman does not allow for expansion. With most 2x72 machines you have work arms that can be exchanged to give you more that just a flat platen. You can add different size wheels for more efficient profile grinding and hollow grinds. On a 2x72 you can add a small wheel attachment that lets you get into the small curves of a design. A 2x72 machine like a KMG, Bader, Tag 101, Esteem, GIB or a TW-90 are what you will ultimately want. The Grizzly is not much of a step up form the Craftsman as it would only give you a larger selection of belts.

As far as portability, I have my 2x72 on a rolling cart that I can pull out when I need it, or roll it into a corner when not in use. If one has the money, the smart move would be to buy a Variable speed KMG right from the get go. If you find knife making is not your thing, it will be very easy to recover most of your investment by selling your machine as there are not many on the used market.
 
Interesting as I'm in the same predicament. Why is the fast speed such a draw back? Quicker heating and more material being taken off making precision a little tougher? There's something to be said doing everything by hand but when time is something hard to come by now days ...
 
The Grizzly has an 8" contact wheel, flat platen, tool rest, and a buffer on the other end. I would say that's pretty versatile! And it's quite the step up from a Craftsman!

I use a Grizzly in my shop every day. When the last one died, I was on the phone immediately-ordering another one.
I have a more expensive grinder, but the Grizzly is a workhorse.
 
I appreciate the responses.

Bill, as you mentioned "shop" I am only guessing you do not have to move it. If you had to move it to use it would you recommend it? I can not see myself spending more than than the Grizzly as this is a hobby.
 
grumpy_grinder said:
Interesting as I'm in the same predicament. Why is the fast speed such a draw back? Quicker heating and more material being taken off making precision a little tougher? There's something to be said doing everything by hand but when time is something hard to come by now days ...
Click to expand...
Fast is good when your hogging off metal, but as you go to higher grit belts you need the precision and control of slower speeds. Also, on handles it's really nice to be able to slow things down, so you don't burn the wood. You could certainly do your finish work my hand.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
The Grizzly has an 8" contact wheel, flat platen, tool rest, and a buffer on the other end. I would say that's pretty versatile! And it's quite the step up from a Craftsman!

I use a Grizzly in my shop every day. When the last one died, I was on the phone immediately-ordering another one.
I have a more expensive grinder, but the Grizzly is a workhorse.
Click to expand...
I have a more expensive grinder as well as a Craftsman 2x42 which has a 3" wheel, flat platen, tool rest and a 6" disk on the other end. It too is pretty versatile! I still use it quite a bit, but if I only had room for one grinder, it would certainly have to find a new home, as I'm sure your Grizzly would, if you only had room for one machine.
 
No, if I only had one, it would be the Grizzly. It's not as precise as my Hardcore, but it's more versatile-at least for my needs.

Scott- If I had to move it I would still recommend it-as long as when it was moved into place it was immobile and very stable.
 
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