Question about Kalamazoo Grinder

[lukus]

I recently bought a bunch of stuff from the estate sale of a knifemaker. I spent more and got more than I was after, kind of a package deal. I ended up with a Kalamazoo 2x72 belt sander (2FS72). This thing was never used, apparently started to set it up and never got around to using it. I don't need it, I already have a BurrKing, so I'm going to sell it to offset costs.

I'm really kind of at a loss here. Until this deal, I'd never even heard of them. I've never even seen one come up for discussion here. I don't know what you guys think of them, if they're worthwhile or not. Because of that, my first inclination is to just put it on the local Craigslist and not have to fool with shipping. So what say you, are these any good and is it worth the trouble for packing and shipping?

 

[raylaconico]

I have that grinder with a single speed 1hp motor. It is not a good grinder but I've learned to use it well. I don't like it but it's the only one I've ever had. You should just sell it to someone who will come and pick it up and give them a good deal.

 

[Bill DeShivs]

What size is it, and how much do you want for it?

 

[jonnymac44]

I have that grinder with a single speed 1hp motor. It is not a good grinder but I've learned to use it well. I don't like it but it's the only one I've ever had. You should just sell it to someone who will come and pick it up and give them a good deal.

If that's the only grinder you have and it's not that good, then you have definitely learned to get the most out of it, Ray. Your knives are beauties!!:thumbup:

 

[kevin -the professor]

they are better than a grizzly or maybe better than a coot, but nothing like a burr king or kmg. At least, that is what the standard grider comparison page I found had to say.

You would not be cheating anyone to sell it for around the price of a new Grizzly - $400.
That is my opinion, anyway (and I use a Grizzly until I can get good enough at this to warrant something better).

kc

 

[Jim Adams Customs]

they are better than a grizzly or maybe better than a coot, but nothing like a burr king or kmg. At least, that is what the standard grider comparison page I found had to say.

You would not be cheating anyone to sell it for around the price of a new Grizzly - $400.
That is my opinion, anyway (and I use a Grizzly until I can get good enough at this to warrant something better).

kc

BTW $442.00 is retail on that setup.

Here are some knives done completely on a Grizzly. Should I buy a better Grinder? Stick with what I got?

 

[Kentucky]

Its a decent grinder, I wouldent quite put it with a coote but around or a bit better than a grizzly. The coote, though a two wheel is a precision heavy duty piece of equipment.
Id give someone a decent deal on it, but I wouldent give it away.
"Blacktoe", Thems some nice knives and I know what you mean. I started with a 1" x 30" grinder , that paid for a 2" x 42" grinder and that paid for a 2" x 72" Coote grinder :thumbup: One of these days that Coote will pay for a KMG or a bader but Ill still keep the Coote. Theres only one piece of equipment in my shop that hasnt been paid for by selling pieces made from previous equipment, and thats my first anvil

 

[Bill DeShivs]

Mr. Adams- We should speak. I'm in Collierville.

 

[lukus]

Thanks guys . . . . so about even to slightly better than a Grizzly, but slightly less to even with a Coote depending on reply. That's actually pretty good info and just what I was looking for. I really had nothing that I've used or even seen in person to compare it to.

BlackToe, Those are nice! I really like the Bowie. I don't think the Grizzly has hampered you in any way.

lukus

 

[kevin -the professor]

blacktoe - nice knives - I am with you. i have done a number of multi-bar, pattern welded swords, seaxes, and short-swords on my humble grizzly. Still, just because I CAN use the Grizzly doesn't mean I would not rather have varialbe speed and better platen and no chance of hitting housing when grinding long blades.



What I probably should have said is "I am using a grizzly until I can pay off the forge and hydraulic press and then save enough for a kmg" but that was too wordy. If you are married, then you understand (or if you make your living from totally from knives - either way, you gotta get more coming in than you put out or there is a consequence)!

really nice knives.

kc