ready to upgrade to 2x72 grinder

Definitely get the coote!! way more versatility than the Grizzly. There are two ways to go about variable speed with the coote. You can put a three step pulley on it and the motor if you have a single phase motor, or you can get a three phase motor and VFD. Obviously for more versatility the VFD is the way to go, it is adjustable from 0 sfpm to max speed for that motor and pulley combination. So, it depends on what is more important. Saving money with the single phase or having more versatility with the VFD. Lots of folks use the three pulley system. I have the VFD and with my setup I get 5700sfpm.
 
I have a coote and use a 2 step pulley right now. I need to get a bigger motor before I get a 3 step pulley. I have flat platen (glass covered) a 10" and 6" wheel and a 4" and 2 small radius idler wheels. It works great, just make sure you have enough room for horizontal use (hollow grinds), you will need about 3 feet of space behind your machine and put it on a raised pedestal.
 
I dunno if you know alread what size motor you want, but more is definitely better. I am happy with 2hp on my rig but some freaks:D are running 5!
 
I run the coote with a 3 step pully, and 2 hp. I cannot imagine what they do with more HP but maybe I am a grinding wimp. This is a great machine for the price and the speed control is really helpful when learning to grind and using fine belts. You will not regret.

Order some Norton Blaze and you can really make some dust.
 
For the money a grinder in the box is the way to go.
But I might be slightly biased.
Chris
 
Since they both seem pretty highly recommended, how does the GIB compare to the Coote? Is one better than the other, and which one would be the better choice for someone just starting out?
 
The GIB is a more versital machine, but I think the overall cost is quite a bit more, so you always get more for your money. I have learned to buy the best tools you can afford, they are worth the price. The Coote was the best I could afford at the time and works very well but is not the perfect knife grinder, the perfect machines are $2000 +.
 
I think I may be biased as well, but I think the grinder in a box is the way to.

It's versatile and sturdy. The cost isn't that much more(less than $800 total depending on scavenging abilities). Either way you need to track down a motor.

Jamie
 
polarbearforge said:
I think I may be biased as well, but I think the grinder in a box is the way to.

It's versatile and sturdy. The cost isn't that much more(less than $800 total depending on scavenging abilities). Either way you need to track down a motor.

Jamie
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I have to agree. I actually have both grinders and the GIB is a more versatile unit. The setup costs are actually pretty close by the time you buy pulleys and a belt for the Coote, as Jamie said your motor/vfd is an additional cost for either unit.
The only catch is that without variable speed the GIB is pretty fast for grinding after heat treat, IMO.
 
I was lucky enough to get my coote with all the attachments, wheels and motor for 400... They guy was getting out of making knives and just wanted to get rid of it. If you have the money to spend, the grinder in a box is more versatile. How much can you spare?
 
We havea coote, 10" and it was somehting like $495. Its what we could afford at the time, much less than the kmg and still a good bit less than the GIB. Not in the same class as either but still a good machine. We bought the small wheel attachment for it too..
 
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