Real Grinder?

51 Bravo

51 Bravo

Joined
Feb 4, 2017
Messages
39
OK: so I know this question has been asked a MILLION times, BUT: I am making the jump to get a real grinder. I'm hoping to keep it at $1500 or less. I cant justify $2000. I have looked at everything and am more confused than when I started. Other than hooking up the motor, I don't wanna build my own. Not sure if I just need a flat platen or a contact wheel to start? It appears that I want variable speed, 2x72. Currently using a 4x36 work bench belt sander so anything will be a step up! I have looked at:

Esteem
KMG
Bader (probly too expensive)
Oregon Blademaker
Pheer
Coot
BurrKing
Grizzly

I will be attending Blade Show this year so I look forward to seeing these in person. But please if you are so inclined , tell me which you would get and why.
Please keep in mind the +/_ $1500 price point. Thanks in advance!
 
I have a Esteem and it is a rock solid grinder. Brett is a great guy, give him a call or send him a email.
 
51
What others like and don't like is nice to know, but ultimately what works for you is what counts. I'm not trying to confuse the issue.
The question you may want to ask is if there is anyone in your area willing to let you try grinding on their grinders for a few minutes to see how they feel. Grinders are kinda like razors, they all remove the wiskers and some times a little flesh but it's hard to choose the one that feels right without hands on test run.
If you take a few of your own belts they may be more willing to offer use of their grinders. Also new belts are easier to work with than worn ones.
Hope this helps

Jim Arbuckle
 
I have a Hardcore, a Pheer, and a Grizzly. All are good machines, but I use each for specific purposes.
 
like Bill said, I have a Hardcore, Esteem and a KMG horizontal, (and a 9" flat disc sander) all serve a different purpose.
If Burr-King is in your list, you should consider looking at a Hardcore.

there's a reason the more expensive grinders are more expensive :-)
 
I love my esteem. I think if don't get many options it should be close to your price.

If it were me I would get the platen if only getting one tooling arm. Getting a large diameter wheel later on might be something you want to do down the road.
 
I also have an esteem and love it. You should also add northridge tool to your list of grinders to check out. They make a good product.
 
I have a Pheer and love it! Jose is great to work with and makes your machine to order, I was able to get a LOT more grinder for the $$ going with him as opposed to a few other options. His setup still allows for alot of addons....and you WILL want add ons down the road (small wheel arm, adjustable tool rests are a must). I put together a tilting table for it and it becomes a very useful rig.

11381005_688171157955155_1082530782_n.jpg
 
I have a Sears 2 X 48 and am contemplating getting a Coot 2 X 72 with a 10 inch wheel. I would use a motor I already have and step-up/down pulleys to regulate the speed. For the little bit I would use it it should do what I want it to do. If I were truly serious about knife making I would get a "big-boys" grinder with attachments and variable speed.

- Paul Meske, Chippewa Falls, WI
 
If I were in your place, I would put together a basic starter system with VFD.

A simple starter KMG clone will run around $300-$500. ( Oregon, Polar Bear, etc.) You want one that you can easily change the accessory arms on.

A new 1HP to 1.5HP 3 phase motor and VFD combo will run $300 to $500. Check out places like Drives Warehouse and some of the other suppliers.

Add a good 8" or 10" contact wheel for $100-150.

Buy a dozen of each belt in 36, 80, 120, 220, 400 grit. for about $200

If you want to build some of this from scratch and get a used motor and budget VFD, you can shave as much as $400 off that total.


The grinder will still be useful if you get a TW-90 or ther unit later on.
The motor and VFD will be good for another tool if you eventually wear out the grinder.
The VFD can run your grinder as well as run other shop tools on which you have changed the motor to to 3ph. (buffer, drill press, lathe, disc sander, etc.)
 
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Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
If I were in your place, I would put together a basic starter system with VFD.
A new 1HP to 1.5HP 3 phase motor and VFD combo will run $300 to $500. Check out places like Drives Warehouse and some of the other suppliers.
Buy a dozen of each belt in 36, 80, 120, 220, 400 grit. for about $200
If you want to build some of this from scratch and get a used motor and budget VFD, you can shave as much as $400 off that total.
The motor and VFD will be good for another tool if you eventually wear out the grinder.
The VFD can run your grinder as well as run other shop tools on which you have changed the motor to to 3ph. (buffer, drill press, lathe, disc sander, etc.)
Click to expand...
best deal currently is http://dealerselectric.com/115Vinpu...48732943&pgID=1&SortBy=PriceAsc&GdPageSize=20 a 1.5hp VFD for $119, a 1hp for $109
 
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lonepine said:
I have a Sears 2 X 48 and am contemplating getting a Coot 2 X 72 with a 10 inch wheel. I would use a motor I already have and step-up/down pulleys to regulate the speed. For the little bit I would use it it should do what I want it to do. If I were truly serious about knife making I would get a "big-boys" grinder with attachments and variable speed.

- Paul Meske, Chippewa Falls, WI
Click to expand...
The Coote is a "big boy" setup. It has been around forever and Coote just doesn't market anymore. But his rig will do everything with the convenience of not having to change out the wheel and the flat platon. I bought the Reeder because I was going to buy a VFD and I wanted to use it horizontally. But the Coote would have been great and less money. I am mad for my Reeder so consider that as well. Lastly, the Reeders and Coote are fabulous people. Call them directly and take advantage of their 40+ years each of experience.
 
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