Recs on a 2x42 VS grinder

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FenrirTheBeard

Joined
Apr 6, 2023
Messages
4
Hello all,

Brand new to the forum and the art of knife design/build. After reading some posts, I think I’ve narrowed down to getting a 2x42 variable speed grinder, however it seems most affordable options are single speed (Bucktool, Palmgren) and only 1/3HP. I’ve considered a Rikon 1x30 variable speed, but apparently 1” isn’t the best option and this one is prone to overheating. I’m not opposed to single speed, but it seems common knowledge variable speed makes the job easier to be more precise. I’ve scanned marketplace and Craigslist, but without success.

I’d love to shell out $1k on a 2x72, but that’s not in the cards quite yet, as this is intended to be a hobby for now.

Any recommendations/suggestions?

Thanks in advance
 
By all means spend on what your comfortable with. Tons of knife makers have been making some incredible knives on full speed grinders with 1x30 to 4x 32 and 2x72. It can be done. Depends on your desire and ability. But once you get going and if this is your passion your going to buy a variable speed 2x72. Enjoy your journey. Don't ever think your can't make a incredible knife with a single speed 1x30, 4x32 or 2x72. But your life will change once you make your first knife with a VSD 2x72.
 
LCoop said:
By all means spend on what your comfortable with. Tons of knife makers have been making some incredible knives on full speed grinders with 1x30 to 4x 32 and 2x72. It can be done. Depends on your desire and ability. But once you get going and if this is your passion your going to buy a variable speed 2x72. Enjoy your journey. Don't ever think your can't make a incredible knife with a single speed 1x30, 4x32 or 2x72. But your life will change once you make your first knife with a VSD 2x72.
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Thanks for the confidence boost! I guess all that said, wondering if I should just got with the 1x30 variable speed, then.
 
Let your conscious be your guide. Let your budget decide. Trust me I find out the hard way. I $2 G VSD 2x72 doesn't necessarily make you into a instant knife grinding guru. If you learn to grind at your pace and financial pace once you do buy a VSD 2x72 you will be one happy knife maker.
 
FenrirTheBeard said:
Hello all,

Brand new to the forum and the art of knife design/build. After reading some posts, I think I’ve narrowed down to getting a 2x42 variable speed grinder, however it seems most affordable options are single speed (Bucktool, Palmgren) and only 1/3HP. I’ve considered a Rikon 1x30 variable speed, but apparently 1” isn’t the best option and this one is prone to overheating. I’m not opposed to single speed, but it seems common knowledge variable speed makes the job easier to be more precise. I’ve scanned marketplace and Craigslist, but without success.

I’d love to shell out $1k on a 2x72, but that’s not in the cards quite yet, as this is intended to be a hobby for now.

Any recommendations/suggestions?

Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
I used a 2x42 for a bit until I shelled the cash for a north ridge. You can get ok results but I would suggest wet grinding and light pressure….and hand sanding to make everything even
 
Abstract question only you can answer.......How many knives are you going to make?

If it's just one or two, seeing if you'd like this, get Whatever.......



If you Know you are going to want to make knives?
(Possibly for Other people)

Save your money for a 2x72


*LOTS of us went through this.
I made 2 knives on my 1x30. They were pretty good
-for being made in a 1x30. 😂😂😂😂
 
If you buy a single speed 2x42, you can make some modifications to increase the usability for grinding knives. If you want to make it variable speed, I have seen a video of someone using a step pulley attached to the disc sander side arbor to decrease the speed.

I used a Craftsman 2x42 single speed (I think it was a 1/2 HP) modified with a better platen, ceramic glass, better tensioning screw for many years. Worked fine until I was able to save for a Pheer 2x72.
 
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