Setting up shop....

Keith, the expander wheels you are talking about are available through centaur forge, although they only have the 10x2" and a 6" the 10" is $150 . The only problem i could forsee would be the belts would wear out pretty quick? but could be an option. another thing i've seen recently is a multi tool atachment, around $230, converted to use 72" belts in the upright position for flat grinding. hope this helps
 
All I know is that Ariel has one and if he uses it, it has to be good!!!

I found one for 60 bucks that looks great and will be alot less money that a grinder for the time being, at least till I can afford one. I do not know what the belt options are though, perhaps they are hard to get? I will have to see.
 
Keithcellini said:
I just went to look at Ariel's website and it looked like he does not use a 2x72 like most makers. I saw him using a bench grinder and this wheel on one end so I did some research. I think it is an expanding drum and you can get them for about 75 bucks. They fit on a bench grinder and you slip on a sanding bely when the motor is stopped but once you turn on the machine the drum expands to hold the disk tightly. They have several sizes but the 6 and 8 inch ones seem cool, they are 2.5 or 3 inches wide. I think they would be great for someone wanting to hollow grind on a budget. Anyideas?
Click to expand...

That will work for hollowgrinding (one size) but you will need a platen for flat grinding also. Putting together a 2x72 from scratch is not that expensive, and you will get tons more use from it.
I bought a contact wheel with the spindle, an idler wheel, and the pulleys from Sheffield knifemakers supply, http://www.sheffieldsupply.com/ then got a motor locally and built my own 2x72. It's now 17 years old, and I have only replaced the motor once. The rest still functions great. I make all of my knives on this machine.

Oh, and don't ever be embarassed to post up pics of what you've made. I've gotten nothing but great support from the people here, and believe me, I'm not half as good as most on this site. I'm just being a sponge and learning all I can.
 
Thanks for the support Dave, I have a Delta 1x42 that I just bought which does have the flat platen. I am going to be building a 2x72 as soon as possible but it may take me a while due to finances and so on. I thought that the expando wheel may be a nice alternative. I may not get it since I want to build the 2x72 and I may spend the money on it rather than the wheel. I came across it and thought it may be alright. I hate having to make decisions, I would love it if I could open up a catalog and order everything in one clean swoop!! One day maybe. For now I have to beg borrow and steal my way to a nice shop.

I am in the process of trying to find contact wheel substitutes since the real ones are so much money. I have found some casters that look as if they will make a great wheel and they are under twenty dollars. I have seen them used before but I wonder how well they really work...
 
Keith, as far as local steel sources. You can go to any Fastenal locally and they can get you some tool steel. I have purchased 01 from them. Their prices are fair and you dont have to pay shipping. Also as a side note, would you need a large contact wheel if you where going to do flat grinds. Is it that important to you right now to be able to hollow grind your blades? Just some food for thought.

Paul
 
Thanks Paul, a fellow Long Islander!! I will look them up, Great info! I suppose I do not HAVE to hollow grind, I have a Delta 1x42 with a flat platen, I suppose I am just thinking of the future. For 23 dollars it just seems like a steal. I have seen others go for 100 or more. I wonder if I could use one of these instead of a contact wheel on my 2x72 project?
Paul, is there any other rescources on the Island or near by that I might be able to use for knife making?
 
Yep, that seems to be the cheapest way to go when I make the grinder. I winder why tho others are soooo much more money.
 
one thing to watch for on the expanding wheels is that the ones I've seen have an RPM limit of about 2500. Standard grinders run 3600 RPM.

not sure what happens when you exceed the RPM recommended limit, but just something to watch for.
 
This is a good point. I spoke to a friend who is an electrical engineer and he said most electric motors are going to run at 3600.
 
that isn't completely true. Motors out of wshing machines,etc typically run 1/4 to 1/3 HP and run at 1700. Might take a bit of work to get them set up to run the expending wheel, but the price can be very good(free to a couple of buck)

Most commercial Grinders are set to run at 3600, though I just saw delta has a variable speed grinder out that may be my next commercial purchase.(just over $100 at lowes, and has an interesting quick change system for wheels and buffers. if anybody has used one, let me know how it works out for you)
I also know balder has a long arm buffer that is 3/4 HP but runs at 1800 RPM. used one at a friends house and it was really nice(it is where I first saw the expanding drums in use and they worked really well for him, though that was making armour)

And in my local junkyard I picked up a 1/3 HP blower motor that runs 1750 for less than $10, and found what I beleive to be a wrking 3HP 220 motor than also runs 1750. The 3 HP is going to be tapped for a KMG clone once I get my hands on some wheels to use. Paid $10 for it and was very happy.

So you just need to look around for the right motor or grinder.
but RPM limits on grinding wheels or such is definately something to keep an eye out for. I'd hate to think of the failure of a low speed stone being used on a high speed grinder.

Kindyr
 
Thats very nice of you Sam... I have never heard of Yulan NY though. How far from the Island or say NYC? are you.

My grandparents have property upstate I think it is either in Walton or Walden, i forget..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top