TW-90 vs. TAG-101

driezeinaz

driezeinaz

Dry Creek Bladeworks
Joined
Sep 20, 2013
Messages
266
Hi guys. I am looking into getting either the TW-90 from Travis or the TAG-101 (package c) from Wilmont. I was wondering what folks impressions have been with either or both. They both seem equally capable, solid machines, and comparably priced. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks
 
I have been looking and comparing both of these and look forward to seeing what others have to say.
 
I have the TW-90. I can tell you that if you have it wired for 240V you will get the full 2HP out of the motor (wired for 115V you will net 1.5HP). As hard as you lean on it you will not bog it down. The machine is well built and versatile especially if you order the surface grinder attachment with it. It runs very smoothly and fairly quiet. The tension mechanism is quick to use and you can crank in as much tension as your belts can handle. There is a small matter of access when grinding on the left side of the flat platen on the work table. But you clever guys will find a remedy for that fairly quickly. I have no experience with the Wilmont.

Here is a quick photo illustration of the platen issue:

 
I have the TW and am very satisfied. I have had no experience with the Tag. I have used a Bader, and own a Bur-King, Square Wheel, Dozier, and JL horizontal. The TW is by far the best I have ever used.
 
Have you looked at the Maximizer? I think that's what it's called. Boat builder has one I believe. Extremely spendy, but NASCAR team(s?) use them (it). :)

If ya got the ching it might be worth looking into.
 
I'm a beginner, and have no experience with the TW, but on the recommendation of John Horrigan, I bought the TAG 101, Package C. I've had it for a few months now and I absolutely love it. And Chris Williams was great to deal with and extremely helpful, when I called him to order, he spent a good 30 minutes on the phone with me answering lots of beginner questions, including some that had nothing to do with his grinder. I love the versatility of being able to flip it on its side and have the belt run horizontally. Like I said, I'm a beginner, this is my first grinder and I have yet to have enough experience to state an opinion on its limitations, because as of yet I haven't found any. Great machine from a great company.

Edited to add - I don't have 220 in my workspace, so 115 was the only way I could go. It's a 1.5hp motor, and I've pushed on it pretty hard just to see what it would take to bog it down. It took more pressure than I think I would ever use when actually grinding on a knife.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. Wilmont has some impressive videos on their Facebook page which was helpful to see as well. Space is somewhat of an issue in my shop, so that is some good feedback to consider.
 
I have a TW90 and it's the only grinder I have had besides a 1x30. Travis was very easy to deal with, and he answered the many questions I had. I have no experience with the TAG, but I have also heard good things about the maker. To me Travis designed the TW90 from the ground up to be a flippable grinder, on the TAG it seems like it was an after-thought, not that it makes any difference in the end. I love the ratcheting belt tensioner of the TW90 and the tracking is spot on and it never moves. I don't usually have to adjust the tracking from belt to belt, or even from attachment to attachment. The TW90 is a plug-and-play grinder, although the TAG may be also. I wish the tool rest was a little quicker to adjust. It takes a bit to swap the tool rest from the platen to the contact wheel. I could just buy a tool rest for each. The TW90 is also very quiet. I have it set up for 2hp and have never even slowed it down when grinding. When I get another grinder I will get a TW90. I'm hoping that Travis will be willing to just sell the frame, I don't need all the tool arms again. Speaking of tooling arms, several people have made negative comments about the aluminum tool arms on the TW90. I have had NO issues with the aluminum tool arms.
 
My next grinder will probably be a TW-90

As far as the aluminum arms goes I'm a big fan of solid over built machinery, but as I've gotten a little older and my back has gotten a little gimpy those aluminum tooling arms are starting to look pretty appealing to me.
 
Nathan, I use your chiller plate and your hardened platen on my KMG and I love the set up. I don't want another grinder. I made my own aluminum toolbars a couple years ago and they are the only way to go in my humble opinion. It cost me about $20 per toolbar including drill bits , taps, and cutting fluid. I already owned a bunch of KMG steel toolbars and I sold them cheap because I knew I would never use them again. You have got to try them...really. It shaves about 10 lbs off each attachment. Larry Lehman, Bakersfield, CA PS If I had the room for one I would buy a TW-90 also just to try the horizontal grinding. LL
 
driezeinaz said:
Thanks for the feedback guys. Wilmont has some impressive videos on their Facebook page which was helpful to see as well. Space is somewhat of an issue in my shop, so that is some good feedback to consider.
Click to expand...
Hi,
I had come across your post and was wondering what your decision was on the grinder. Did you end up with the tag or the tw90?
Thanks for any feedback,
Jon
 
I like the TW-90 as well,
but am I the only that thinks that sparks and debris come flying into at your chest?
 
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