Variable Speed Benefits?

A

anduin-de-smitty

Joined
Sep 30, 1999
Messages
18
I've decided to buy a Bader grinder, and since Baders are a recent topic, I thought I should throw this question out there as well.

What are the benefits of a variable speed machine as opposed to a single speed machine?

yup, that's it. thanx
- Loren
 
I posted this under 3M Trizact belts a couple of weeks ago. In opinion, variable speed is the way to go.

C Wilkins
----------------------
Here is something I learned that I am sure quite a few folks know already but thought that I would post it any how.
I have had a variable speed grinder for the past 3 months and did my first hollow grind last week. Everything I did before was flat ground.

I had previously attempted to slow the speed down when I got to the finer grits but I liked to have ruined a blade due to the seam in the belt. As we have all seen, metal and grit tends to build up in the seam causing a really bad looking horizontal groove in the blade if the speed is too slow. Faster speeds don't tend to do this.

I bought some Trizact belts and thought that I would try something a little different. My testimonial is that after using these belts, all that is needed afterwards is slight buffing, NO HAND FINISHING!! Just slow that puppy down it works wonders. I was simply amazed. Now bear in mind that I am easily impressed....
This may be nothing new but I am new when it comes to variable speed AND hollow grinding.

The grit equivalent is like this:
A65 - 240 grit
A45 - 360 grit
A30 - 600 grit
A16 - 1200 grit
A6 - 2000 grit

 
i would compare it to grinding in a very dimly lite room and then having full floodlites turned on...sorta like nite and day but a little less .....I ground knives for a year on my square wheel with one speed. I still rough out my knives on a single speed bader with 2 horse motor..but for finishing and high quality near perfect grinds...you NEED a variable speed...not to mention the burned fingers and thumb effect.

------------------
http://www.mayoknives.com


 
After grinding for two months on a single speed Bader and having to change drive wheels to slow it down. If I had it to do over again, I would spring for the variable speed. I am actually contemplating calling Bader and having them send me a new variable speed motor.

Marcel

------------------
 
so when is it good to slow down your grinder? for finer grits? anything else? does slowing it down with the finer grit belts create more of a finished polish?
if i have a variable speed, do i have to bother with buying different sized drive wheels for a slower or faster SFPM?

thankyou everyone
- Loren
 
Wheres the best place to buy trizac belts???Thanks!! Michael

------------------
Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!

[This message has been edited by L6STEEL (edited 05-10-2000).]
 
Michael, I get mine from Tru-Grit in Calif. I have dealt with them for years and found the customer service and pricing to be excellent. Delivery is always prompt.

Telephone
909-923-7046
FAX
909-923-9232
Postal address
760 E. Francis St. N Ontario, CA 91761
Electronic mail
General Information: TruGrit1@aol.com
Sales & Technical Support: 909-923-4116
Outside of California (orders only: 800-532-3336)
Webmaster: webtech@scv.net

Fox
 
Mike,
Trugrit's website is :
http://www.trugrit.com/

As previously mentioned, they are probably the most likely source for these belts. Texas Knifemaker's has some of the finer belts, say from A30 up to A6. They are "the ticket" for the slower speeds and they last a very, very long time. Its almost like cheating.

C Wilkins
 
The slower speed is great when working most handle material and a necessity when working titanium. You have better control with the slower speeds.

Mike-I get all my belts from James Poplin, Pop Knives and Supplies in Washington, Georgia. 706-678-5408. Call in the evenings. He manufactures the Wes Luke handle bolt sets and has many other supplies.
He's also a knifemaker.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top