Vertical/Horizontal Grinder, or Separate Machines?

Jonathans

Jonathans

Joined
Jan 9, 2008
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For the same money, or nearly so, would I be better off purchasing a High end grinder such as a TW-90 or Ubergrinder, that does an excellent job as either a vertical or horizontal grinder, or to pick up standalone horizontal, and vertical machines? If I were to go the route of two machines, are there any vertical grinders in the 1500 to 2000 range that could keep up with either of the two machines previously mentioned, performance wise, if only in the vertical position?
My thinking is that if I have the funds, to go with one of the high end convertible machines, as in either mode, they might out perform any of the individual machines that I could pick up for half the price.
I just wanted to get some input prior to making any move.
Thanks
 
Outperform is very subjective and would be difficult to quantify. You have left out one option. That is taking any vertical and making your own mechanism that would allow it to go horizontal. If you like to tinker, you would be big bucks ahead doing this. If you don't like tinkering, then plug and play is the way to go. In vertical mode, the kmg is a great value. Look at wilmont. You mentioned the ubergrinder. This requires compressed air. Do you want to have to have compressed air. There are simpler ways to accomplish tensioning the tracking wheel mechanism. Compression springs, air springs and the other spring option that the Wilmont uses.

So you have 3 options and not the two that you itemized. Your money, your needs. There is another grinder that is being made by a guy on this forum. It's blue with some black steel plate. Seems like a great execution.
 
Look at the Wilmont accessory for flipping the little buddy grinder. It is so simple it could be made easily and inexpensively.
 
What Jones said, I made mine go horizontal for less then $20 bucks. Can't go wrong with a little buddy. Chris from Wilmont is great. I have less than $2000 in my little buddy for sure and I have a lot of attachments, wheels....etc. Is it as good as a Wilmont TAG 101, Ubergrinder, or TW-90? Probably not, but is darn close enough that you probably have to be in the top percentage of makers with skills (which I am not) to really make use of any slight (and I mean slight) differences in precision, speed of use, slightly higher versatility...etc. The new Pheer looks good too. I believe both it and the LB-1000 are the easiest engineer a horizontal mode and the second tool arm slot makes them way better then the KMG, but that is just my opinion.
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The TW-90 is a really nice grinder and is easily flip-able for horizontal work. I've never used an Ubergrinder so can't speak to that. The thing I find tedious about switching a grinder back and forth from vertical to horizontal is changing the work rest setups. Having rests set for the various operations you perform frequently will speed up your work flow quite a bit...even on one grinder. This is how I suggest you start out.

Bob
 
Thanks guys. I appreciate the input. I was looking at a Tw-90 over the weekend and could see what Bob was talking about with the tool rest having to be set up for each operation. However, at som cost, a tool rest could be had for each tool bar that is most often used, and the setup changes would be rapid. I like the EF-48 horizontal grinder, and have used one a few times. Good machine, but lacks some versatility with the tool rests.
 
I looked at the Esteem grinder by Brett Mathews, and it appeared to be made extremely well, and at a very reasonable price point. I'm hoping it runs as good as it looks as I already pulled the trigger and ordered one. It shouldn't be hard to make my own flipping plate, or I'll fab a hinge from some 1/2" pipe sections and weld that to the base. Thanks for the advise guys.
 
Jonathans said:
I looked at the Esteem grinder by Brett Mathews, and it appeared to be made extremely well, and at a very reasonable price point. I'm hoping it runs as good as it looks as I already pulled the trigger and ordered one. It shouldn't be hard to make my own flipping plate, or I'll fab a hinge from some 1/2" pipe sections and weld that to the base. Thanks for the advise guys.
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I think you will be very happy. A second tool arm can make life a bit easier. I added one for my kmg and it works very well. Your idea for making it go horizontal will work out great. Keep us posted. From the photos, the quality of finish on the Esteem is excellent. Does he have a website or is still via email only?
 
I still really like my Esteem grinder. I admittedly haven't worked on any other machines but i will say I have no complaints as to it's performance.
 
PT Doc, I would very much like to see your second tool arm slot for your KMG. Do you have any photos? Thanks, Larry
 
I don't have access to a horizontal version of the 2x72, but can't help my curiosity.... What can you do by tipping that thing on its side that can't be done with guides and jigs with the machine upright?
 
If you have a large toolrest and horizontal capabilities, you have more options. To get a large edge flat, flip grinder in its side and use the flat platen. You now have 8" of belt to work with. A small wheel attachment in horizontal mode and appropriate tool rest will allow a very nice and even notch in your material.

You might be able to do all this in vertical mode, but you don't to punish yourself unless you want to.
 
elementfe said:
I don't have access to a horizontal version of the 2x72, but can't help my curiosity.... What can you do by tipping that thing on its side that can't be done with guides and jigs with the machine upright?
Click to expand...

Nothing, you can just do it faster and without the jigs etc. thereby saving time and labor both in setup and actual grinding.
 
Here is an email to get a hold of Brett. He sent me a detailed price sheet of the products he offers upon request. He seemed like a decent guy, and his patient responses to my myriad of questions was respectable.
Elementfe, I have more experience in woodworking than knifemaking, but when I look down at my work piece while shaping it, I have a better vantage point by which to achieve a perfectly formed curve. I have difficulty achieving the same while having to support the blade against gravity in a vertical format.
Once I've completed my grinder setup, I will be pleased to share any pictures I take.
 
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