Looks like this thread is somewhat dated, hopefully I’m not necroposting as the topic is relevant. I have had my Origins Mini Diktator for over a year now and thought I’d give an unbiased review.
The Mini Diktator is a bolt together model that came pre-assembled with the exception of the offset direct drive plate to save space in the box it shipped in. What little assembly was required took very little time. Installing the drive wheel and tracking wheel took a bit longer as there was little input or direction in the instructions to fine tune for minimal belt wobble. I did find videos online that assisted with this however.
For me this grinder is primarily used to finish a knife at slower speeds. I use a 2x48 and a 2x42” grinder for the brunt of the work at lower grits (on up to 120 grit), then I switch over to the Mini Diktator for 220 grit and higher. At lower speeds, there is some belt wobble, but it does not effect my intended use, but may be bothersome to others (I imagine it would not be difficult to get that out if I needed to). At higher speeds, the wobble disappears completely and the unit runs as smoothly as my KMG Classic did (and the Classic was one of the better units).
As others stated above the bent platen makes working with a file guide difficult. With just a little over a year into this unit, I noticed today that the top idler wheel gets hot at higher speeds, and will need replacing, or new bearings installed. I have not used a contact wheel on this unit as yet, but am looking for a decent 10” wheel to add to the set up. All in all, it has been a decent $379. Investment that I don’t regret. Having said that, if there is a “next” 2x72 grinder for me, I’ll more than likely try a Reeder.
