What is a good belt grinder

Bob Dozier sells one suited for knife production. I suspect it is one of the best and have no idea what it costs. For me with occasional use, I would look at Harbor Freight and choose one there.
 
I've been wanting to build knifes ever since my Father gave me a bandsaw blade from his work some 40 years ago.
and have been building knifes off and on for the same 40, now that Im old as the hills I think its time I spend more time on doing what I like.
 
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KMG is the standard by which all are judged. With the variable speed they are close to $2000 depending on what you want. For less there is the Pheers 327. Supposed to be very good as well for around a grand. For even less you got the grizzly. Around $500 I think. No features really but it removes metal quick.
 
I have just taken possession of a new wilmont grinder, best ever just awesome go check it out - wilmont grinders rock, USA made
 
KMG is the standard. TW-90 or several others are above. Grizzly, Pheer, DIY grinders are below. Buy the best you can afford, and go variable speed if at all possible.
 
Wilton and Burrking come to mind. These go back a few years, and had a good name. My Wilton variable speed has been going for over 25 years now, and aside from a bad contact wheel bearing the machine has been trouble free.
 
Brett Matthews on this forum makes a really nice grinder he calls the "Esteem." Real solid yet affordable machine, not to mention Brett is a real stand-up guy. I have zero complaints about mine.
 
This winter I will be making a belt grinder,
I‘ll start with a DC motor and controller with a 2 x 60 or 72” belt,
since I have some ½” steel plate that will be the back bone.
Can’t be that difficult to make one, I would think the most important
would be good quality wheels and bearings. What I’m not sure of is if I should do
a single of double belt
 
Wayne Coe has a video and there are more on the internet. As for difficulty, it depends on your skills and tools.

Most opt for the 72" as you tend to get more belt for your money and a better selection.
 
NDtreehugger said:
This winter I will be making a belt grinder,
I‘ll start with a DC motor and controller with a 2 x 60 or 72” belt,
since I have some ½” steel plate that will be the back bone.
Can’t be that difficult to make one, I would think the most important
would be good quality wheels and bearings. What I’m not sure of is if I should do
a single of double belt
Click to expand...

If you go DC, get the motor first

controllers are cheap and easy to find = motors not
 
I haven't owned anything else but for what it's worth I absolutely love my Wilmont ..
I was torn between that a KMG and the Esteem.
In the end I chose the Wilmont because they were close by. With that being said I really thought Brett worked hard through email and I really wish I had money for two grinders just to reward both for the great CS.
 
I have used most of the commercial grinders made for the metal shops and such and they are great, but realize that the grinders made by knife makers for knife makers incorporate options that makes your knife making experience more rewarding.....I like my Wilmont grinders, they are well designed and tuff, Chris told me at first he designed his TAG grinder because he was not satisfied with any of the commercial grinders he had in his shop and wonted a grinder that he could use both vertically and horizontally, one that better suited his passion for his knife making, he out did himself.....
 
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