Which Grinder?

J

jeffj

Joined
Apr 8, 1999
Messages
439
Okay...I'm in the market and am about to take the plunge. The choices that I have in mind are the Bader III and the Square Wheel.

What I want to do is to do both flat and hollow grinding. On the hollow grinding I would like to have the option of a 10" wheel. Also, I would like to have smaller wheels for tight radii. I really don't want to spend more than $1000, but I don't feel I have enough information to make a decision.

What would be a better for the beginner, as myself? Or should this be an issue?

Thanks for all the help,
jj
 
jeffj,

The BADER is the most versatile of the 2 you
mentioned. You might be able to find a used
one for under $1000. Ask in 1 of the other
topics to see if anyone has one for sale.
 
My vote is for the Square Wheel. Been using one for many years and it gets used everyday.
Depending on where you get it, you can swap out the 8" for a 10" contact wheel.
 
I AGREE WITH KIT. I THINK THE WILTON IS THE MOST USER FRIENDLY MACHINE MADE.BEEN GRINDING ON MINE FOR THREE YEARS AND NEVER HAD A COMPLAINT YET.

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"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!"
 
If there is anyway you can swing it, buy a variable speed. You will be glad you did!

Doug
 
I would purchase the Bader III, I owned a Square Wheel and hated it (just Me). I purchased a bader last year Variable Speed! You can get wheels from 1/2" to 14". Fantastic Machine.
If your a beginner I recommend the Variable speed, because you can slow it down so you don't burn blades until you get the swing of things, it was a big help when I started. I'm sure anyone who sells the machine will sell it to you with whatever wheels you want!
 
Why don't you try out The Proffesional, made by Rausch Engineering? A table mount machine,wheel diameters from 12" to 5", vertical platen, positive tracking on the motor, easy to change belts and wheels.
Workshop price approx $950 (excluding shipping) You get one wheel, a 10". Platen and other wheels are availble on request.
Email: Derek Rausch: rausch@global.co.za

Or watch out for a review and pictures in the first issue of "Knifemakers Digest", a free knifemaking magazine.

To subcribe, email me burgerknives@limpopo.co.za

Tiaan Burger
Messina
South Africa

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Square wheel is the best choice for your first grinder. As stated above get the vari speed instead of a more expensive grinder.
One other thing if your looking for a used bader DONT GET THE OLD STYLE. The new style with the square arm are much better. They track ok..

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Web Site At www.infinet.com/~browzer/bldesmth.html
Take a look!!!




 
Thanks for all the replies...a couple of questions...

I respect Darrel and Kit's opinions because I am familiar with their work, but the Bader is less expensive and it has a cheap way of getting different speeds by changing the drive wheel. Is this not a good way to get different speeds without a variable speed motor?

Also, is the recommendations for the square wheel over the Bader because of tracking or something else?

With such a split decision here, I am still kind of undecided...I just need some reasons for the preferences.

Sorry to be a pest, you guys have been great.

jj
 
JEFF, I'M NOT RECOMMENDING ONE OVER THE OTHER. I'M JUST STATING MY OWN EXPERIENCE WITH THE WILTON. I'M SURE ALOT OF IT DEPENDS ON EACH MAKER'S STYLE AND HOW THEY DO THINGS. ALSO, REMEMBER, OPINIONS ARE LIKE A**HOLES, EVERY BODY HAS ONE. YOU MIGHT WANNA BUY THE PARTS AND BUILD YOUR OWN. TAKE CARE! MICHAEL

PS. IF YOU LIVE NEAR SOMEONE WHO HAS A BELT GRINDER, SEE IF THEY WILL LET YOU COME OVER AND CHECK IT OUT. THATS WHAT I DID BEFORE I BOUGHT MY WILTON.
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"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!"


[This message has been edited by L6STEEL (edited 20 October 1999).]
 
Jeff,
About all I can say is that both my grinders run about 6 hours every day. I keep the Burr King set up for 10" hollow grinding and doing the lock area on the back of folder blades. The SW is usually set up with the flat platen and tool rest or the 1 1/2" wheel out. I like the closed in cabinet on it much better than other grinders.

I've ground on a Bader and (just me) didn't care for the tracking problems. With the variable speed, you have a whole range of speeds, not just a couple. If you plan to grind titanium, the variable speed is a must.


Bottom line, it's your call. Be comfortable with your decision.
 
Thanks guys...I know now where you are coming from. I think I will try to take L6's advice and see if I can find a few people around. I live in Arkansas near Crawford who lives in West Memphis, but I have never contacted him. I also want to go down to the bladesmith school down in Texarkana where Darrel teaches. I would really like to get one soon but as picky as I am I should wait considering everyones recommendations.

Thanks again,
Jeff
 
jeff....own both...square wheel tracks way better....that is a most definite advantage. variable speed is too.....you will need it but not immediately...you can play around with one speed first.....hard to use dull belts at fast speed....they grab when you push hard......think about building your own, dr. lathe does....you can put together a very good machine.....with some plate.. a knowledgable (sp) welder and a little thought, the best part is that you can build a pulley system like the burr king with steps and have the best of both worlds..one speed ac motor and 5 different speed machine. you will of course have to buy a rubber wheel of the burr king type..you can get it from them...a platen and some sort of tracking wheel mechanism....contact dr lathe, think it would be a wise move...for the same amount of $$ you could end up with a lot more machine...of course this takes time and effort...that why most of us just plunk down the money....good luck....burr king is making the 960 again...if you are going to pay for a machine id get this one. variable speed..trugrit sells them for about 1600.....link is on my webpage link page.

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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
if i get a new grinder i'm gonna go with a bader bIII 2 hp, 9" smooth wheel, platen and 2" small wheel.
 
I have 3 belt grinders. A single speed burr-king. A variable speed burr-king, and a single speed JL grinder. I love the Burr-kings. The JL grinder seems to be a good grinder too. I ownly use the JL grinder for finger notches though. If I were to buy another grinder, it would be a variable speed burr-king.

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Lynn GriffithMy website
GriffithKN@aol.com


 
I have a Wilton Square Wheel. It has run great for 9 months or so. I have never used another so I can't really compare. My only complaints are:

1) Variable speed would be really nice! Take that into consideration. It can make life much easier. (You can get by without it though)

2) I had to modify the platen on my Wilton for flat grinding. Until I ground a recess onto the left side of the plate, I could not get good plunge cuts because the belt does not track as far over on the left side. I still have a hard time getting perfectly semmetrical plunge cuts but that is probably mainly due to "lack of practice and skill"

By the best machine you can afford, but the worst of them beat no machine at all.
 
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