Which grinder?

I live on an island and any trip like that will add $200 to the price (or more)

I have family in the US (actually most of my immediate family is now in the US) but I am reluctant to bother them with this kind of thing. We aren't that close. Sad but true.

Anyway, like I said, I'm looking for ideas about what I need/want.
 
Thanks for that Nathan. Words of wisdom for sure.

I'm sure 1hp won't bog down as bad as my 1/4 hp does. :p:D
 
I'm not meaning to badmouth Knut in any way, there are guys who are happy with his machines, but it's just not the way I would go. I know with the Bee that I will be able to get parts and service 5-10 years down the road and I'm dealing with a company rather than an individual, meaning I get what I need when I need it if something does hit the fan (less downtime).

Like I said, not trying to badmouth another man's business, this is just my opinion.
 
SBranson said:
Thanks for that Nathan. Words of wisdom for sure.

I'm sure 1hp won't bog down as bad as my 1/4 hp does. :p:D
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My first knives were ground on a 1/2hp 4x36 Ryobi that I bought from Home Depot for $100 or so, I understand the bogging:D Buy the best machine that you can afford and you won't regret it (although you may always want something a little bigger and better:thumbup:)

Have a good one,
Nathan
 
It's something to consider for sure and it's worth mentioning.

As posted earlier:

JamesPEmmons said:
Suremak makes a great grinder, but the customer service is another story.
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Maybe his grinders are really good but if it's difficult to service or get parts then it becomes and expensive anchor.
 
Stuart,
I forgot to mention thats a great looking knife. Also I saw the inlaid sheath you did on CGN - the was great work too.
Bruce
 
Hey, Stuart. If you want one from someone who won't ship to Canada, I'll be glad to help you out. Have it shipped to me and I'll get it to you. I made my own about 9 years ago for less than $400 US. Looks very much like the KMG. In fact, Rob and I were developing ours at the same time and he made my wheels for me. No welding required. Working part time as a hobby, it probably took me 6 months. I'll be glad to send you pictures, help with the dimensions, etc.
Regards,
Your Texas Buddy-
Jacque
 
SBranson said:
That's who did my HT for me. What a great edge!!!:thumbup:
I've chopped away for 2 weekends and there's no sign of dulling or damage.
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i have ed do my heat treats also as he is only a 1.5 hour drive from me his ht is one of the best i have found once hes done the edge goes and goes and goes and comes back for more

lee
 
thats an amazing knife for your first mine are still not that good. As for grinders i have heard great thing about Burr King grinders ( btw i see you are from Canada you wouldn't happen to know any knifemakers in winnipeg would you?
 
r-winter said:
thats an amazing knife for your first mine are still not that good. As for grinders i have heard great thing about Burr King grinders ( btw i see you are from Canada you wouldn't happen to know any knifemakers in winnipeg would you?
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BKs are great but pricey (well worth it though :D) you won't have much change left after $2000 unless you can find a used one.

The KMG and similar machines are actually better for most makers because of the flexibility offered by the design. BKs are designed for a dedicated usage and most setup changes are a serious PIA. The BK is really for someone that has multiple grinders and few set up changes. The KMG/B3/NWG design is probably the most flexible around and allows tooling changes quickly and easily. As an example, the small wheel attachment for a BK runs nearly $300, takes about 30-45 minutes to change out IF you don't bump the drive wheel around doing the change, you can make the same change in about 2 minutes or so on the other grinders. (That's my experience with the BK small wheel attachment.... hated it.. that's why I made that funky small wheel yoke adaptor for my BK.)
 
Yes you have skills, and it would be a shame for your tools to limit you.
Once you have this grinder, you will be sharpening all your woodworking tools on it too.

Variable speed 1.5 HP or 2 absolutely...If you go single speed,it will just cost more to upgrade later.

Get the flat platen and the small wheel kit with small contact wheels at the same time too.

I have a single speed Bee and I like some things very much, but its way too fast and the availablity of accessories is pretty limited.
- I like that the belt tensioning is easily variable from slack to very tight, I'm not sure how easy it is on a KMG

If you want Beamount parts like the flat disc, or wheels to build your own grinder;
Tracy Mickley ships to Canada and has some interesting cheaper wheels too.
http://www.usaknifemaker.com/store/grinders-sanders-all-kinds-grinder-parts-contact-wheels-c-99_60.html


If you really want a KMG, ask Rob...
Many internatinal customers have been using a service called skybox to freight forward and handle customs paperwork.
http://www.skybox.net/
you pay the fee, and it gives you a distinct adress in the US that they reship to the address you specify.
 
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