Which "introductory" grinder?

peripatew

peripatew

Joined
Jul 31, 2007
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I've been doing some digging around trying to find out which inexpensive grinder would be the best to start with, I've found these 3 so far:

Delta SA180 - 1x42"/8" 1/3 hp $100
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...Id=10053&productId=100618976&N=10000003+90401

Craftsman 2x42" / 6" 2/3hp $140
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...e=Tools&cName=Bench+Power+Tools&sName=Sanders

Harbor Freight 1x30" / 5" 1/3hp $60
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34951


I'm a little skeptical of the HF, and I've read good things about the Craftsman and the Delta.

If I stick with knife making, I plan to build a NWGS. I would likely keep my cheap benchtop for detail work. Which grinder allows you the most freedom?

Thanks! If there are other grinders that I missed, please let me know. I'm going to try to find something used, but if not I'll wait for one of these to come onsale.

L
 
Sears 2x42! The HF is a GREAT grinder, but the Sears is better, I have never seen or used the Delta.
 
If you want to skimp on spending the big bucks. Definitely go with a Grizzly 2" x 72" you won't be disappointed. Plus, it's much better than the other grinders listed.
 
2" will always beat 1" and the longer the better and the same for HP. More is better. I would probably go for the grizzly 2x72 then the Sears 2x42
 
I hadn't seen the smaller grizzly. but I don't think the $400 2x72 grizzly counts as an introductory grinder. I'm looking at spending around $100 - $150. One thing I like about the smaller grizzly is the individual replaceable parts. I'm not sure if the other brands have that.
 
get the craftman 2x42 you need the power and the belts can be found in good grits. i have 1.5-2 hp motor on my grinder and i want more. you can never have to much power.
 
The Coote and Grizzly are generally considered the introductory grinders.

I'd go with files and sandpaper then upgrade to one of the 72" grinders when the chance arose.

You can put together a disc grinder fairly inexpensively as well.
 
The Sears website is wrong, the Craftsman 2"x42" is only 1/3hp according to the box and the motor, but it does an okay job if you buy good belts, supergrit has a big selection
 
I have a Sears, works pretty well and you can usally find it for $119 on sale.
 
I have had good luck with the Delta, though would have gotten the craftsmen had I been able to find it just because the wider availability of belts
 
I got the Delta 1", and I thought the platen was horrible.

I brought it back, and got the Craftsman.

The platen on the craftsman is pretty bad, too. I milled a flat platen out of a steel bar and fixed it to the factory platen.

Now it grinds pretty well.
 
I started with the sears and quickly went back to the files as the blades were better and didn't really take me longer to do. Save the money and by the Grizzly 2x72 or a Coote. Those are really made for metal grinding; the others are more for sanding then grinding. Until then just make them by hand.
 
I am just starting to use the 2x42 craftsman it is doing ok so far..

But as soon as i can it is KMG for me....
 
get the cheapest 2" belt grinder you can. :thumbup:



I have a 1x42 Delta you are welcome to take home and play around with a little if you like. Just let me know and I'll bring it to the shop in Gentry.



But I do think you'll want the 2" craftsman.

Dan
 
Hmm I have one of the 2 x 42 craftsman but mine has a 1hp motor on it. guess I got lucky. works good has a prety good work rest and a 8" disk to boot. Doesnt bog down unless I put a big piece on it hard. the bay has belts and so does jantz they arent hard to find if you look a bit.
 
Is it all about the power of the motor? If I have a motor couldnt I just buy the "cheapest" belt sander out there and pull the wheels and platen off it and use my own motor? or is that more work than its worth?
 
Daniel Koster said:
get the cheapest 2" belt grinder you can. :thumbup:

I have a 1x42 Delta you are welcome to take home and play around with a little if you like. Just let me know and I'll bring it to the shop in Gentry.

But I do think you'll want the 2" craftsman.

Dan
Click to expand...

Thanks for the offer Dan! I'll be out of town until the 9th! But I'll get a hold of you when I get back in town. It's been to long since I've been to the shop anyhow.
 
Come one over anytime, Bro!

We'll put you on the 1x42...then the KMG....then the Dozier. :D :eek: :p

:thumbup:


;)

Dan
 
I have the Craftsman 2x42 and it seems to do the job most of the time. We ran some 1" belts on it for a while and they are basically worthless unless you are doing blades that are 2" in length. Even running 2" belts on a 42" grinder makes for a short belt life. A one inch belt just isn't worth it really.
If all you can afford is a 2X42 then go with the Craftsman, but if you can wait and get something with more power, then wait.
And this is coming from someone who has done blades with the 2X42.

For what it's worth,

Joe Nelson
 
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