Wilton grinder

L

longrange

Joined
Jan 18, 2000
Messages
16
Stopped in a machine supply store today on a whim and they had 4 new Wilton square wheel 2x72 belt grinders that also come with an 8" contact wheel. The motor is 1 hp, single
phase. They want $1000 for these grinders. Do any of the list members use this grinder? Any major limitations or drawbacks? Would this make a good grinder for a beginner?
Is this a good price or on the high side? Its a little spendy for me right now, I would like to find a good used one to cut down on the cost. Are there any machinery vendors that offeer price, or does anyone know of a good used equipment place that may have one of these? If I can't find a good used Wilton or similar, I might get a Grizzly grinder and keep the cost down that way. Thanks for any help, Ken
 
I've been grinding with a Wilton for 4 years now. It's the most user friendly machine I've eve had. I love it, but can't compare it to the other popular brands because I've never used them. Jantz sells em for $895 and the shipping is only $6.95. I'd go with them.
If you get one, get a smooth wheel, not a serrated one.Take care! Michael

------------------
"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!"

 
i use one constantly...but you need a variable speed motor...like now...so think about that cause its gonna cost you around 600 more...i took the side cover and top dust thing off immediately, drilled and tapped a bunch of holes in the side so i could move the arm way out and way back...cut the slot so it was one long slot instead of two....and made my own slack belt attachment that has lots of free bore on both sides....made it out of a thick piece of aluminum...looking like a boomarang...with two small wheels and both ends and a bolt that will go into the machine at the elbow...works great...like the machine....i would wrap a lot of electricians tape around the idler wheel (did on mine)and it makes it track much better. i just got a catalog from K%G and they have lots of variable speed setups.

------------------
http://www.mayoknives.com


 
Within a week or so, I hope to have a page on my web site about "tips and tricks" for the wilton square wheel. Nothing major, just some modifications that I have made to my machine that allow me to do the things I wanted.
I've used every major 2x72 grinder at one time or the other, and I like the square wheel for it's simplicity and ease of change over. Koval Knives is another place you might check, they usually have very good deals on the square wheel grinders.
http://www.mtn-webtech.com/~caffrey

------------------
Ed Caffrey
"The Montana Bladesmith"


 
I worked on a couple of square wheels and
then decided to buy a burr King. I like my
burr king, but If I ever bought another it
would be a square wheel for sure.

------------------
http://www.imt.net/~goshawk
Don't walk in tradition just because it feels good!!!!!
Romans 10:9,10
Hebrews 4:12-16
Psalm 91

 
definetly go with the wilton over the grizzly. grizzly doesn't make hard use machines.
knifemaking isn't extremely hard on machines, but requires a good machine to make nice work, quicker. if you do other stuff with the grinder that is tuff on the machine, then you'll want the wilton.
my view is that i buy a machine that'll last a life time.
if you guys want to reduce vibration and noise replace the drive pulleys (not the ones that the grinding belt is on) with pulleys machined from steel, and get an anti-vibration v-belt, i think they're called link belts, they run about $27 for 4'.
if i build a grinder, i'm going to try and keep vibration to a minimal. i like quiet machine better.
 
Magnum,

Allen Blade is able to make a fine knife on his Grizzly, and while I am not up to his level, I can see that it provides a good grind. Granted, it will not perform satisfactorily right out of the box, but it can be improved without much cost. After buying and improving the grinder, I can still buy three Grizzly's for every Wilton. I am not disparaging any other grinder, but it has been my experience that the Grizzly surpasses my expectations when improved upon. Perhaps your experience on the Grizzly was not. I have not had any power related problems with my Grizzly. It seems to me that if power is not a problem then a poor grind (machine caused) would be the result of a poor platen, rest, or excessive play or vibration. Fix those problems and the machine performs well.

------------------
None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. -Goethe
 
i'm not doubting the ability of the grizzy, but i'm just saying you'll most likely produce a better grind with the wilton. if i've offended you, or your choice in grinders i'm sorry. but you do understand that the wilton is buid for more abusive work? like my little 1"x30" grinder wouldn't hold up to ethier of them.
actually i'm going to build a grinder, so could you tell us anything you've found that improves the grinder, thanks.
 
Fellows,
Just as the gun does not make the hunter, neither does the grinder make the knifemaker.

C Wilkins
 
Magnum,

I do not get offended easily, nor am I in this case. I only hope to provide information on my experience with this grinder. Perhaps it will never perform as well as the Hardcore or Bader (or we would all own Grizzly's), but I feel it performs satisfactorily for the fledgling or intermediate knifemaker. It is an affordable alternative to those who are willing to put a little work into improving their machine. I think that qualifies all knifemakers, as we are dedicated to improving our end product.

------------------
None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. -Goethe
 
ok, now i know what your saying. i guess it would be a good grinder to start on, becuase it doesn't cost alot.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top