Grizzly Bear
Well-Known Member
Hey guys,
I know this has been done to death, but I am wanting to someday turn pro. I am 63 and in bad health and am on the clock so to speak. I am turning my carport into my workshop and need to get some advise from the pros out there as to what grinder they use and why. I have researched this very much and have found there are some high quality (and price) grinders for sale that are so close to each other in quality and function that I can't make up my mind. I need more input to make up my mind.
I have decided, unless otherwise advised, that I need the following features:
2" x 72" Grinder that is ready to go with motor attached; no kits.
2 HP 220 volt Motor on a dedicated breaker (Is a 3 HP Motor of any advantage?)
Variable Speed up to around 5,000 rpm (or is around 3,000 rpm enough?)
14 or 16 inch wheel for hollow grinding that is mounted on it's own working arm. Will one of the rotating wheel, flat platen, small wheel combination mounted on one working arm as good or better?
Set of small wheels for contouring 1/2 to 1"
Set of large wheels for conjuring: 1&1/4 to 2''
A flat platen, a slack platen mounted on their own working arms
Forked working arm for the contouring wheels
Good, sturdy working platform that tilts if possible
I have narrowed my choices down to:
KMG
Bader III
Dozier Grinder
Bee Grinder
TW90
Pheer327 Belt Grinder
EPG Grinder
Is direct drive worth the money?
I will be attending the Gil Hibben Knife Class in Oct. to gain much needed hands on training.
I am also going to try and attend a knife smithing class next year. I want to learn as much as I can and am dedicated to my goal.
I am currently making knives using a Harbour Freight disc/belt sander, electric drill sanding drums, files and a lot of sand paper. I am really looking forward to getting a very good knife grinder.
I appreciate your input.
Thanks
Grizzly Bear
I know this has been done to death, but I am wanting to someday turn pro. I am 63 and in bad health and am on the clock so to speak. I am turning my carport into my workshop and need to get some advise from the pros out there as to what grinder they use and why. I have researched this very much and have found there are some high quality (and price) grinders for sale that are so close to each other in quality and function that I can't make up my mind. I need more input to make up my mind.
I have decided, unless otherwise advised, that I need the following features:
2" x 72" Grinder that is ready to go with motor attached; no kits.
2 HP 220 volt Motor on a dedicated breaker (Is a 3 HP Motor of any advantage?)
Variable Speed up to around 5,000 rpm (or is around 3,000 rpm enough?)
14 or 16 inch wheel for hollow grinding that is mounted on it's own working arm. Will one of the rotating wheel, flat platen, small wheel combination mounted on one working arm as good or better?
Set of small wheels for contouring 1/2 to 1"
Set of large wheels for conjuring: 1&1/4 to 2''
A flat platen, a slack platen mounted on their own working arms
Forked working arm for the contouring wheels
Good, sturdy working platform that tilts if possible
I have narrowed my choices down to:
KMG
Bader III
Dozier Grinder
Bee Grinder
TW90
Pheer327 Belt Grinder
EPG Grinder
Is direct drive worth the money?
I will be attending the Gil Hibben Knife Class in Oct. to gain much needed hands on training.
I am also going to try and attend a knife smithing class next year. I want to learn as much as I can and am dedicated to my goal.
I am currently making knives using a Harbour Freight disc/belt sander, electric drill sanding drums, files and a lot of sand paper. I am really looking forward to getting a very good knife grinder.
I appreciate your input.
Thanks
Grizzly Bear