Salem Straub
Active Member
Seems to me like some of the best grinding machines available can be fairly easily approximated for a shop-oriented person. The recipe for success is pretty simple to me: rear wheel drive, direct with variable speed, good adjustable tension and tracking, tooling arm design, built solidly. I like the Bader/KMG/GIB types. I built one myself with 3hp VFD, no complaints. It simply does what any other solidly constructed machine of its basic design will do. I built mine for under $500 with some serious scrounging.
Not everyone likes to, or has the time or aptitude to build a grinder. This doesn't necessarily mean they don't want to make knives. We should also consider that not everyone is looking to go pro, and it's a good idea sometimes to test the water before jumping in all the way.
Do I think the TW90 is a great machine? No doubt of that. I'd never recommend buying one to a person that has made less than 20 knives if money was at all an issue, though. I would recommend getting into something well under $1000 or building one. Yes, it's great to learn on a decently designed 2x72 machine. Variable speed is a huge plus. Now a new maker or hobbyist can get into such a machine pretty much ready to go for like $700. Starting with a versatile, variable grinder is a HUGE morale boost. (The possibility that this will not be fully appreciated by a person who has not first made 100 knives slogging away at a fixed speed 2-wheel machine notwithstanding.)
This may be a much better and more versatile option IMO than any two wheel grinder such as a Grizzly or Coote. Just being able to look down the platen is an improvement. Don't even get me started on small wheels, and easy change-out of contact tooling.
A way to discover if you seriously want to make knives, with a decent machine that in all likelihood will still make a very useful second grinder once you get your loaded KMG.
Oh, and why shouldn't a decent longboard wheel and bearing work better than fine on a platen? It's just cross-purposing, always a good way to save money as long as an application is appropriate. Those things are made to take abuse and ride very smoothly with a load at high speeds. Not a part of a "toy" at all.
The only real issue I see with it is that a buyer should not consider using it with the supplied NEMA1 drive without making an enclosure or running the drive remotely. I believe that thing would fry very quickly mounted right there with an open case.
Not trying to be combative at all. I just have a bit of a different viewpoint. What really matters is what those who have bought say after using it. Looking forward to that.
Not everyone likes to, or has the time or aptitude to build a grinder. This doesn't necessarily mean they don't want to make knives. We should also consider that not everyone is looking to go pro, and it's a good idea sometimes to test the water before jumping in all the way.
Do I think the TW90 is a great machine? No doubt of that. I'd never recommend buying one to a person that has made less than 20 knives if money was at all an issue, though. I would recommend getting into something well under $1000 or building one. Yes, it's great to learn on a decently designed 2x72 machine. Variable speed is a huge plus. Now a new maker or hobbyist can get into such a machine pretty much ready to go for like $700. Starting with a versatile, variable grinder is a HUGE morale boost. (The possibility that this will not be fully appreciated by a person who has not first made 100 knives slogging away at a fixed speed 2-wheel machine notwithstanding.)
This may be a much better and more versatile option IMO than any two wheel grinder such as a Grizzly or Coote. Just being able to look down the platen is an improvement. Don't even get me started on small wheels, and easy change-out of contact tooling.
A way to discover if you seriously want to make knives, with a decent machine that in all likelihood will still make a very useful second grinder once you get your loaded KMG.
Oh, and why shouldn't a decent longboard wheel and bearing work better than fine on a platen? It's just cross-purposing, always a good way to save money as long as an application is appropriate. Those things are made to take abuse and ride very smoothly with a load at high speeds. Not a part of a "toy" at all.
The only real issue I see with it is that a buyer should not consider using it with the supplied NEMA1 drive without making an enclosure or running the drive remotely. I believe that thing would fry very quickly mounted right there with an open case.
Not trying to be combative at all. I just have a bit of a different viewpoint. What really matters is what those who have bought say after using it. Looking forward to that.
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