Looking for Grinder Recommendations

[Bully]

I'm sure this will, to some degree, be a Ford vs Chevy thing but here goes:

I'm new-ish to the hobby. I have a 2x42 single speed and it does ok. I think I'm outgrowing it though. I'd like a 2x72. I'm looking for recommendations. I'm open to other machines/belt sizes with some justification.

Currently doing EDC fixed blades and hunting blades. I used to cook and still do on a hobby level and would like to get in to the chef knife market.

Thanks in advance for all that post helpful info.
I'm in Texas if that matters at all although I'm sure it doesn't.

 

[fitzo]

A fully featured 2x72 with variable speed motor direct drive motor and accessories like strong platens/ large wheels/small wheels and holder/tilt, and the variety of work rests make them a light year advanced to a regular 2x42. The variable speed alone will change the way you grind and raise your skill level quicker. TRhe abrasive belt choice is frequently greater, too, for 2x72.

There are a substantial number of choices nowadays, which tends to create option paralysis. A good place to start is to ask the question about budget. Grinders run from about $1000 for something like a Vevor on amazon; or a kit build from USAKnifemakers (our forum host). Brodbeck gets mentioned a lot when discussing an a la carte grinder package. Cadillac budget circa $4-5k, I'd look at a Contender Machine Works machine.

That's just a couple names to start you out. Others will be along...

Good luck with your knife making journey!

 

[Edwardshandmadeknives]

USA Knifemaker just listed their new no weld grinders. They look pretty nice. I would buy one if I didn’t already have a grinder

 

[REK Knives]

For a budget one that's still well built I'd look up torus cnc.

 

[Bully]

A fully featured 2x72 with variable speed motor direct drive motor and accessories like strong platens/ large wheels/small wheels and holder/tilt, and the variety of work rests make them a light year advanced to a regular 2x42. The variable speed alone will change the way you grind and raise your skill level quicker. TRhe abrasive belt choice is frequently greater, too, for 2x72.

There are a substantial number of choices nowadays, which tends to create option paralysis. A good place to start is to ask the question about budget. Grinders run from about $1000 for something like a Vevor on amazon; or a kit build from USAKnifemakers (our forum host). Brodbeck gets mentioned a lot when discussing an a la carte grinder package. Cadillac budget circa $4-5k, I'd look at a Contender Machine Works machine.

That's just a couple names to start you out. Others will be along...

Good luck with your knife making journey!

Thank you. Yes, option paralysis. For sure a thing.
I'm going to pass on the Vevor.
I'm looking at Ameribrade and Brodbeck. Both have plus/minus colums to me. I've not seen the Contender Machine Works site but will look now. Thanks for your input.

 

[Bully]

USA Knifemaker just listed their new no weld grinders. They look pretty nice. I would buy one if I didn’t already have a grinder

I just looked at that. I'm really not looking for something where I have to source more parts than what comes in the box. I've looked at the House Made stuff and that's the turn off for me.

 

[Bully]

For a budget one that's still well built I'd look up torus cnc.

That's a good looking machine for a reasonable price, or so it seems. I'm a touch concerned about the all aluminum body though. Faster wear and less mass and all.

 

[Haines Custom]

I am really happy with my Ameribrade.

 

[Bully]

I am really happy with my Ameribrade.

What made you choose it over the others?

 

[Edwardshandmadeknives]

I have a Bader B3. I like it, but I don’t kinda. It has a 1 1/4” tool arm, and the aftermarket tool arms I’ve found are 1 1/2” which kinda limits your options. Something to consider when you are searching. Those Brodbecks are pretty cool

 

[Coop]

I have and love my North Ridge grinder but it's no longer made. Reeder grinders are mentioned favorably on another knife maker forum I visit. Like stated above VS is a must along with the option of having two 1 1/2" tooling arms.

 

[Delta Handmade Knives]

• KMG-TX (this is what I have, works great)
• Brodbeck (Great guys!)
• Wilmont (if you can get one)

 

[Bully]

• KMG-TX (this is what I have, works great)
• Brodbeck (Great guys!)
• Wilmont (if you can get one)

Thanks for that. I've looked at all of these. There was a Wilmont for sale locally but I don't love the fact that on his there is only room for one tooling arm.

 

[Haines Custom]

What made you choose it over the others?

It was the whole package. Price, customer service and options.

 

[KenH]

Have you looked at the Reeder grinder? Decent price for a barebones grinder, then add your own motor and Chinese VFD drive for a decently priced package. The Reeder is one of the very "top of line" grinders at less than some of the other packages. If you wish a DIY grinder than USA knifemakers package will serve nicely.

 

[fitzo]

@Bully Many of today's knifemakers grind heat treated blanks to knives, especially AEB-L. Heat becomes a great concern, of course. The solution has been to turn to mist systems for cooling, or, in some cases, flood coolant. The aluminum chassis becomes very desirable in that situation.

 

[Bully]

@Bully Many of today's knifemakers grind heat treated blanks to knives, especially AEB-L. Heat becomes a great concern, of course. The solution has been to turn to mist systems for cooling, or, in some cases, flood coolant. The aluminum chassis becomes very desirable in that situation.

Solid point. Thank you.

 

[Taz575]

I like my AmeriBrade! I don't use many accessories, so the larger 2" tool arm isn't much of a concern to me. The misting topic is a good point for an aluminum grinder, but I wet my belts with a sponge and haven't had any major rusting issues on my AmeriBrade yet after doing that for a couple of years. I run their small wheel attachment, Combo platen with 6" rubber and 2" rubber wheels. I also have their Tilt Table set up, but haven't used it much lately, so it sits in the corner. I do want to get a radius platen and make a surface grinder attachment one of these days. I made my own tilting assembly, but will be redoing it or getting their soon because the one I made sucked!

 

[Bully]

I like my AmeriBrade! I don't use many accessories, so the larger 2" tool arm isn't much of a concern to me. The misting topic is a good point for an aluminum grinder, but I wet my belts with a sponge and haven't had any major rusting issues on my AmeriBrade yet after doing that for a couple of years. I run their small wheel attachment, Combo platen with 6" rubber and 2" rubber wheels. I also have their Tilt Table set up, but haven't used it much lately, so it sits in the corner. I do want to get a radius platen and make a surface grinder attachment one of these days. I made my own tilting assembly, but will be redoing it or getting their soon because the one I made sucked!

Good to hear. Thank you.

 

[KenH]

Bully, it's good to see you keeping active with your thread. One of my pet grips are folks who start/post a thread, then never come back to comment. Perhaps they do come back and read responses, but it makes me feel like we're talking to ourselves when they never post again. You're doing good.

You might add your location to your profile - I know you put Texas (Long Star, National beer of Texas) in first post, but I tend to forget and how to scroll back up, and of course for your other posts location might not be listed. I've got good memories of living in Freeport, Texas area back in '80s.