New belt grinder - advice needed.

[tomsm44]

I am looking at buying a belt grinder and would like some advice on what to get.  Up to now, I have been working with basically a bench grinder and a lot hand sanding/polishing for the few blades that I have built.  This is currently just a hobby and I have a very limited budget.  I have looked at the Grizzly model g1015 knife belt grinder and it would possibly be in my price range.  Is this a good model for the money, or is there something else better available for a similar price?  

I have also seen some plans advertised for building knife grinders.  Does anybody know how much one of these can be built for?  I would prefer to just buy one, but if there is a big enough price difference, I may be willing to give it a try.

[Lin Rhea]

Matt, If you were to work on a full sized knife grinder, you'd not buy the smaller one. I'm quite sure of that. If there is any way at all, you'd be better off with a professional grade machine. The plans for a no-weld grinder is $25 from USA Knife Maker supply but you can adapt the plans to suit you. We built a nice single speed for $250 and that includes a new motor. But we turned the wheels and made just about everything. It works great and tracks very well. We built most of it from aluminum plate except the necessary steel parts.

[Lamey]

a buddy of mine with very limited mechanical skills built one of the no weld grinders in a weekend with very little headache, and it works fine.  that said,  keep your eyes on the forums you can occoasionally find a used bader for a good price.  

If money isnt an issue, or you dont mind saving a bit more,  get a KMG or Wilmont.

[tomsm44]

What tools would I need to build one?  Just want to make sure I don't get started and then have to spend another $200 for tools to build it with.

That's why I wanted to get ask on here.  I haven't ever worked on any type of knife grinder, so I can't compare for myself to see if it would be worth the trouble.  Thanks Lin.

[gudspelr]

I had the same questions a little while ago and I agree with the others. If you can save some money and wait a little for something better than the Grizzly, I'd go that route. I ended up piecing everything together over nearly a year and built mine; motor off the big auction site, KMG chassis (frame) for a great deal that someone was selling, and finally a VFD.  It took me a while, but it was sure worth it.

I haven't built one, but I think you only need some really basic tools for the no weld grinder (wrenches, etc) and something to drill holes in he metal.  That being said I know of guys who used that plan then took it to a friend who had a welder and welded it together. I hear the more rigid (less vibration) you can get it, the better. Good luck and have fun.

Jeremy

[madness522]

You can build the NWG with just basic hand tools and a drill press.  I built one several years ago and it worked great!

[gables]

Here is another option. My good friend built a no weld but then sold it and likes this much better.

 http://www.polarbearforge.com/grinder_kit.html

After reading about this topic for many years and talking with other grinder builders, if you build your own, you need to be comfortable with the idea that you are going to have to constantly tweak and tinker with that grinder. I am going by what I have read and heard. Like many others, I spent a year saving and piecing together components for a variable speed KMG. I saved several hundred dollars on the motor and VFD by vigilant shopping on auction sites.

At minimum, I think you need a drill press to build any of these grinders and accessories.

[bjansen]

What do you guys think of the Coote grinder...I am considering getting a larger set up as well.

[Ringneck]

I would take the Coote over the Grizzly any day. I have one of the first KMG's and have never regretted spending the extra money even though funds were tight.

[2treks]

That coote is nice. I will probably get one after the new year,
CTT

[Doug Campbell]

I've got a Coote I bought as my first grinder back in like 88 or 89 I think. It's been used and abused for countless hours and still works like a top. That being said I owned a KMG vari speed for a several years, they are a very good machine also.

Last year I bought a Weurtz and love it, best machine I've run. It is expensive but comes with all the options and worth every penny in my opinion.

Hmmm... decisions, decisions...  

[2treks]

Now thats a grinder Doug, I just need a coote to shape my sight window/shelf area, but I would sure like to beable to justify that bad boy.

CTT

[Ringneck]

Doug, that Weurtz grinder is sweet! When I get a new grinder I know which one it will be.

[tomsm44]

Alright.  After doing a lot of looking around, I am going to go with the no weld grinder plans from USA knife.  Now I need some advice on motor options.  I'll probably go with around 1 1/2 to 2 HP.  Would I be better off with 120 or 240?  I am not an electrician by any means, so please keep any advice simple.  Also, if I use the three step pulley that is available for the plans, will it matter what speed motor I get?  Thanks again for all of the help.

[kbaknife]

I bought one of those Grizzly grinders to start grinding in '96.
After a very short time I literally went to the bank and borrowed money to buy some shop tools which included a Bader III.
Possibly the smartest move I ever made in knife making was a getting a variable speed grinder.
The speed at which you can learn to make a better knife is well worth any investment you make.
The Grizzly soon became my $500.00 pencil sharpener.
(I did, however, use the belt tracking arm to make my belt holder on my surface grinder conversion! I guess it came in useful after all.)