Good Grinder for a Beginner

[tmccall]

I'm interested in jumping into the whole knife making thing.

I've done the whole put a handle on a blade thing in the past but I would really like to produce my own blades.

I've been doing a lot of reading and, while I'd like to get into the forge and hammer challenge at some point, I think I'd like to start by learning to grind m own blades.

With that end in mind I figure that I need to acquire, at the least, a bench grinder of some sort and a drill press.

I'm wondering if you have any recommendations on a good, reasonably priced grinder for a beginner...

[Wampus]

I guess it depends on what your idea of reasonable is.  Have you got a price range in mind?  I think Uncle Al's machine from down in DeQueen is pretty reasonable considering the features you get, but not everybody thinks $1,675 is in the "reasonable" category.
I've hear good reports on Grizzly's model G1015 knifemaker's belt grinder that sells for about $400 but I've never seen one in person.  Some people do pretty good with the Sears 2x42 belt sander that sells for $130.  I have an old Stephen Bader BM2.  If you can find a used one for a reasonable price, they tend to last pretty much forever.

  http://www.knifeandgun.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=JLG2  

  http://www.riversidemachine.net/item14549.ctlg  

  http://grizzly.com/products/Knife-Belt-Sander-Buffer/G1015  

  http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921513000P?mv=rr

[Kevin Evans]

I am the perfect guy to ask!!!
Get a KMG    
Now that being said You sound like me about 14, 15 months ago that is only the beginning!!!
But it sure is worth it    
Hope you get into it ,some of the guys that helped me are great friends!!!
IF you buy a grinder you won't forget this thread
Later Kevin

[woodsman1031]

I have a 1x30 belt sander from harbor frieght that cost $39.99. I got it as a gift from my wife about 3 months ago. I used a portable belt sander clamped in a bench vise upside down before that. I can get 1x30 belts at Lowes and Home Depot.

  I know some of you will cry foul over me using a cheapie, but you cant beat a $39.99 investment to see if you like grinding blades. I have made about 10 knives with it so far. You can shape the heck out of handles with it too.


Tommy

[DANA HOLMAN]

tmccall
I started out with a 1 x 30 from grizzly, it's done very good for me, cost 85.00. i now have a craftsmans 2 x 42, i've only made one blade so far but what a difference it's makes, if i had know the difference then like i know now i would have spent the extra money.
i've make about 21 knives so far and the 1 x 30 is getting alittle weak.
if you think you are series about knife making go with the bigger,if the money is there.
once you start you can not stop.
dana

[Jeremy]

I started out with the 1x30 from Grizzly too.  Not ideal, but inexpensive and if you're just making knives as a hobby there's nothing wrong with it.  I've since bought a craftsman 2x42 which I like better for most things, but you need to slow the belt speed down or you'll eat through belts quicker than you do with the 1x30!
If I had the money (and shop time) I'd get the KMG

[tmccall]

Good info guys.  I was lookign at grinders at Lowes the other day and was thinking about getting in on the ground floor with one of the models they have that cost around $100-$150.  

My main worry was if these would be adequate for the job at hand.  It sounds as if they will.

Question #2:  If I order belts from Jantz to grind with, how many should I expect to go thru on my first attempt?

[DANA HOLMAN]

well i have about 30 hanging on the wall from 50 grit to 600 grit, you should be able to make a knife with 1-50-80 grit and 2 -220 grit 1 -400 grit, it depends on the finsh you want.  alot of hand sanding goes with making a knife. these belts should last awhile, one thing to buy is a belt cleaner, if you don't you will go through a lot of belts.
jump in, you can do it
good luck, be sure to post pictures of you first one.
dana

[madness522]

The Delta SA180 is decent 1x42 grinder.  And like most smaller grinders it turns very fast and will get a blade really hot in a couple passes so keep a bucket of water close for dunking the blade.

[tmccall]

Originally posted by DANA HOLMAN:
well i have about 30 hanging on the wall from 50 grit to 600 grit, you should be able to make a knife with 1-50-80 grit and 2 -220 grit 1 -400 grit, it depends on the finsh you want.  alot of hand sanding goes with making a knife. these belts should last awhile, one thing to buy is a belt cleaner, if you don't you will go through a lot of belts.
jump in, you can do it
good luck, be sure to post pictures of you first one.
dana

You can be sure I will!

I've got a bow on the tiller tree that I need to finish up first.

But, as soon as I can round up the finances to pursue yet another craft / hobby I'm going to jump in with both feet.

I feel confident that I can do it -- its just a matter of getting the right tools and learning a few lessons.

Heat treating and temper appear to be the two biggest hurdles to get past.  I'm sure I'll be loaded with questions when I get there.

[TheBigRedArcher]

The grinder from Grizzly is nice. I used a small craftsman before and I absolutely love the grizzly.

as for belts supergrit.com, good people great product and good prices.

hope this helps,

good luck and have fun.