Belt grinder recommendations?

[highpoint forge]

I don't have access to the family knife shop these days just to busy with a growing toddler and wanted to make or buy a KMG type setup. I've seen Grizzly's combo belt sander and polish wheel, as well as some HF units that look pretty lame. Retail KMG isn't in the cards now.

I'm restricted to hand tools and that ain't cutting it when profiling blades I began in the shop when I had everythg imaginable available but not anymore.

Any recommendations so I can grind and polish? I can build anything?

[tomsm44]

Check out the no weld grinder from Midwest Knife Supply.  I built one a couple years ago with a 120V 1 1/2 hp motor and a flat platen for around $500-$600.  Doesn't look as good as the industrial models, but it's a lot cheaper.

Matt

[tomsm44]

http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=110;t=004543;p=1

Here's a link to a thread from when I finished mine if you aren't familiar with that design.

Matt

[bjansen]

There are some good options out there and Tom's grinder is a great one. I will offer two more:  

If you can do some limited metal work you can build a KMG. There are plans for the KMG out on the net if you search for them.  I also made a set of plans for a 3-tool arm socket grinder and can send you if you drop me an email (here are some pics of it below)

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=110;t=005145

I made my first grinder out of 6061 and made it almost identical to the KMG.  It still remains my favorite grinder to use.  

 http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=110;t=004551

[Track]

Whatever you buy, I'd recommend a variable speed motor too.

[highpoint forge]

I ended up trading a nice rifle I could not sell to a buddy who is an mechanical engineer and draftsman who laid it all out in solid works and is water jet cutting everything then milling it all for me at his machine shop. I'll use Beaumont's platen though...