Knife makers opinion needed on grinders

[Jermdog01]

I have decided to bite the bullet and lay out some cash on a grinder (2X72 only way to go). I've looking at the AMK 77, KMG, and the Wilmont LB 1000. I know the KMG is a staple in this ring but if there are any of you using the others input would be appreciated. All have their pros and cons. I am considering the AMK BUT as far as I can tell the table does not adjust up and down for a hollow grind??

Thanks for the input in advance!

[Jermdog01]

Forgot to mention I an also interested in something USED but I know how it is these are far and few between. Thanks

[MicahM]

I too am looking for a belt grinder. I am gonna try to keep up with this thread so I can learn and read what others say.

[Jermdog01]

I too am looking for a belt grinder. I am gonna try to keep up with this thread so I can learn and read what others say.

Guess it is a holiday for knife makers. KMG's web site is down quess they didn't pay their bill.

[Puggy625]

Sorry, I'm no help. I've never used a 2x72 grinder. I'm using a modified 4x36 sander to use a 2x48 belt. It works for me. I just don't have the money to drop on a "good" grinder. lol

[Jermdog01]

Sorry, I'm no help. I've never used a 2x72 grinder. I'm using a modified 4x36 sander to use a 2x48 belt. It works for me. I just don't have the money to drop on a "good" grinder. lol

Heck I dont have the cash so I decided to move out some other stuff to fund this indeavor. Just tired of using the 1" belt sander.

[Puggy625]

Here's a picture of my grinder. It ain't much but it gets the job done. Lol

[Jermdog01]

Here's a picture of my grinder. It ain't much but it gets the job done. Lol

[ATTACH]653510[/ATTACH]

That is cool, never would have thought of that configuration nice work outside the box.

[chopsknives]

If you've got the cash a Bader is the way to go! Your going to do a lot more on this machine than you think.

You can also go to USA knifemaker supply and purchase the no weld plans to building your own

[Jermdog01]

Here is my heap of krap, but it gets the job done at a snails pace!

[Jermdog01]

If you've got the cash a Bader is the way to go! Your going to do a lot more on this machine than you think.

You can also go to USA knifemaker supply and purchase the no weld plans to building your own

Thanks Chops, Baders are a little pricey from what iv'e seen so far and I am considering a polar bear or a complete square wheel build only have so much time in the day. Tanks

[Ron Foley]

A Bader 111 is the way to go in my opinion. Many options and a HOSS of a machine. They are expensive but worth every penny. I use mine in several configurations and all work flawlessly

[Jason Fry]

KMG is well recommended for a reason. Baders are also. TW-90 is the current hotrod. I hear good things about the Wilmonts. Pheer is a more recent option, been around 3 or 4 years. His design has evolved some, for the better, and his pricing is below some of the others. That said, I built a NWG.

If you can get variable speed, DO IT.
If not, buy the best you can afford.
A KMG with pulleys and a platen setup is a good starting place.

[Jesse]

Puggy 625 what size belt is that and did you buy the arm, or all was made? thanks

[Puggy625]

I bought the Craftsman 4x36 sander from Sears. The arm was bought by a friend of mine that thought he wanted to get into making knives. He decided he didn't like the setup for some reason so I bought it from him. I made the work table that mounts on the arm. The belt is a 2x48" and it can also use a 1x42".

Here's a link to the arm conversion.

http://www.akgrinders.com/