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Permalink Reply by Keith A. Howell on January 17, 2011 at 15:26

Russ,

         I am still in the process of redoing my workshop and haven't set up my grinder yet. I have all of my parts and just need to assemble them. I got mine from Jamie at Polar Bear Forge after doing a bit of research. It seemed to suit my needs better. That being said I have heard good things about the No Weld Grinder as well.

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Permalink Reply by 0uutzir1pom4e on February 10, 2011 at 11:12

I'm in the same place you are.

I learned how to make knives and grind (using a pair of Baders) while in the Air Force.

I am now back home in Texas and finally own a house.

 

After doing a bunch of searching and it seems that no-weld grinders can be made to do a good job, however what you don't spend in cash you seem to spend in time and effort.

I plan on making a no-weld grinder... just don't know how long it will take me. :)

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Permalink Reply by Adlai Stein on May 5, 2011 at 22:22

The KMG from Beaumont is top notch and based on the he no weld grinder plans.

The best bang for your buck is the Grizzly Knife sander from Grizzly tools. You can't get a 2X72 grinder cheaper. It also isa greta grinder.

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Permalink Reply by Ed Caffrey on May 30, 2011 at 12:26

 Most individuals try to start out with "getting by" on a grinder that they feel will work, but for the least amount of money.  From experience, mine as well as many others, here's how it normally goes:

  A person will either build their own, or buy a "cheap" grinding, feeling it's all they can afford.  Shortly there after the individual becomes disgusted with the grinder, and looks for "something better" and spends more money (usually a few more dollars than they previously spent) and then become disheartened with that one.....and on.  And eventually, everyone seems to come around to purchasing one of the "top of the line" machines.  The problem is that by the time most individuals come to this point, they have already spent enough money to buy 2-3 of the top end machines.

 

  Because I have seen this so often, I believe that a person is MUCH better off, time, frustration, and money wise to save your pennies, and buy a "top of the line grinder" to begin with. 

  Lately there seems to be a movement of folks who try to save money by purchasing any of the plans or "kits" that become popular.  In most cases, this is no better than trying to build your own grinder from scratch....generally disappointing.

 

  The reason for the price(s) on the top of the line grinders is....your paying for the precision.  All the "wheels" are balanced,  trued, and aligned on the machine.  Everything is square and tight fitting.  This is so often not the case on "kits' or homemade machines.

 

  Each of the top end machines has their own pluses and minuses, Bader, Burr-King, KMG, and many others.  My personal choice?   The KMG, hands down.   It is a simple machine, built like a tank, and the customer service provided by Rob Frink of Beaumount Metal works, is the best in the business.

 

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KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Glenn "Oz" Osborne on December 21, 2017 at 18:19

grinder.JPG Built my own grinder and got the vsm(Motor and control) of of ebay for 250.00. The thing works great.... just saw that this was a old post. lol guess I've been gone for awhile....

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 21, 2017 at 19:20

WOW OZ you did great!

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