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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: D.J. Smith on May 20, 2011, 05:18:00 AM

Title: Which Grinder
Post by: D.J. Smith on May 20, 2011, 05:18:00 AM

I'am in the maket for a grinder. If you had to choose just one grinder, which one would it be????

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: madness522 on May 20, 2011, 06:20:00 AM

KMG every day of the week and twice on sunday!

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: Scott Roush on May 20, 2011, 06:51:00 AM

I love my KMG but other than the Craftsman 2x42, I know nothing else.  Go big on the motor!

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: kbaknife on May 20, 2011, 07:30:00 AM

I've been running my Bader BIII flat out for almost 10 years.
I love the variety of tooling and the ease of changing from one contact type to another.
Not matter what you get, your best friend in knife making will be variable speed.

 http://www.stephenbader.com/

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: Philthy on May 21, 2011, 10:22:00 PM

Absolutely dig my KMG but have also used a Bader and they are top notch as well.  I have limited time on a Coote with Barry and Philip Jones (Jones Brothers Knives) but thinking about getting one to dedicate to flat grinding due to the long belt area available due to the two wheel design.

Second on variable speed and do not cheat yourself with a wimpy motor - you will regret it.

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: 2treks on May 22, 2011, 07:34:00 AM

Phillip, How did you like the Coote? I am thinking to get one for my bow work. It sure looks like a good set up for the money. I already have a nice 1hp motor. Do you know of a vari-speed attachment for it?

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: jaymoon on May 22, 2011, 08:14:00 AM

Another vote for KMG.

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: Philthy on May 22, 2011, 05:18:00 PM

I liked the Coote fine the way the Jones brothers had it set up.  They had a long platen and a variabale rest plate that allowed you to walk the blade in for very precise control.  I do not know how well it would work for bows.  How are you planning to use it?  Grinding laminations or taking down/tillering a self bow?

I believe Bader and KMG both sell variable speed drives and controls separately.  Sometimes you can find them on **** but I cannot vouch for those.  I believe you need a DC motor.

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: D.J. Smith on May 24, 2011, 11:30:00 AM

Thanks for all the info, I think I'll order me a KMG with a 2 h.p. motor and varible speed.

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: jaymoon on May 24, 2011, 02:26:00 PM

While you are at it look into the small wheel set up as well. Now that I've got one I don't know how I did without it. Moon.

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: J Reeves on May 24, 2011, 03:33:00 PM

I have the KMG with a DC motor and its a hog man if you can go with the DC motor you will be glad you did

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: Philthy on May 24, 2011, 10:47:00 PM

+++ on both the 2hp motor and the small wheel setup.  Both are great ideas.

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: 2treks on May 24, 2011, 10:53:00 PM

No lam work or tillering. I would use it for cleaning up glue-ups and opening the sight window. Thanks for the info. I have drooled for a KMG for a few years now but I can't spend that much for what I want to do. The coote also has some unique attachments available. small wheel is one.

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: D.J. Smith on May 25, 2011, 05:30:00 AM

Sounds like everybody is for the 2 hp DC motor,variable speed,and the small wheel attachment. Thanks

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: David Ricke on June 06, 2011, 08:36:00 PM

The Bader is a very well thought out machine. I own three.  Good Hunting  Knifemaker

Title: Re: Which Grinder
Post by: Ringneck on June 07, 2011, 12:40:00 PM

I have had a KMG since he first introduced them and it has been a great machine. Mine has a 3 HP motor on it. Very versatile machine. If price was not an issue I would be checking out Bob Doziers grinder.