Grinders

[Waycasy]

I have done some homework. Have hit the blue search button as Ray Rogers has recommened many times! (It helps more than anyone can imagine) and decided to upgrade to 2"x 72" but can not afford the KMG. Does anyone use the Grizzly to any degree of sucess? If so how long have you used it, are there any drawbacks and is it the best machine for the money for newbies like myself? I think I know the answer already but just want experienced users to confirm and share past expierences. Any help will be greatly appreciated!

[KandS_KNIVES]

The grizz grinder is alright to start with, if that is all you can afford. If you can come up with more cash, go for the the KMG, from Rob Frink. The grizz can be modified and re-engineered some to make a fairly descent grinder, not the best, but if you know how to grind, it is quite adequate. Use the search feature for grizzly grinder and you will find many posts with details about upgrades for the grizz.


Ken Beatty

[Ray Rogers]

The Grizzly was my first 2x72 and I still use it. Many other makers will be able to say the same. In my opinion, it is the best 2x72 available for $300 without a doubt. It definitely has its limitations but you can make just about any knife you want to with it. I would suggest you get the optional 10" wheel if possible because that helps reduce the Grizzly's main weakness of not being very friendly to hollow grinding. It was my only grinder for many years and I even know one feloow who won't use anything else ........

[Mike Hull]

You can't beat the Coote for the $$. It can also be upgraded in the future, to variable speed etc. You can't do that with the Grizzly.
The Coote also is not hampered by a motor housing getting in the way when grinding to the left.
http://www.cootebeltgrinder.com/

[TSELF]

The grinder is a lot better than I am, but I love my grizzly with a pyroceram platen liner.

Tom

[Waycasy]

Thaks for the information guys. Mike, I did'nt even know about the Coote! Gives me some real options. Thanks again.

[stoneman]

Is the Grizzly Grinder made in the US? I live not too far from Bellingham, on the other side of the Border, and If the Grizzly is US made, it is duty free. A big savings in cost. And Shipping costs would be me spending a hour on the road round trip.
:confused:

[TSELF]

Originally posted by stoneman
Is the Grizzly Grinder made in the US? I live not too far from Bellingham, on the other side of the Border, and If the Grizzly is US made, it is duty free. A big savings in cost. And Shipping costs would be me spending a hour on the road round trip.
:confused:

Nope, Unfortunately the grinder is made in Taiwan.

HTH,
Tom

[McAhron]

i dont use a grinder but i have spent hundreads of hours researching past threads of all kinds and overwhelminly the opinion is save up for the best grinder you can get.its a tool that will last many many years and you wont outgrow it.if you do alot of research you will be amazed at how many makers wished they had saved up.the kmg with motor is 500 doolars more than a coote,grizzly etc but look at what your getting.many feel its the absolute best there is and everyone thinks mr fink is fabulous to do business with.

[ashwinearl]

I don't want to argue with McAhron,

but, unless one is sure of their future in knifemaking, making the investment in a KMG might be premature. The problem basing your decision on all the archived posts wishing they had bought the better machine, is that all the people who spent a lot on knifemaking equipment, and then went on to some other hobby, probably are not posting here.

And one thing I got from the archives was that even though they wished they had gotten the KMG at first, they still learned and became the maker they are now on the cheaper grinder, and they still have it (them) around in their shop performing.

just more food for thought.

[McAhron]

Ashwinearl, you make an exelent point.i was in no way trying to say the other grinders cant make a top notch knife. i was just trying to give another perspective that hadnt been covered in this discussion.the more informed decision you make is the better decision you make.