My hf 1x30 is giving out on me and I'm about ready to upgrade to a 2x72. As of right now, my first choice is the kmg grinder with the flat platen. Is 1.5hp enough or should I pay extra for a 2hp? Are there any other grinder suggestions for around the same price? All help is appreciated.

Not sure of the cost right now but I use the KMG grinder set up.
You can everything I can think of both, you will just do it a bit faster on the 2hp and with less hand strain. Which is a big deal when you get my age with beat up ole hands.

Not sure of the cost right now but I use the KMG grinder set up.
You can everything I can think of both, you will just do it a bit faster on the 2hp and with less hand strain. Which is a big deal when you get my age with beat up ole hands.

Getting a variable speed would be important though. You can just creep that rascal along to get into and do delicate steps.

The 3 speed 2hp grinder is a little over $1500 shipped. The variable is pushing $2000. I'm not sure how much life is left in my 1x30.

I also use a KMG with variable speed. Speed control makes a world of difference in what you can get done at the grinder. If you're on a 110v breaker then 1.5 hp is about the limit. I installed a dedicated 220v breaker for my grinder and run a 3 hp motor. Pay attention to amps drawn when selecting a motor so that you don't over extend your circuit.

If the KMG is just too much cabbage then check out the "no weld grinder". It's a kmg knockoff you can build yourself.

I haven't looked at the no weld grinder. The other one I was looking at is the pheer 454 with the flat platen, variable 1.5hp for $1720 shipped.

I have been working on my semi-custom knife grinder for a while now, its up and running and I really like it. I basically just assembled it via ordering the parts from a few websites and getting lucky on a few eBay auctions. I would guess I'm in it now at right at 1000 or a little less. It started as a single speed grinder with a motor I had laying around, now its upgraded to a 3 phase with VFD. Here is a link to the photo bucket album with some photos, check it out if you want.

http://s1248.photobucket.com/user/randallss7/library/2%20x%2072%20belt%20grinder?sort=3&page=1

Well done. I looked at the pics.

Buy a KMG if you can afford it. Build your own if you can't swing a KMG. If you've got a bit of mechanical aptitude, it's not that difficult. IMO you are better off building your own with interchangeable tool arms than going with a Grizzly or Coote.

Bader

I bought a Burr King at the 1990 Blade Show in Orlando. I always liked the Bader that my mentor used, it ran at 3600 rpm, while the Burr King was 1800 rpm.

I'm planning on ordering a 2hp variable speed kmg on Monday!

randalls7 very nice, you did well.