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Gentlemen, I am not sure if I should post this under tools, but his is the newby section, so here I go. I am rather new to making knives and would like to eventually work my way up to swords, I would like some advice on a few different items in regards to tools, heating and materials. 1) After combing through the internet I believe I have decided upon a grinder to purchase, I have decided spend the cash first, (and once). I am look in at a BEE Grinder 2 x 72 but I am wondering what the difference/advantage/disadvantage would be between: A) The 1 hp and the 2 hp, The single speed vs the variable speed, C) A 8” contact wheel vs a 10 “ contact wheel, D) A smooth contact wheel vs a serrated wheel. Obviously the price goes up depending upon which accessories are added and I am trying not to break the bank. Below is a link to a supplier I have located with the descriptions. https://www.knifemaker.ca/BEE-Grinders 2) I am considering a heat treating oven as opposed to a propane forge due to the accurate temperature control capabilities for annealing, heat treating and tempering. I have found one that may be sufficient in regards to size for a sword and may be used for a knife simultaneously (I believe, although it may waste a lot of energy for knives alone). It is an Evenheat KF 49.5 Oven Setpro Control 10"W x 6.5"H x 49.5"D 240v. What I am wondering is: A) Am I nuts or should I be looking into a propane forge for one third or less of the price Could this do the job for both a knife and a sword C) Would I be better off getting a custom one built where it opens like a coffin from the top (as I have read nothing but good reviews about these coffin custom builds) D) Does anyone have any experience with this type of oven and what is your opinion on the Setpro temperature controller Here is a link to the oven I am considering with its description. http://usaknifemaker.com/knife-making-machinery/heat-treat-ovens-and-accessories-c-57/evenheat-kf-49-5-10-wx6-5-hx49-5-d-w-setpro-control-240v.html 3) I am having trouble locating a band saw that can cut metal under $1000.00, but the Proxxon MICRO Bandsaw MBS/E may be suitable for a decent shop, any thoughts or opinions? http://www.proxxon.com/us/micromot/37172.php?list 4) My final question is in regards to the handle material known a Pakkawood/Dymondwood, I have worked with this material in the past and now knowing that the factory has gone the way of the dinosaur, I have found a replacement that may be suitable, so this is also a passing on of information to those whom may not know of it, but I would like to know if anybody has used it and would recommend it. Webb Wood. https://webbwood.com/about_webbwood.php Thanks for any assistance you are willing to give. Josh

Hello everyone. I wanted to show my new grinder made by TDM Grinders in Alberta Canada. Terry is a great guy to deal with, he gets back to you really fast and will take the time to call you and speak to you. The first thing you will notice is that it looks a lot like the Wilmont TAG-101, that's because Terry designed that one as well . One feature that is great is that you have complete control adjusting the belt tension. It runs smooth and the tracking is great. I had a Pheer grinder for years and it served me well but this machine is amazing, I absolutely love it. It comes with an adjustable tool rest. I got him to build me an adjustable 24" tool rest for grinding my swords and I also got the small wheel attachment. Grinding fullers is much easier now with the adjustable tool rest. The small wheel attachment accepts KMG wheels. He has a three arm bolt together grinder that I have and he has a five arm welded version. The price is great for what you get. $1,250CAD for the bolt together and $1,350CAD for the welded version. These were the prices when I ordered mine so they may have changed. This includes the flat plated and adjustable tool rest. The small wheel attachment is extra and I can't remember what it cost me. Since the Canadian dollar is doing terrible this is a steal of a deal for everyone in the US. His online store is under construction right now but you can still order. Steve tdmgrinders@gmail.com Bolt Together http://www.2x72grind...grinder-7359120 and http://www.2x72grind...grinder-7349189 Welded http://www.2x72grinders.com/post/5-arm-welded-super-grinder-8092576?pid=1292133167 Horizontal Tilt http://www.2x72grind...achment-7374208 Knife Grinding Jig http://www.2x72grind...ing-jig-7204331 Adjustable tension.

After only a few years of use, my 4x36 Ryobi grinder is starting to give me issues. I was flat grinding something when it started to stall. I let up on the pressure, but it persisted even when grinding small 1/8" rod with light pressure. The stalling is continuous and gets to the point where the grinder stops moving but it keeps humming like it's trying keep going. This is making me think that it's something with motor. Anyone have any ideas what I could do to fix this?

Hello everyone! I'm originally from Russia, now living in the Czech Republic and begin to build a grinder. I will begin to lay out drawings of the project (as I see it, my machine), criticism and questions - welcome!

I went to the ABS Symposium in Clyde, NC and had a blast. Being a beginner I went to the sessions that were about the basics. One session was by Chris Williams of Wilmont Grinders ( wilmontgrinders.com ). His grinder has three slots for accepting the grinder attachments, tool rests, and tables. It is a bit of a chore loosening the two bolts to slide the table on and off my KMG grinding attachments so I decided to add a slot to my grinder. I purchased the cold roll steel from a local supplier (Metal Supermarket). I got a piece of 1/2 X 1 1/2 X 22 inch cold roll flat bar. and 3 X 1/2 X 11 inch cold roll flat bar. I wanted 2 1/2 wide flat bar but they did not have it. I decided to keep it at 3 inches width so it sticks out 1/4 inch on each side. The cost for those two pieces was about $35.00. I cut them down to three pieces 10 7/8 inches long each. I also purchased a piece of cold roll 1 1/2 inch square bar for about $35.00. It was a fun project. I attached photos including my drawing. If anyone decides to make one, don't forget that the holes in the uprights are .0125 inches off center. I marked the inside so I would put it together correctly. I now have to make a table.

Hey all! I have been working on this belt grinder since last friday and I was able to complete it today! This is another tool I have been planing to build for years and it is so exciting to finaly have it in my shop! Here is a video showing how it works.

Okay, so I've been searching around the forum and haven't quite been able to find the answer to this question. I mostly do stock removal, and my current tools consist of a vise and a hand-held angle-grinder. These tools are good enough for now, but eventually (when I have the funds) I'd like to get some more "professional" equipment. Does anyone know where I should look for an affordable belt-grinder?