Belt thinning

[taz575]

Let me know how you like that kit!

[Nochop!]

I built my own this year, using three step pulleys and a 1hp. Does the trick. Lite-years better than my 'ol Kalamzoo 1x42. I will probably upgrade to a bought grinder and vfd in the very near future, though.

[Nochop!]

Also, thinning on a 2x72 with a true platen is so much easier and more precise than any 1x30 or 1x42. Even if your not making knives, and just doing knife work, its a good investment.

[Bensbites]

Let me know how you like that kit!

Right now I am excited to work on a huge 11 inch platen. This was one of the videos that pushed me over the edge to the house made design. Certainly a bonus to spend time with my dad having him teach me to weld. While I haven’t actually handled other commercial grinders, I have talked to people in bladesmithing groups who have and this HouseMade design and can compare to other grinders. It’s as good or better than a lot of what’s out there.



https://youtu.be/IxkXHMuconA

[taz575]

That does look nice! I used to have the KMG with flat platen, rotary platen and 8" contact wheel, and VFD. I sold it when I got allergic and couldn't do knife handles anymore, but I found I can work with Micarta, G10 and other stuff like that, so I am looking to get back into it. I found a ton of heat treated blanks and other steels that were rough blanked out, but never heat treated or ground, so I may dabble in making knives from scratch again. I have a home built 2x36" with a 1/2 HP 1750 RPM motor with pulley to gear it down by around half and a 1/2", 1" and 2" contact wheel for handle making. I have done some simple blank re profiling and thinning/convexing on a way to fat fillet knife blank, but it would be sweet to have a 2x72 again. Belts are much easier to find!

[taz575]

I just ordered an AmeriBrade Fastback with 6" combo platen Did you order your grinder kit yet?

[Bensbites]

I just ordered an AmeriBrade Fastback with 6" combo platen Did you order your grinder kit yet?

I am almost done with the revolution 2 x72 kit build. It’s a beast. 3/8 plate steel.

[taz575]

Sweet! Looking forward to some pictures when it's done!!

[Bensbites]

Sweet! Looking forward to some pictures when it's done!!

When I left it yesterday in my dads shop everything was tack welded. I can improve the setup for better tracking. I still have to finish building the platen and weld it solid.

[taz575]

Nice! The Ameribrade Fastback has a different tracking adjustment to run in reverse if needed. They just posted a 40 minute video about their grinders, accessories and attachments. They are saying 6 week wait time though. I will keep running my 2x36 for now for the handles. Can't wait to grind blades again. I found like 20 rough cut out blanks for fillet knives, kitchen knives, etc and some 52100 barstock!