Best grinder for paper wheel system...

Tripton

Tripton

Joined
May 26, 2008
Messages
5,605
The paper wheels manufacturer recommends a speed higher than 3400. I have read that it really doesnt need to be that high, but most of the budget grinders are right up there.

What are the advantages of a low speed grinder?
 
Tripton said:
The paper wheels manufacturer recommends a speed higher than 3400. I have read that it really doesnt need to be that high, but most of the budget grinders are right up there.

What are the advantages of a low speed grinder?
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Not questioning you, but does his ad say that in print? The reason I ask is I've talked with him (the Razor Sharp guy, can't remember his name) and he suggested a grinder that runs 2000 or under for the reason Bill mentioned.
 
SPXTrader said:
Not questioning you, but does his ad say that in print? The reason I ask is I've talked with him (the Razor Sharp guy, can't remember his name) and he suggested a grinder that runs 2000 or under for the reason Bill mentioned.
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http://www.sharpeningwheels.com/instructions.htm

http://users.ameritech.net/knives/paper.htm

Those are the links I have been looking at, and they are the ones linked to from Richard J's site. (I think he is the resident paper wheels expert?)

I remember hearing that too, but I have been looking for a few hours now and cant really come up with a reasonably priced slow grinde. :grumpy:
 
The variable speed grinders seem to be the only ones that allow the lower speeds, and yeah, they are more expensive.
 
Tripton said:
http://www.sharpeningwheels.com/instructions.htm

http://users.ameritech.net/knives/paper.htm

Those are the links I have been looking at, and they are the ones linked to from Richard J's site. (I think he is the resident paper wheels expert?)

I remember hearing that too, but I have been looking for a few hours now and cant really come up with a reasonably priced slow grinde. :grumpy:
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You're correct, it does say over 3000 RPM. I wonder if that might be a misprint, or is there because 3400 seems to be the hobbyist's standard? In conversations with Richard, I believe he told me he runs his at 1700. I clearly remember the Razor Sharp guy telling me on the phone slower was better. Craftsman has a variable speed 10" grinder that would work well with the 8" wheels, but I'm not certain about the arbor size. And I think its made in China by Orion Industries. If Orion is indeed the manufacturer, I wouldn't suggest it, even if you can catch it on sale for $99.

For what its worth, I run mine somewhere between 1700 and 2000. Not exactly sure because I use a variac to slow the motor at the outlet.
 
It's not a misprint. If you run them at the higher rpm, the wheels smooth out, allowing you to make a lighter pass, and in most cases a smoother grind. I've run them on a var. speed grinder, and the difference is noticable. You can run them at the lower rpm and they'll work fine, but they'll run smoother at the higher rpm.
 
i have been sharpening with the wheels longer than mike (who makes the wheels) has owned the company. i have a high speed buffer that i can set up to run over 5.000 rpm but there is no need to run the wheels at this speed. 1725 rpm is fast enough. watch the vids at my website and you'll see high speed is not needed. http://sites.google.com/site/richardjsknives/Home
 
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THG said:
I'd try to get one with lower RPM, either 1750 or 2000.
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I have the paper wheel set up and a grinder at 3500 rpm. I wish/am gonna find a grinder motor at 1750. I think it will make using the paper wheels more enjoyable, and help to conserve blade steel.
 
I have a paper wheel system mounted on a bench-mount buffer motor with a variable speed router control inline with the electrical cord.
The buffer motor allows for more distance between the wheels than a standard grinder would making it easier and safer when working on longer blades.
I only use this set-up when working on my hollow ground blades. For my flat and convex grinds I still prefer a belt sander & powerstrop.
 
I have sharpened many knives on paper wheels in the past. My preference would be for a smaller diameter motor. That way you won't be bumping knuckles or large guards of knives onto the motor.
The 3400 rpm speed is ok.
A wider spacing of the wheels would also be better for longer knives or small swords.
1/3 HP is more than adequate as you aren't, or should not, be using excessive pressure against the wheels.
The hardest part is learning how to hold the angle for an edge and not allowing yourself to be distracted while sharpening. A lack of concentration could allow you to accidentally cut into a wheel with disastrous consequences such as damaging the wheel, throwing and damaging the knife, or having the knife to damage you.
This is most likely to occur on the polishing wheel with the radial cuts.
(I am still intact after using them for over 5 years)
I still use a 1X30 belt for my occasional sharpening. The wheels did hone my skills I use on the belt sharpener. I pointed the edge into the belt while I pointed the edge in the direction of wheel rotation.
Larry
 
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i would not get a 1/3 hp motor since i have found through my 18+ years of using the wheels there are a few knives out there that take a lot more pressure to remove the burr which WILL slow down or stop the motor. i actually tried a 1/3 hp motor experimenting and could stop the motor easily on the buffing wheel. here is a link to my paper wheel 101 thread for the noobs out there. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=608864
recon1, the paper buffing wheel works better than any leather strop no matter if the edge is a v grind or convex grind. check out this vid of a knife i made slicing newspaper. it is a chisel grind with a half convex edge http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=43364157
 
how about a link to " which" grinder to purchase ? It sounds as if it should be 1/2 hp and varible speed ? I believe the arbor size is 5/8 with a 1/2 inch adapter ? To me the 8 inch wheel looked the best as for room - but not sure. My current grinder has guards on it that do not come off and look like they will get in the way. So- I will just purchase a new one specific for this task:thumbup:. Suggestions please. Appreciate all the help- you guys are great:thumbup:
 
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