How come no one makes a good 2x48 Grinder?

I believe he still shipping GIB. Last I spoke to him it was the SLING grinder kits he was discontinuing.

 

There was a thread last summer about the GIB and @Bama got a grinder in late August.

 

You could find a single phase C-face 3/4 to 1HP motor cheaply and use it on the basic package until you save enough to buy the VFD/motor package.
If you can't find one locally, I will send you one.

 

He has 3/4 and 1HP packages. He offers 1800 and 3600RPM. I like the 1800RPM motors on a VFD unit. You need to run a grinder slower far more than faster than 1800.
This is the 1HP package for $560:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/KB-Electro...var=512829369203&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Send me an email about the motor. I have them in single and three phase.

You can buy a KBAC VFD for $238, plus the couple needed control switches for an additional $40 and use my free motor if you want to go VFD now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AOCLKXY/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=A3AYRF4ATT7DHX&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B018GRK7YC/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_4?smid=A3U29IZ3PEDXGG&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00YSKMHNG/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_2?smid=A3U29IZ3PEDXGG&psc=1

 

I have the same grinder. Awesome little unit. My shop is tiny so the reduced size was the deciding factor for me. Also they are signifcantly cheaper than the equivelent 2x72, (at least here in nz)

 

Go and get a reeder. There great guys with great prices, and don’t skimp on the wheels. just my opinion

 

Also something to consider, if you find knifemaking is not for you, you can sell the grinder for almost full cost.

 

Then do not scrimp on a grinder, buy once, cry once

 

Reeder's contact wheels are top quality. I would not be surprised if he machines them and has Sunray put on the rubber. He machines all the aluminum wheel in house.
Another plus on the Reeder is his tracking assembly. He had two systems, both good. He combined them so you have a coarse adjustment and then a fine adjustment. I explain it as adjusting the pitch and then adjusting the yaw. If you understand flying that will made more sense.

 

Yes they are. My machine tracks perfectly. The wheels are amazing. And the contact wheel is great as well. If you have any trouble with them and give Greg a call he would square you up. Stand up guys I really can’t say enough about. For why those grinders are they are a screaming deal. I would highly suggest going with a VFD whatever you do though because they are the shut.

 

I love his tracking system, I never have the belt hanging off the tracking wheel.

 

Nothing wrong with making a few knives with basic tools

 

I started with a cheap HF 1x30 grinder to see how I liked knife making. It took a long time, was too weak & basically a major PITA to start with, but... It was enough to let me see that I enjoyed the process. Here's the largest knife I made with it, a chopper out of 5160. This took a while on that little grinder.



I then made a 2x72 grinder. I didn't weld in the shop back then, but a friend did this for me. I did the design, cutting & fitting with stock from Industrial Metal Supply in Tucson, before we moved to NM. It's just a 1-speed setup, which has its own inherent limitations for grit use, but it works well enough to make things. It was a big step up from the 1" grinder.




My point here is that with a bit of motivation, some basic tools, a friend (& being incredibly pig-headed) you can make things which work. There are lots of ways to make things. A 2x72 grinder is a great tool to have, but don't let not having everything you need stand in your way of making what you want. I still don't know of anything more satisfying than working with my hands to make something from a basic idea to a finished product.