Thread: Hoping to build a grinder.

Guilty, I cant wait to finish it . But , I do realize it will take time and patience. And I don't want to hurry and make mistakes with it . It will be awesome to see what I can do with a better machine. But have to take it slow and enjoy the learning process.

One thing you will need to figure out is what dimensions you will use for the tooling arms, etc. because you need to figure out whose accessories will fit your machine. IIRC, the Wuertz stuff for the TW 90, uses Bader dimensions. All the USA Knifemaker gear that I have bought is KMG size which will also fit the No Weld Grinder and the GIB. But they also sell Burr-King grinders and some parts for the Bader and TW90 like the small wheel attachment.

Originally Posted by drmccubx

Attachment 197011Ok, vfd and motor purchased. Now what next ? there are so many design plans online. I am thinking just using the KMG variable speed design. One pully to shaft and pillow block bearings to drive wheel. Simple. simple is better to me . see attached. But instead of using many pieces of steel and taping a lot . I was thinking steel square tubing for the structure and plate steel for base and misc ? I figured why source the metal I need , get it in my hands, then purchase wheels, nuts bolts , whatever. Then Head over to my nephews , "he knows how to weld and cut steel" with plans and get started with creating the frame . I guess my thoughts are "have a complete design in place" . I am in no rush by the way . Then build the structure. Tap, weld, paint , etc. Then next step . Coments are welcome. Oh, and I spoke to my nephews brother who can wire the vfd. I am excited but I know this will take maybe 2 months to complete.

I am planning on building the frame from scratch. just went to my nephews shop and got a great piece of steel for a bass plate. approx. 18 inch by 24 inches. almost 1/2 inches thick. big enough for motor and arms to mount onto. Now to go to my sisters for more scrap steel. I will post pics of what I find when I get the stuff. I have a few designs in mind , so we will see which road I take. also got a piece of steel that "could" be used to make the grinder more portable around my small shop. more to come in time .

so no real scrap metal to use at my sisters. so , options . I have a steel company 1 mile from my work. I could buy the steel square tubing , or a have them cut pieces to size for the arm mounts and so on. Not sure yet. Meanwhile I am selling a couple of snare drums to fund my project. This past easter weekend I was able to tell my uncle who is 70 about making straight razors. He could not control laughing . I mean a hearty laugh. I must say , to most it is peculiar hobby . But to me , fun, art , and hopefully make a little money to fund more

As another who has caught the bug of wanna-be razor making, I suggest that you tell your uncle to shut up. After you make your grinder and then make a decent razor, show it to him, tell him how great it shaves, and invite him to give it a try.

ah, it was kind of funny , I really don't mind him laughing . to most straight razor making is like "what?" , your doing "what?" . After I explained the process he was more "wow" . So, its all good . waiting for funds to clear to guy steel . not sure what to buy first. steel or wheels ?

Originally Posted by drmccubx

ah, it was kind of funny , I really don't mind him laughing . to most straight razor making is like "what?" , your doing "what?" . After I explained the process he was more "wow" . So, its all good . waiting for funds to clear to guy steel . not sure what to buy first. steel or wheels ?

Buy steel first. The wheels are useless without something to mount them on. Getting the steel will allow you to start moving forward.

Sounds like a plan

This thread on the British Blades forum helped me out a lot when building my grinder.

Let’s make a Grinder

Charlie

Originally Posted by spazola

This thread on the British Blades forum helped me out a lot when building my grinder.

Let’s make a Grinder

Charlie

Plus it will really tune up your metric to English conversion skills. I spent a lot of time studying that thread, thanks to this same tip from Charlie.