Thread: Build your own grinder

I have attached a complete set of mechanical construction plans for a KMG style grinder to this post.
Special thanks to Michael Clerc for allowing us to share these plans.

I read an early version of these plans, and they were very good so I wanted to post them here.
Before I did I mailed the author to ask permission. And lo and behold: not only did I get permission, but I even got the latest version.

Thanks again Mike

Bruno, have you made and used it yet? I'm seriously considering buying a Bader or KMG. Obviously building one would save a lot of money, but is it of the same quality? Thanks!

Awesome, Bruno, thanks for posting and getting permission and thanks to Mike for such a generous contribution of his talent. I saved that PDF to my desktop so fast I think my finger almost started on fire!

One question: Since the width of the Platen is 2", I'm assuming these plans would build a 2"x72" abrasive belt grinder?

Chris L

My grinder is similar to this one, and the plans are great.

And yep, these plans are for a 2x72" grinder, which is the gold standard for knife and razor making.

Josh

I haven't made one yet. It's on my to do list. I hope to have made some progress by the end of the year

It's funny though: beltgrinders like the bader and the kmg are sold without problems in lawsuit happy USA, but in europe you can't find them because there are strict regulations regarding power tools, and noone can sell grinders like that with accessible free rolling belts that can grab and crush fingers.

Anyway that is why Europeans are force to build their own, or pay someone to build one.

I was checking out those instructions and they look great but are very precise! Anyone have any clue as to the whole cost including motor and all? Preferably variable speed? I would probably use a lot of the distributors listed. Maybe Josh can let us in on his cost?

With a fairly large platten like this one and its design, the only areas of access to use the slack belt would be awkwardly behind the grinder? It's been awhile since I've viewed my Bill Ellis DVD, but he has just a huge area of slack belt to easily gain access to for shaping, etc. Did Bill just have the platten removed? If I build my own grinder (a distinct possibility), I'd want very easily accessible slack belt access to shape (scales, etc) like the dickens.

Could this grinder accommodate me and if so, how? I'm very ignorant to grinders in general, so please forgive if it's a "duh" kind of a thing.

Chris L

Is it possible to see these plans? It’s an old post and here’s nothing there.

Originally Posted by Crazzed1

Is it possible to see these plans? It’s an old post and here’s nothing there.

I just clicked on the Grinder_Plans.pdf attached in Bruno's first post and it downloads and opens the PDF without any issues.

After finally scoring a motor for free (!), I'm about to start on my grinder-building adventure. After spending an hour tearing the thing apart, I can honestly say this is the most fun I've had with a treadmill.



Getting the motor was the main thing, but a bunch of steel, electronic bits, a linear actuator (possibly to use with a standing desk if I ever get around to building it), and a small pile of nuts, bolts, etc., was a nice bonus.