Thread: Hollow grinding smiling blades, 1" or 2" belts

If at all possible, go with the 220. Everything I have ever worked with ran smoother on it.
I dont know if its any different where you are, but around here, 220 is the main feed going into most homes. Then it gets "split" in the main panel to be sent to the outlets. It would be a simple matter to run a 220 breaker and line for a good grinder. Of course, that assumes your panel has room for another set of breakers.
If you have ANY doubts, call in a pro to handle it. Dont mess with power if you dont know what your doing!

thanks all.. so i'm just about settled on the 2hp vs Bee..

There is no substitute for power. You will find you do a lot of things, other than razors, with your grinder.

With razors, you will do a lot of grinding at very slow speeds. As was stated above, you loose a lot of torque when running slow.

For the money, I would also consider the Bader BIII. It is a very versatle machine. I have 1/4", 1/2", 3/4", 2', 3", 4", 6", 8", and 10" wheels. There are more available that I want to get. The square wheel type machines are good for knives, but have limitations on razors.

I have a friend who just got one, set up for razors, for $2770.00 delivered. It was 2hp variable speed. The variable speed is a variable frequency drive. That helps keep a lot of torque at the slow end. You can usually get the best deal through James Poplin at : Pop's Knife Supplies Home Page

I hope all this helps.

Tim Z.

Width is irrelevant.
I currently use a small grinder with a 3" wide belt.
All that matters is that you have good access from both sides.

i've heard the Bader BIII and KMG are both good and have a wider range of contact wheels.. i hear all three are quality machines.. it seems KMG doesnt ship to Canada.
i expect shipping will be expensive within Canada, and even more expensive from the U.S.. i suppose the cost of shipping means i can work with different contact wheels in the future without buying another grinder.. something to consider.

i'm assuming the Bee is VFD, but i'm not sure.

In that regard, I think that KMG lose out on a LOT of sales.
I mailed them to ask, and they just don't ship outside the US.