there's a good chance I'm not going to do it again for several years, so I don't want to get something I will regret.

Resist the temptation and keep saving, you're about there!! I'm just kidding.....sorta. Everyone has their comfort zone when it comes to spending money. I'll be brief with my thoughts.

I initially purchased one of the grinders you mentioned and was happy for a few years before eventually having to drop money again to buy what I should have in the first place. Top shelf grinders are worth every penny and will last several lifetimes.

Matt is right. Add a little to it and get one you can grow with. I still have my original KMG and still rely on it.

A couple of other things to keep in mind are the attachments that are available and variable speed. As you grow in learning you will most likely want to add specialty attachments like a small wheel holder or rotary platen so make sure what ever grinder you choose there are attachments you can buy or easily make. Variable speed while not a necessity per say is extremely nice to have. When you start grinding with higher grit belts the ability to slow it down will help with belt life and over heating your blades.

Thank you all. I'm definitely going with variable speed, 2hp motor with KBAC 110 VFD. In your minds, what brands would you narrow the search down to? I guess what are the top tier grinders?

Thanks,

Travis

I can't imagine a better grinder for all around general use than the grinder made by Brett Matthews -the Esteem Grinder.

"Complete 2 hp Variable Speed Grinder. Your choice or 8" Rubber contact wheel, 9.25" Esteem Platen, Tooling arm, 12"x4" Fully adjustiable workrest, and VFD mounting bracket. Custom 2 hp. Leeson 3-phase motor with KBAC-27 VFD drive (Nema 4) VFD runs off 220V single phase for 2 h.p. motor 1.5 h.p. will run off 110v220v/ single phase. $1,950"

https://www.esteemgrinders.com/

we now have five Pheer grinders, and one KMG, I love the pheers , they are a great grinder that have held up very well and the price is very good. The oldest two are 3-4 years old and have been used by students in classes as long as we have owned them, the only issue so far is one has a bearing that is starting to go on the platten (making noise). The one only other reservation I have on them is with the controllers, we have all KBC controllers, I like these have a bunch and they have given me very little issues over the years (one bad switch) how ever one of the schools I teach at bought a Pheer on my advice, the grinder is great tracks well runs smooth, but it came with a Baldor controller that I HATE adjusting the speed is a pain and I have overloaded it in every demo i have used for at least once. (that may just be a setting that needs adjustment) I know the baldor controller is an "upgrade" but I would avoid it. Actually all of the digital controllers I have used I found to be less functional than the analog KBC controllers or the old DC variable bader used to use.

MP

FWIW, I bought a KMG in 2006 with a 2HP motor, and a VFD controller. Still use it to this day and the only problem I ever had was a static electric discharge fried the controller. That was last year. (I put a ground wire from the controller to the mounting plate and no more static buildup)

I have made a lot of different rests, platens, and jigs to use with the KMG and I have also bought the Wuertz Machine Works surface grinder attachment. Over the years I upgraded with the small wheel attachment, made my own small wheel attachment to use Bader wheels and round rod, and I have regular contact wheels from 2 inches up to 10 inches. The KMG is built like a tank and it's the first and last grinder I will buy. It's a very versatile machine and you cannot go wrong with one. Just my 2 cents.

I have a Reeder and like it a lot and it will go horizontal with a couple bolts. I bought the basic machine put a 2HP motor and speed control. It has a better made platen now with more access to the 2" wheels on the flat platen setup too. I will admit the Broadbeck is interesting though!!

I know this thread is a bit older, but just recently I purchased a new KMG/TX machine.....OMG!! I've only had it for a couple of weeks, but having used most all the grinders out there, the only way to describe this machine is HOME RUN!! It's just head and shoulders above everything else, including those of similar style. There are just so many thoughtful features in this machine, that others may have, but this machine implements them is much more thoughtful and useful ways! And, as with everything that Beaumont Metal Works offers, it's built like a tank. I set mine up with a 3hp motor and VFD and couldn't be more pleased. It's kind of a history piece, looking at my grinding bench now..... the 20+ year old original KMG, and the new TX, setting side by side. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> Tim and I did a video review a couple of days ago, and once Tim get it edited and rendered, it will be up on KnifeMakerTraining.com

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I know this thread is a bit older, but just recently I purchased a new KMG/TX machine.....OMG!! I've only had it for a couple of weeks, but having used most all the grinders out there, the only way to describe this machine is HOME RUN!! It's just head and shoulders above everything else, including those of similar style. There are just so many thoughtful features in this machine, that others may have, but this machine implements them is much more thoughtful and useful ways! And, as with everything that Beaumont Metal Works offers, it's built like a tank. I set mine up with a 3hp motor and VFD and couldn't be more pleased. It's kind of a history piece, looking at my grinding bench now..... the 20+ year old original KMG, and the new TX, setting side by side. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /> Tim and I did a video review a couple of days ago, and once Tim get it edited and rendered, it will be up on KnifeMakerTraining.com

I was looking seriously at that, and was wondering if it took the same tool bars as the original. Can you just swap them out and buy the frame & motor w/controller?

The TX DOES take the same 1 1/2" tooling arms/bars. In fact, I had the 3hp motor, VFD, and more tooling arms/attachments then I should, so I just ordered the chassis and the new work rest.

I was recently trying to decide what grinder to buy and pulled the trigger a couple of days ago.

As a starting point, I decided to follow the "buy once cry once" philosophy of getting the best grinder possible instead of buying mid-range and then upgrading later on.

The grinders I considered were:

• TW-90
• Wilmont Quattro
• Northridge
• Gibson 72 Delux by 84 Engineering (sold by Alec Steele)
• Brodbeck Ironworks

In the end, I went with the Brodbeck with all attachments (except for surface grinder) for a number of reasons. First, I am a sucker for good design, and these guys have truly innovated. I love their tool rest and the way that they have attachments add on to the platen arm and attachment arm. I also asked a question on their site, and Vince (one of the founders) called me a couple of hours later and spoke to me for over an hour. He did the same when I was ready to pull the trigger. These guys are passionate about what they do and are always looking to improve. There is a reason why so many pros, including the FiF judges, have switched to their machines and endorsed them, even though they don't get them for free.