Lets talk belt grinders / Disc grinders / Bead rollers
 

So my twins are now almost 4 so they are old enough to play and little on there own so I see myself finally finshing out the shop I started putting together 5 years ago. Need to collect a few more big pieces of my puzzle. The next two big items are a bead roller and new grinder. I am pretty sure the bead roller is going to be the Mitler Bros 36" high throat model with industrial motor. Opinons on that?

Where I am struggling in the grinder(s) I currently have the stand up JET combo model I spent $800 7 years ago on and hate it. I push even a little hard and I stop the damn thing in it tracks. I'll sell it a step up probably to a Burr King but which one? There are so many widths belts , 2 wheel or 3 wheel, fixed speed or variable speed??? I want to do this one more time and will it to my now 3yo son if he grows up in to cars like I think he will. Also do need a disc grinder. I use it as much as the belt now but will a good belt be enough? Any other models or brand I will be just as happy with?

Lets hear it what do you have or what do you wish you would have got?

I have the Mitler bead roller. If I had to do it again I'd go with the Baleigh. It has more features and accesories.

In this field the disc isn't used much. Well in my shop it isn't. If it isn't bigger than 12" I feel it puts too much heat into the metal. I use my 2 in sander disc and angle grinder the most. Choose a wider belt and one that uses a common size belt. Choose the tool for the job. Look back and think of the jobs you have done where you would need one.

Made me curious, I immediately went over to the Baleigh site and looked around, what features and stuff do they have over Mittler?

(I've got the Mittler also BTW. I've noticed since they hooked up with Jamey Jordan, they've been adding all sorts of accessories to their line but hands down the most gizmo award goes to Lazze.)

Is Baleigh not just rebranded other people stuff? I see a belt sander on thier site identical in every way to the junk JET one I already have. Only difference I see is paint color and $400 higher price.

I have one of these sanders, seems to work pretty good!!! Just watch your fingers!!

http://www.general.ca/products/1_gen...er/15-015.html

I'm pretty sure he was referring to the higher end Baileigh. I have the Mittler and love it but the baileigh is VERY nice. It has a lever action and allows repositioning without unscrewing tension every time. tried to post a link but it isn't working. It's model number BR-16E-36

Does look like a nice machine but if I was going to spend that much (and I can't) I would buy the Lazze one.

I've been thinking about both a belt grinder and a bead roller but haven't pulled the trigger. I'm interested to hear more from others too. The most critical tool is the belt grinder. I was thinking to possibly do one of the DIY kits like the knife makers do. A like to an example is below. Anyone ever built and used one of these??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3tCPDh67Oc

I have a Kalamazoo 2" x 48" belt grinder that I like quite a bit. It has a 1/2 HP Baldor motor on it. I use it mostly to tune up stuff that was cut on my bandsaw. It is not a Burr King, but cost a few hundred instead of a few thousand.

I have a Pro-Tools bead roller. They used to offer a kit that you welded yourself, which is what mine was made from. If I had it to do over, I would probably buy a Mittler Bros. The Pro-Tools machine can use the MB dies. The PT machine is OK, but the MB stuff is just a little nicer all around, plus their frame is quite a bit stiffer.

Thanks for your input.

It would be just another project for me. I need unbox and plug in or it will just be one more thing on the list.

That looks too slow for metal work.

If I buy the 8000 SFPM Burr King am I ever going to wish I bought the variable speed instead? Its a big jump in price.

I am going to say most likely.

Don

I bought the 8000 rpm Burr King a couple of months ago and so far haven't wished I had the variable speed. It is a big jump in price!
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640...537/t8GypJ.jpg

Enco has a 20% off and free shipping sale today on top of other discounts. If you are interested in the Kalamazoo you can pick it up for $327 to your door. Screen shot below shows before 20% off. That's pretty darn cheap to try out. Graham08 has said many times he likes his a lot. Just putting it out there for everyone. I think I may pick one up myself.

Attachment 53847

I've been using this belt grinder for a few years. Not a single issue. Works great.

http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/sh....aspx?catid=13

I hope I haven't said it THAT many times, I haven't been here that long! :lol:

That's exactly how I got mine. It's a good thing to be on Enco's mailing list, they run these deals from time to time and you can save a bunch. I got my Kurt vise the same way...20% off plus free shipping. Hard to go wrong that way.

Of your 13 posts 2 have been about the grinder in some way. That's a pretty strong ratio but it's all good Only reason I know is because I started the other thread about shop equipment. :clap:

Enco does certainly have some good deals come up. I shouldn't spend any money right now but can't help myself....

MOST IMPORTANTLY BUY AMERICAN. the chinese made stuff might be nice at first but 5 years later at most it will be junk. Belt sander BURR KING bead roller LAZZE or MITLER BROS.

Dont be fooled buy look a likes at less cost or with maybe some additional features that wont last or are not needed.

I'm on the same page with you :thumbsup:

So if I sniped anyone here sorry I really needed it LOL :mock:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Burr-King-Be...:X:AAQ:US:1123

LOL, 704 was trying to get ya.

I almost bought it for $800.00 3 days ago when it was only $300 then but he backed out at the last second and decided to let the auction ride. Oh well I am still happy. Most of my equipment is high quality pre-owned machines so it will fit right in. Now if I could just find a Mitler Bros bead roller at an estate sale :lol: Got this little jewel a few weeks ago. Only 58 hours on the machine for a looooot less than new:cheers:

Nicely done! That's pretty local to me. One of the advantages to living in northeast Ohio is there is a lot of used equipment around. Unfortunately it's because a lot of the industry in this area is closing down.

my 12ga Tennsmith finger brake came from up in that area too