Lets talk belt grinders / Disc grinders / Bead rollers

[gearheads78]

Originally Posted by 70 chevelle

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.

[gerno]

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

[Graham08]

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.

[gearheads78]

Originally Posted by Graham08

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.

[gearheads78]

Originally Posted by gerno

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

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.

[David Pozzi]

Originally Posted by gerno

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

That looks too slow for metal work.

[gearheads78]

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.

[dhutton]

Originally Posted by gearheads78

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

[slenning]

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!

[gerno]

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.