N.N
Well-Known Member
For over a year now i've been using my trusty (well, I've actually had to replace it once), second, harbor freight 1x30 grinder (that $9, 2 year replacement plan is worth it). I've learned how to get around it's shortfalls including improvising a tool rest etc. And since i'm really small time, and never really thought about getting much bigger than small time... my current order list might have something to say about that..., figured I would just keep working with this little thing for a long long time. For all intensive purposes, I think it's actually working pretty decently.
Last weekend I had the pleasure of watching up close Lin Rhae and Paul Lebetard grind on a KMG. The sky opened and butterflies appeared and all that stuff and I saw first hand what I am missing and the time I am wasting.
Enter the dilemma. I can't afford that, nor anything remotely close to it, or the more expensive belts, nor do I have a place to put it, etc. But it did get me to thinking about upgrading at least a little.
Since i don't know anything about them or can I actually see one or play with it before I buy it, would something like the craftsman 2x42 worth the little extra? Is the cost of something like that worth the possibly better results in my grinding? I always thought the next step would be the grizzly 2x72 at around $500, but I really don't see myself taking that step either, mainly because i'm cheap and my wife will kill me.
I know there's plenty already said about a 2x42...just go ahead and get a better one and such. That's a quick short answer, I know that. But what i'm asking here is if it's worth the cost opposed to using something that's presumably worse... And your opinions on if it would actually be better. What I'm asking about is a little cost now to improve a little now, while I can, versus waiting who knows how long and saving (or trying to) for something more respectable which may or may not ever happen.
Last weekend I had the pleasure of watching up close Lin Rhae and Paul Lebetard grind on a KMG. The sky opened and butterflies appeared and all that stuff and I saw first hand what I am missing and the time I am wasting.
Enter the dilemma. I can't afford that, nor anything remotely close to it, or the more expensive belts, nor do I have a place to put it, etc. But it did get me to thinking about upgrading at least a little.
Since i don't know anything about them or can I actually see one or play with it before I buy it, would something like the craftsman 2x42 worth the little extra? Is the cost of something like that worth the possibly better results in my grinding? I always thought the next step would be the grizzly 2x72 at around $500, but I really don't see myself taking that step either, mainly because i'm cheap and my wife will kill me.
I know there's plenty already said about a 2x42...just go ahead and get a better one and such. That's a quick short answer, I know that. But what i'm asking here is if it's worth the cost opposed to using something that's presumably worse... And your opinions on if it would actually be better. What I'm asking about is a little cost now to improve a little now, while I can, versus waiting who knows how long and saving (or trying to) for something more respectable which may or may not ever happen.
