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What has changed?

The most noticable change is the off setting of the platen on the main casting. This allows cutting in on both sides of the platen. This requires a new set of platens.

The tracking mechanism has been strengthened and improved. This offers an even steadier tracking over the already excellent tracking of the original. Now you can really notice uneven belts as they wobble on the smooth tracking. Plunge cuts, ricassos all cut even smoother on the belts.

The new variable speed motor is fantastic. It ranges from 400 - 1600 RPM with a twist of the dial. The slower speeds are perfect for working with woods, or cleaning up delicate grinds after heat treating. I use the slowest speed with a trizac belt for putting on the final edge on knives, without risk of overheating the most delicate of edges. The faster settings remove material efficiently and cleanly. Pushing hard into the platen only has a minor effect on the speed of the belt. There is lots of grunt in the 1.5kW motor.

I also asked for the stands to be 75mm higher than the normal height. This small change makes a big difference for taller maker's backs, less bending over the belts.

John has changed the base boards from MDF to a steel construction. These allow the grinder to be moved around the workshop, while still providing a solid base. The bases as slightly narrower, resulting in sometimes needing to have your right foot off the base when grinding, because the belt is offset. A small block of wood under my foot should fix that. I use the bases because my workshop changes layout with different classes and it give me a flexibility. Other makers may not need a baseboard and bolt the machine to the floor.

The motor is slightly further away from the belt assembly. This isn't an issue except needing to adjust the hollow grinding jig to fit the new distance.


How does it grind?

Very smooth. The solid construction, quieter motor and strong tracking makes for a great grinding experience.  I find the variable speed is great for the less confine students in my class build their confidence in using the machine. For me, I see an improvement in my grinds over the older model, smothers, crisper, cleaner cuts.


Is it worth it?

It lives up to its reputation as the "Rolls Royce" of linishers. The versitality, smoothness, solid construction all make for a better grinding experience. While you could make your own grinder for cheaper, the time you spend would not be worth it. I'd rather be grinding blades than trying to be a expert in grinding machines. For the serious maker an investment in a machine like this would easily pay for itself in a year with the increase in productivity. For me running classes, often with people not used to working with tools, the variable speed allows a greater level of success.

See John's website for more details.

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