[Philadelph]

So on Monday June 30th I took a trip to upstate NY on my way to another destination for the day to pick up the grinder I had ordered from Stephen Bader & Co. It's a Bader BIII bench model.

It was pretty much on the way and even driving a few hours to get there was MUCH cheaper than shipping. It was also WAY cheaper to buy it in person with cash than from any online vendor! I got to the "factory" which was in quaint little Valley Falls, NY. It was basically a large unmarked warehouse type place but in a very scenic, residential area (think lots of trees and lakes). So I went in and a man approached me from where he was working. I told him what I was there for and immediately everyone knew who I was. I'm guessing people don't pick their stuff up very often! Anyway, there weren't as many people working there as I had imagined. I counted maybe 5 or 6? They were all very knowledgeable and friendly and really wanted me to get the most out of my new machine. So they showed me the ropes and we chatted for a while. Turns out one guy who works there (product manager named Paul) is really into razors so we chatted a bit. He was a great guy and thinks he may have an account floating around on SRP. He was also one of the guys who DEVELOPED the Norton waterstones that we all know so well! Very cool. So after I paid and loaded up the car it was on to a waiting game until I got home.

Finally it is now Saturday July 5th and I have my grinder setup and being worked with. For now I am mostly practicing regrinds so I can get that down. It is very fun! You'll see the attached pics of the machine, accessories and me at work. I ended up getting the machine (variable speed 1.5hp), 12" and 8" contact wheels, two tool arms (wheels and attachments), the flat platen, workrest, the small wheel attachment with a 3/4" wheel and some belts that I was waiting to get. I am still trying to hook up a nice system for dust and or sparks collection but am still trying some things. Enjoy the pics!