My visit to Stephen Bader & Co. (a.k.a. My New Grinder!)

Philadelph · 07-05-2008, 08:56 PM

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!

tjiscooler · 07-05-2008, 10:38 PM

WOW...You are my hero. That looks awesome, its the model id get if i had the room/money. Its bigger than i thought too. That was the 12 inch wheel in the pic?

netsurfr · 07-05-2008, 11:13 PM

Sweet setup! thanks for sharing.

Chris L · 07-06-2008, 04:39 AM

That is one beautiful machine. Very very cool. I can't wait to see the work you can do with it! I'm building my own and have started assembly now.

Chris L

randydance062449 · 07-06-2008, 12:42 PM

Very cool! You will have lots of fun and a few raw/burned fingers!

Keep a pail of water by your side to cool the steel in, it helps a lot!

The 12" wheel, you gonna make 10/8 razors? or 12/8?

For good buffing compounds go to caswellplating.com

Mike Blue · 07-06-2008, 01:51 PM

There is an interesting phenomena that you will discover soon. Making blades takes perfectly good raw material and turns it into dirt.

Remember these photos. Your little shop will never look the same again.

Nice machine, really. Just not enough dirt yet. LOL.

floppyshoes · 07-06-2008, 03:26 PM

LOL
I think all the craftsmen here can relate to that statement. Metal, wood, plastic etc. no matter what you work with, it'll go everywhere and you'll likely end up leaving with some home in your clothes and hair.

Alex, beautiful setup. Let me know if you need blades for practice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Blue

There is an interesting phenomena that you will discover soon. Making blades takes perfectly good raw material and turns it into dirt.

Remember these photos. Your little shop will never look the same again.

Nice machine, really. Just not enough dirt yet. LOL.

Bruno · 07-06-2008, 08:18 PM

that is some serious hardware. Congrats.
I have grinder envy...

jwoods · 10-29-2008, 01:36 AM

wow really nice grinder you bought alex mucho dinero cant wait to see some of your regrinding work, if you need any practice blades i have a couple ill send you and im sure most everyone here has a couple as well u know pitted too much to sand

mbhodges · 11-03-2008, 01:05 AM

Looks great. I can't wait to see some of the customs you are going to inevitably turn out with it.

Lynn · 11-03-2008, 01:18 AM

Looks just like my Bader.....lol.....

I never thought of the 12 inch wheel. Interested to hear what you will be working on with it.

Niiiiiice!!!!!

Lynn

B R A N D X · 11-15-2008, 01:35 PM

Sweet! Looking forward to seeing what you can do with that bad boy!

Mike Blue · 11-15-2008, 01:44 PM

Okay you've had a few months. Where are the new pix? Lets' see the dirt.

Philadelph · 11-15-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Blue

Okay you've had a few months. Where are the new pix? Lets' see the dirt.

Hah! You are right, I should post something new in regards to this. I was just trying to hold off until I thought my skills were top notch. I guess keep an eye out. BTW- I keep the grinder pretty clean with a shop vac after each session!

JimmyH-AD · 11-15-2008, 03:35 PM

Are you sure your not spending too much time out on the trail with your mountain bike ?

xChris · 11-15-2008, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philadelph

Hah! You are right, I should post something new in regards to this. I was just trying to hold off until I thought my skills were top notch. I guess keep an eye out. BTW- I keep the grinder pretty clean with a shop vac after each session!

If you'd like, I can come over and put a big nasty scratch (or two) on it. That way you can stop ogling it, start really using it, and not worry about all that clean up.