We get a lot of requests and questions about where to buy contact wheels. As you may know, there are two types — smooth and serrated. They come in diameters from 2″ to 14″ with 2″ widths, though the most common sizes are between 6 and 12 inches. Contact wheels are great for hollow grinding and deburring.
Contact wheel coatings
- Rubber — the most common, and the best at handling heat build-up.
- Polyurethane — machines well at higher durometers, but generally rated a little lower for heat.
- Foam — a softer coating that generally doesn’t stand up to the rigours of knife making.
Where to buy
There are very few suppliers in North America, with most based in the USA. Many US sellers are re-selling items from AliExpress, so do your research before purchasing. The US makers that manufacture their own contact wheels can be pricey once exchange and shipping are factored in. Turkish-made contact wheels are now sold in North America as well.
Please note: Nexus Grinders no longer manufactures or sells contact wheels. We do, however, stock a full range of aluminum drive, idler and tracking wheels, platens and D-Plate parts for your 2×72 grinder.
Grinder wheels & parts we stock
-
Neoceram Glass Liner
Price range: $19.99 through $30.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
3″ Aluminum Tracking Wheel with stacked bearings
Price range: $39.00 through $43.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Delrin Wheel 2″
Price range: $6.00 through $32.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
2″ Aluminum Idler Wheels – set of 2 v1
Price range: $49.07 through $55.07 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Gas Shock
$29.90 Add to cart -
Steel Platen with Neoceram
$39.99 Read more -
5 inch Aluminum Drive Wheel
$78.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
5 inch Aluminum Wheel Set 5/8 bore
Price range: $159.00 through $169.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between smooth and serrated contact wheels?
A smooth wheel gives a consistent, even finish and is forgiving on softer work. A serrated wheel clears swarf and runs cooler under heavy stock removal, but leaves a more aggressive cut. Many makers keep one of each.
What size contact wheel should I use?
Contact wheels run from 2″ to 14″, but 6″ to 12″ are the most common for knife making. Larger wheels give a shallower hollow grind; smaller wheels cut a deeper hollow.
Which coating handles heat best?
Rubber handles heat build-up the best and is the most common. Polyurethane machines well at higher durometers but tolerates less heat. Foam is softer and generally does not hold up to knife making.
Does Nexus Grinders sell contact wheels?
No — we no longer manufacture or sell contact wheels. We do stock aluminum drive, idler and tracking wheels, platens and D-Plate parts for 2×72 grinders.