The KMG is a very versatile machine. It is what I use. If you can swing the extra expense of the variable speed option it is a good thing to have. But, if that is more than you have in your budget get a set of step pulleys so that you can have a few different speeds.

Thanks for the feedback Allen. I think the variable speed will be worth it in the long run.

I'll add my .02 in here

I built my KMG Clone on a table/ in a table...and run a 12 disc sander off the same motor. I made it tall enough for me , I'm a tall guy at 6'3", and hate bending over to do anything. I'm running a 2 Hp Baldor variable speed motor.

I just rebuilt the disc sander today, I like it alot better this way.

The variable speed motor is the only way to go.

Here are a few pics.

Hi James,

Here are my thoughts on the models I'm aware of:

1) Bader: I learned how to grind on Baders, and I have had good experience with them. They are priced reasonably, and they are very simple to use. One downside is that the control modules they use for their variable speed models are now digital, with +/- buttons to control the speed. I would MUCH prefer a knob, but a) that's just my preference, and <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//cool.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='B)' /> had I known that's how they were doing it, I probably could have requested a knob rheostat.

2) KMG: In terms of use, I don't observe much difference between the KMG and the Bader. Just a slightly different style of machine. I haven't used a KMG extensively enough to get a feel for maintenance or wear/tear.

3) Burr King: My first ride on a burr king was down in Old Washington. I was doing my grinder research at the time, and I was very interested in all the features and flexibility burr kings had to offer. But then I got on one, and I HATED it. I'm sure there are makers out there who swear by them, but in my opinion, the burr king has a major, fatal flaw: apparently a couple years ago, someone got their finger stuck in the drive belt and didn't get it back. There was a law suit. As a result, bader now encloses that belt in a big metal housing. If memory serves, that housing, where it connects to the contact wheel, is about three inches across and extends out to the left of the wheel a similar amount. As a result is incredibly awkward to grind on the left edge of your contact surface. Total bummer, because I think it is otherwise an awesome machine.

4) TW-90: Travis Wuertz has designed a grinder that looks to be just about the coolest thing ever. I've never used one myself, but I saw him demo one at the San Antonio show in January. This thing is awesome, and I really want one. I can't endorse it exactly, because I've never used it, but...whew does it look cool.

Them's my thoughts.

Zack

James,

You probably saw this already but there's an excellent thread about the KMG here-

http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/index.php?/topic/541-kmg-grinder-questions/

Wow, also just realized your up in Jacksonville. Not exactly next door but I'm down in Melbourne a couple hours away. If you want to test drive a KMG before purchasing I'd be happy to have ya down on a weekend when we could get some time in the shop. She's 3hp variable speed. I've currently got the flat platen set-up, 10" contact wheel, and small wheel attachment. Part of the ole tax return will be purchasing a rotary platen also so depending on timeframe I may have that also.

Drop me a line anytime if you can make it down this way.

Bladeshow is GREAT ! However at least previously Rob Frink from Beaumont doesn't set-up at the show so I wouldn't worry about waiting for a show special, saving on shipping, or anything like that.

Zack- Old Washinton was such a blast I wish we could do it again ! It was great watching you attempt to make friends with that Burr King, LOL. I did most of my grinding on Baders while there but I'll very happily stick with my KMG over Bader or Burr King.

Take care fellas- Josh

Zack,

The TW-90 does look like a pretty nice machine. I checked out his youtube videos and liked what I saw. I was seriously thinking about a KMG but after watching the videos I fins myself rethinking that purchase. I think Travis has created a nice grinder. Mike

I've used baders, owned a KMG, and now a TW-90. There all good machines. All of them have their quirks. No machine out of the box is perfect. No matter what you buy you are going to have to set it up to you and make some jigs if you desire them. What I like about the TW-90 is everything it can do the others can't in one small package. I have a vertical, horizontal grinder that now has a surface grinding attachment.

I have three machines in one that frees up a lot of workspace that I desperately need. If space, or money is not an issue then a dedicated grinder for each operation would be a better option and other models look better for that. If any of you are in Vegas and want to check it out just let me know and your welcome to see it, and use it, and decide for yourself what you think of it.

Hello,

Does anyone own/have experience with this grinder? http://www.wilmontgrinders.com/Pages/RockRiverPhotos.aspx

I'm interested to hear of any first hand experience as well as people's thoughts and impressions. Thank you.

Regards,

Greg

Yep, I've worked extensively on a Wilmont TAG grinder, and I built one of the first LB kit grinders from Wilmont.

Chris Williams is a good friend of mine, and he was largely responsible for the EERF grinder design that turned into the GIB kit.

He and I discussed the draw-backs of the GIB kit extensively earlier last year, and that's when he came up with the LB kit that they now offer, which is an excellent alternative for DIY grinder, especially with the hard kit, or the pre-drilled/tapped option he offers.

I've spent many hours on both a TW-90, and a Wilmont TAG, and honestly, I believe the Wilmont is every bit as well designed and built as the TW-90. They're both top of the line, but they've got different design focuses. The Wilmont has more focus on versatility in my opinion, as it uses standard 1.5" square tooling arms, like a KMG, but having 3 inline tooling arm slots opens a world of possibilities for productivity, along with easy jig/fixture design options. Here's a couple photos that I think will speak volumes to people that can see the potential:

All that being said, I want to say that if you're looking for a top of the line grinder, you can't go wrong with the TAG or the TW-90, it's just a matter of what you want to do with it, and how you like to work. As far as fit and finish, tracking, power, etc. they're both equals. I know some people will be attracted to the "surface grinding" attachment of the TW-90, for me it's moot, since for the price you can easily buy a used dedicated surface grinder, which for me, is much more useful, but in tiny shops, I can definitely see how that could be the deciding factor.

I've been trying to get Chris out to the Haywood Hammer-in to demo his grinders, if anybody is interested, I can probably talk him into it, assuming that's amenable?

If anybody wants to try out the LB-1000 kit, they're welcome to come by my shop and see mine.

Thanks, Javan. I appreciate you taking the time to reply, your feedback is helpful!

Regards,

Greg