Adding an extra tool arm slot to KMG grinder

JG Custom Metal Works

JG Custom Metal Works

Joined
Nov 27, 2013
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I have seen multiple setups with extra arms and am wondering which is going to be the best way to go. I've seen slots that are stacked on top of each other and ones that are offset, like on the MAP arm rig. is there an advantage to having the slot off to the side like on the MAP arm, rather than stacked? I'd really like to get the MAP arm setup but I don't think they're available anymore, and even if they were, I'm not sure it would be within my financial grasp.

My main objective is to have a tool rest that can be adjusted left/right/forward/back/up/down. The up and down isn't a huge deal but I'd really like to be able to level the toolrest. The stock toolrest on the kmg isn't level. I can shim it with hacksaw blades but it's a real pain to deal with. I tried to call(multiple times) and email Beaumont metal works but Rob doesn't reply. I know he has the exact parts in stock that I'd need, that's what makes it frustrating.

I have an adjustable tool rest, similar to the D-D toolrest, that I made that will fulfill my requirements. Its just not as sturdy as I'd like it to be. I'll see if I can snap a pic or two. I know a extra tool slot isn't necessarily needed for an adjustable tool rest, but it might be sturdier.

So please, share your ideas and pictures on adding a slot to the KMG.
 
JG Custom Metal Works said:
I know a extra tool slot isn't necessarily needed for an adjustable tool rest, but it might be sturdier.
Click to expand...

I went vertical simply because it's simple. ;) Couple pieces of cheap cold rolled steel, longer bolts, and we're in business. No clue if it's sturdier or not, but it's sure as hell faster. Adding and removing it is instant.

The only advantage I can see to going offset would be that it's doesn't suck up any additional belt length, but even after doing my direct drive mod, I've yet to see that as a concern.
 
Heres an extra slot and a new tool arm that I did after reading about Matthew Gregory's conversion. You may want to search "KMG tooling arm" on this site and see the photos and sketch with dimensions of an extra tool slot done by Bill Kirkley. Larry

ofqB79ql.jpg
 
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A lot of good information here guys, I really appreciate it.

P. Brewster- Thanks for the info. I'm thinking that won't work for the way my grinder is set up. I appreciate the pics though.

Matthew Gregory- I'm thinking I'll probably go that route. I guess the main thing I need to research now is how best to utilize the tool slot. I like Larry's use of a 3/4"(it looks like) with a round bar in the end. That could be an axis point in itself. Could even turn it horizontally.

Larry- Thanks for the info and the pics. Searching that now.
 
Larry's work rest appears to be a good one. Bet it works great.

Larry, did you get past the need to machine the plate for your second tool arm by using shims or washers, it looks like...?
 
Matthew, I used some .030 thick washers that I ground into a rectangular shape and placed them under the top of the upper tool arm slot and it worked well. On my KMG you can see the washer space at the rear of the tool arm slot in the photo. Yours looks neater but this worked well. For some reason the bottom slot needed no shims. I wrapped a piece of painters tape around a tool bar when I tightened down the bolts for horizontal spacing. Larry
 
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Fast and elegant solution!!! Took me quite a while to remove all that steel with the tiny table on my mill... Only have 6" of travel!!!
 
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