Bader BIII vs KMG

F

Fixed Blade Fever

Joined
Nov 23, 2005
Messages
50
Hello all. I am new to posting on the Shop Talk section of the forum. I currently find myself in the position of considering the purchase of a new Bader or KMG grinder. I know this subject has been discussed at length on this board and I have tried to read most of the related threads. First off, I would like to use this grinder for my welding/fabrication hobby as well as begin a new hobby of knife making. I will typically hold out for quality tools. Before I pull the trigger, I have a few last questions I was hoping to get some help with.

In most of the posts I have read on this topic, most mention the KMG as being less expensive than a Bader. Unless the prices have recently changed, from what I can tell, they are within about $50 TO $100 of one another when similarly equiped with several accessories and a variable speed motor.

1) Do people view the KMG as less expensive do to the fact that if you already have one, you can use your own motor, or am I missing something?

2) Therefore, if pricing is not a factor between the two units, does everyone still favor the KMG?

Thanks in advance for your help and consideration.

Brad
 
I just ordered a kmg with the 8" package (serrated instead of smooth), small wheel attachment, 2 extra tool arms, a 1/2" small wheel and a 1.5" small wheel. It's not here yet but I found that with the options I chose it would have been quite a bit more money for the bader and the general consensus I have noticed leans towards the kmg for a better buy.

The bader also has an attached motor that is probably a specific size where the kmg could be used with pretty much any motor and belt set up. Some would say you lose some smoothness with a belt drive set up but I'll have to see when it gets here. I did some research and the KMG came out on top for me. Everyone has there own taste though. Both look like great machines.:D
Mike
 
I have two Bader B 111s and I have used a KMG. Both are fine machines and you could not go wrong with either one. I have used Baders for ten years and have never had a problem with any of them. It's all a matter of whose product you prefer. Customer service with both is excellent and as I said the quality is great on both.

Marcel
 
With the KMG you can shop around for the VFD controller, motor, pulleys and belt and save quite a bit of money over the Bader.
Check out some of my previous post on this subject.

No doubt the Bader is a good machine, but the KMG is heavier built and if not smoother, it is just as smooth. I have a KMG and it's so smooth you can leave a wrench setting on the base of the grinder while running and it won't even move.
 
Both are very smooth machines. Neither are as smooth as a Burr King. I have a B-III, and a 960 Burr King. And several friends with the KMG's. All have their good points. The Bader is made by a company who specializes in industrial production grinders, in many configurations. It is noisier, by virtue of a higher RPM motor. Quality is very good. Burr-King is also an Industrial supplier, and of the very highest quality. The precision, and smoothness is un-matched. Its only draw back, is cost, and slower to change accessories. If your going to run multiple machines, its the boss. The KMC is tank strong, a bit cruder than the others, but well built, and will last a life time. It is a quieter machine than the Bader, as you can use a lower RPM motor, and belt up the speed. Mike
 
Gentlemen, thanks for the responses. This is not an easy decision. I have rechecked the prices with both Rob Frink and Bader, and they really are within $50 of each other when fully equipped. If I already had a motor and a controller, then the decision to go with the KMG would be a no brainer.

With the KMG I would need to dissassemble, paint, reassemble, and wire. The Bader is plug and play. Therefore, at this point if there is not a noticable difference in performance, I am somewhat leaning toward the Bader. Another consideration would be to get the Bader grinder and a platen attachement from Rob Frink.

Once again, thanks for all of the responses. I am still scratching my head on this one.:confused: Although I must say that it does not seem that you could make a wrong decision between these two machines.
 
Love my B-III:D Great folks. I went and picked mine up at thier shop and spent about 4 hours there touring the shop. They even unboxed my grinder set it up on a bench...wired, and ran it for me before they loaded it up.:thumbup:
Mace
 
Well I finally made up my mind and went with the BIII. The people at Bader put together a package price on a complete system that I just could not refuse.

I did however place an order for one of Rob Frink's platen attachements for the BIII. When I was pricing the grinders, Rob seemed like a very good person to deal with. He knew I was also loking at the BIII, but never said anything negative toward the Bader unit in order to sway my opinion. I have a lot of respect for that. While Rob did not get my business this time on the grinder, I do hope to be able to do business with him by purchasing a few more of his accessories.

Hopefully, I made the right decision as I know there are compelling arguments for the KMG. Now I just have to wait for all of the packages to arrive! Thanks again for everyone's help.
 
you couldn't go wrong with either of these two grinders. Like I said I have 2 Baders and love them. I did get an adjustable work rest from Rob and like it better than the one from Bader.

Marcel
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top