Craftsman 2x42 vs KMG

R

rupsty

Joined
Mar 14, 2013
Messages
42
Hi all,

First off, I've heard all the positive comments about the KMG and I understand that it is one of the preferred grinders over the Craftsman. I happen to own the craftsman and while I don't love it, I've never used anything better. I'm wondering just what it is about the KMG that is better? I get that it has more parts options and all that but I'm curious about the usability, feel, and precision. Personally I'd like to be a little more precise in my grinds and I'd like to remove the bulk stock a bit faster. I'm into Chef's knives and I usually have to remove quite a bit of steel before I get anything useful. The craftsman just seems slow even with a new 60 grit belt and the hyper fast motor. (i hear the fast motors aren't good for making knives)

I can finally afford one and want to be convinced to buy it. Opinions and ideas are welcome!

Thank you,
Rusty
 
My personal view is that the KMG or any quality 2 X 72 variable speed grinder would make a world of difference in all aspects of your knife grinding. I have a variable speed KMG and I do not think you would go wrong with one. When I first got my KMG I had the 3 speed pulley set up and I thought it was super. After a while I added the variable speed option It added a whole another world of precision control to my knife making. I think variable speed 2 X 72 grinders are a must.
Tim
 
variable speed makes a huge difference.
better control, less chance of burning an edge, less likely to make a bad mistake if you sneeze, etc...
2x72 is a more common belt size, so prices are better
length of belt means it runs cooler = longer belt life
more belt options
better motor, bearings, tracking
flat platen
the ability to adjust belt tension
the ability to go from flat platen to wheel to slack belt
contact wheels from 1/2" diameter to 10" diameter

that's all I can think of off the top of my head.
 
Im glad I found this thread, i’ve been trying to get my foot in the door of the knife making world, but just never had the courage to go for it.
I have no tools at the moment, so im trying to set up a list of necessities so i can start. I had my eye on the KMG variable speed as well.

When I decide to get one (which im now convinced), will the flat platen be sufficient, or would it be recommended to get extra tooling arms with the big contact wheels, etc? I’m more than likely going to get a small wheel attachment for doing detail work and smaller radius cuts.

Im a total noob at this, and i’m trying to cram all the information in my brain as I can, because im eager to start!
 
I started on a craftsman and then built a NWG. My NWG right now is single speed (need another pulley) but even with single speed and a 1hp decent motor it is hands down so much better then the craftsman. The belts dont wear out as fast either since you have more realestate with a larger belt.
 
I used a Craftsman for about year and ground quite a few knives with it, but there is nothing it can do even remotely better than a KMG style grinder. I do not have a KMG, I have a VFD Bader and would never dream of working on the Craftsman again. Even a grizzly is a better machine than the Craftsman. Trust anyone who says that you will not be disappointed with the KMG. Even just getting the step pulleys will make your experience better.
 
I started off with a harbor freight 1x30" sander and jumped into a 1.5 hp KMG with VFD. The HF was basically as fast as using a file but required less energy. The KMG is so much easier. Nothing on it flexes so you feel like you've got more control, it's got plenty of power to rip a 36 grit belt over most things (you can still bog it down if you push super hard), you don't have to worry about the tracking changing while you use it, and it's versatile.

The VFD makes a huge difference too. I would not buy a grinder without a VFD unless it was a grinder dedicated to only hogging metal.
A VFD lets you use the finishing grits without burning up the metal or belts and lets you work at your pace instead of being scared you're going to burn something.
 
stebolicious said:
Im glad I found this thread, i’ve been trying to get my foot in the door of the knife making world, but just never had the courage to go for it.
I have no tools at the moment, so im trying to set up a list of necessities so i can start. I had my eye on the KMG variable speed as well.

When I decide to get one (which im now convinced), will the flat platen be sufficient, or would it be recommended to get extra tooling arms with the big contact wheels, etc? I’m more than likely going to get a small wheel attachment for doing detail work and smaller radius cuts.

Im a total noob at this, and i’m trying to cram all the information in my brain as I can, because im eager to start!
Click to expand...

big contact wheels are good for hollow grinding.
flat platen and small wheel attachment is the way I will eventually go -- with maybe the addition of the rotary platen, which is also very cool.
 
1066vik said:
big contact wheels are good for hollow grinding.
flat platen and small wheel attachment is the way I will eventually go -- with maybe the addition of the rotary platen, which is also very cool.
Click to expand...

Yeah thats what ive been reading.. Are they useful for anythin else? Or would i be better off starting with just the flat platen and small wheel..
Ive been looking at the rotary as well, very cool indeed!
 
No offense to those who do with less; but buy a real grinder. It takes the machine variable out of the equation. It will only leave you to learn to grind and not fiddlefart with a lesser machine.

stebolicious said:
Yeah thats what ive been reading.. Are they useful for anythin else? Or would i be better off starting with just the flat platen and small wheel..
Ive been looking at the rotary as well, very cool indeed!
Click to expand...

Profiling with a large wheel saves on belts.
 
I've been making knives on my Craftsman for about a year now (saving for a KMG while I figure out a line). And I can put out some good finished products, but the ripping speed and lack of control doesn't give you much room for error. Th;ink of the Craftsman as a moped, and the KMG a Harley. The moped will get you around places but the Harley will do it much easier.

If you just like to make a knife every so often and aren't in a rush I'm sure you can use the Craftsman for a long time. But if you are serious about putting out a line of knives, you'll want to step up to the KMG or other similar machine made specifically for that job.
 
David Sharp said:
No offense to those who do with less; but buy a real grinder. It takes the machine variable out of the equation. It will only leave you to learn to grind and not fiddlefart with a lesser machine.



Profiling with a large wheel saves on belts.
Click to expand...

okay, good to know! Thanks.
 
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