Grinder questions

D

DHackney

Joined
Jul 12, 2004
Messages
178
Hi folks,

I got to go to the PKA show this weekend and had a great time visiting with a lot of the makers, as well as some of the suppliers - Pop's (super nice fellow), and I'm itching to get goin' with making my own knives.

I've been looking at the Bader, the KMG and, just this morning saw the "Uncle Al's" grinder.

My question(s). Most of the makers I spoke with prefer the Bader but I like the beefiness of the KMG ( and the idea of the separated motor setup) but like the double billy roll attachment of the B3. I also like the idea of the variable speed motor (although I'd like a 1.5 hp) - 1.25hp - that comes standard with Uncle Al's. To get avariable speed motor on either the Bader or the KMG I'm looking at a lot of extra $.

I would like to solict everyones opinions on the above, if you all don't mind taking the time. I'm, obviously, a newbie and would greatly appreciate any of you suggestions.

Best regards,
Dana Hackney
Monument, CO
 
I have a BIII, but the next grinder I buy will be a KMG. Bader is a nice machine, but the KMG is better imho.
 
I have and use 5 grinders. If I had to use only one My choice would no doubt be my Bader B111.I know that this just confusses you more. I do alot of hollow grinding as a full time maker and the B111 proves itself to handle the work load and also the quality that you expect out of a machine.If you talk to 5 different makers you will probably will get 5 different answers.
 
I have a BIII, but the next grinder I buy will be a KMG. Bader is a nice machine, but the KMG is better imho.

I can second that. My next machine will be KMG with variable speed 2hp - and the biggest wheel it'll take. I like my BIII but at 1.5hp I think it's a little underpowered - at least for things like tapering tangs that have a lot of drag on the platen.

I have a couple of Rob's attachments and they're top notch. I've looked the KMG over and it's something else! There's only one place for me to go next time.

One thing I'd recommend you do is get tool rests for your wheel and platen. You won't use them for grinding bevels but they're indispensible for profiling and fitting parts.

My opinion, worth what you paid. ;)
 
All I cam say is.....KMG KMG KMG. Mine really has turned my knife making around. Now my skill needs to match what the grinder is capable of :D

I like the KMG because the accesories are more afordable....
 
blgoode said:
All I cam say is.....KMG KMG KMG. Mine really has turned my knife making around. Now my skill needs to match what the grinder is capable of :D
Click to expand...
From the pics you have shown, I think your skills look fantastic. Can't wait to see some finished knives. :D
Scott
 
Many thanks folks!

It looks like the votes tally in favor of the KMG. This only option that would be nice to have is the double billy roll (I've been told) and KMG doesn't offer it. Does anyone have any opinions on this?

Kind regards,
Dana Hackney (newbie)
Monument, CO
 
double billy roll???

are those similar to love handles? :D :D
 
Unfortunately not. I've already got a good set of those :)!

If you got the the Steve Bader website you'll see the setup. It like a platten
attachement but allows the user to also grind on a really small wheel at the top of the setup. Steve Rollert (my soon to be instuctor) has one on his B3 and it's really nice for grinding in really tight/small spots - much better than the standard small wheel attachment.

Many thanks,
Dana
 
here is what I have on my grinder......its the Ed Caffrey set up. Thats what Rob calles it. He makes the KMG. It rotates to use the bottom 3" or top 1.5" wheel.

Its AWSOME!!
 
those are Eds images. I took them from his site.
 
My vote is for a J and L grinder. K and G sells them. It is a very versitile grinder that comes standard with a 1.5hp var speed DC motor. It also comes with all the attatchents to hollow and flat grind for about the some you would pay for some of the others that only come with a contact wheel. I can go from flat grinding to hollow grinding in less then 30 sec if I need to. I have modified several other attatchements from Bader machines for use on the J and L and constructed an attatchemnt that allows me to use it as a horizontal grinder.
 
Here's another vote for the KMG. There's no end of stuff you can do on it. Loads of attachments and best of all you get to work with Rob Frink!

I've come up with 2 ideas and Rob not only made them a reality he was exicted about doing it. It's so nice to work with people like that. Knife makers are great guys to a man and woman, and Rob fits right into that group.

So, to get to work with a machine maker whose heart is right there with the knife makers is wonderful. Then to have his tools top knotch, well..... you get the idea.

Steve
 
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