KMG-1 vs. Wilton square wheel vs. Grizzly vs. Hard core vs. Dozer

SkagSig40

SkagSig40

Joined
Feb 1, 2001
Messages
2,671
Hi everyone,
I'm getting close to getting my 1st grinder and I was wondering if you had any input on these or any other grinders out there. I think I'm leaning towards the KMG-1 as it looks like a great grinder and seems to be well engineered well priced and most folks have only great things to say about it. I also want 2hp 220v motor and I think the Leeson or Baldor would be a good choice.
Any others I should look at befor I buy? Thanks for any input!:)
 
Chris
The KMG is the one to go with,it is very versitail,there are so many thing that can be done with the grinder.Rob is a top shelf guy to work with,
The KMG is built like a tank,you will not go wrong with it.

:)
 
Another vote for the KMG. It's a great machine and Rob is one of the nicest people I know.
 
KMG for Me. I have owned one for awhile (couple of years) And it is the top of the line. Rob is one hell of a guy to do business with too.
 
We just got a KMG is the shop I'm working out of. It is a very well made piece of equipment! Now we just need to get something to set it up on...:o
 
Chris, I use a Hard Core and like it a lot. It is very quite and smooth running. One of the reasons the Hard Core runs so smooth is because of the counter balanced D.C. motor that it uses. The arm on the machine will rotate around the motor. Being able to rotate the arm allows you to set the height for grinding when using different attachments. Because the motor is variable speed it is very forgiving in that you can slow the belt down and learn to grind.

Good Luck
 
KI have a grizzly,b ut if I had had the money I would have gotten a KMG. And Rob is a great guy to deal with for sure. Since I did get the grizzly, I decided to at least get the slow down wheel he makes for it, and I love it.
 
Hard Core is the Mercedes of knife grinders...........I have one and am getting another soon.

I suggest you need to go LOOK at the machines you are interested in before you spend 1500$ or more on a grinder. That way you will be a lot more satisifed.
I have always loved the BURR KING but never owned one, the Hard Core is a step up in design and quality.
 
Thanks for the info guys! I can't wait to start grinding!

Tom or anybody know of a place in the Ft. Collins to Denver area the would have grinders set up to see in person? I know it is a long way form where you are Tom!:D

Anyone favor the Wilton? I know Charles Marlowe loves his and makes some beautiful knives on his.
 
My vote is for the KMG, I dont have it yet, but its on the way, and rob is a good guy to deal with, helped me out alot.
 
My vote is for the KMG, I dont have it yet, but its on the way, and rob is a good guy to deal with, helped me out alot.
 
I have a wilton but it was made in the 40's before they became a chinese import. I only do hogging on it. I would go with the KMG, but then again the hardcore is nice. Look at it the way I do, i'm too poor to buy cheap! So buy the best you can and buy it once. Eventually it will pay for itself.
 
As Mr. Mayo stated, go look first and try to use one. I have a Hard Core as well and it is smooooooooooth but...as with each and every machine out there, each has its strengths and weaknesses. Before I were to plop down a good bit of money I would at least try to look at one.

At some of the knife shows around the country these vendors will set up their machines. If you aren't sure, it is worth your while to take a look.

The only one of the lot that I haven't had the opportunity to use is a KMG but I have at least seen them. The Bader and the KMG are the same BASIC design with the KMG being a bit beefier. The Hard Core is based on the same BASIC design of a Burr King. I don't even know if you can buy a Burr King 960 with the knifemaking attachement any longer.
 
Here's a couple of Burr Kings, one setup for contact wheel grinding, the other with the vertical platen knifemaker attatchment. They are a lot like the Hardcore, but less expensive. A very smooth grinder.:D
Tru Grit handles them.

http://www.trugrit.com/
 
I use a Wilton but then again I haven't tried any of the others
I'm Happy. but look around as the others are saying.
what trips your trigger might not someone else's.:(
 
I went through this very thing just a few weeks back. After making 10 knives I realized that this is what I want to do. I just had to get into a 2 X 72 instead of continuing with the 1 X 30. Like you, I asked for advise here. Upon the advise I got and from other threads I had read about grinders I boiled it down to Coote and KMG. They are both 2 X 72 but much different in design. Though I really wanted the KMG I could not fund it and I did not want to have to continue hogging out blades on the 1 X 30. I chose the Coote and am glad I did because I would not have a 2 X 72 now if I decided to wait til I could swing for the KMG.

Just to clarify, I choose the Coote over the Grizzly based on advise and knowing that the Grizzly is direct drive single speed. The Coote comes without a motor so you have to do that part yourself.

Roger
 
KMG all the way! Very fast and easy changeover from one toolbar to another, perfect tracking and lots of configurations and accessories. Plus they are made by one fo the nicest folks around! :) The KMG is a great machine and you'll never regret buying it.
 
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