KMG? Chose the Esteem by Brett Mathews

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zingo156

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Jan 26, 2015
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Alright folks, I have been making my own large camping chopper and discovered that filing isn't an option with the amount of removal I need to do. I debated and debated over buying a grizzly grinder or a Coote but for ~600 I really might as well just jump up to a KMG. This is the model I am thinking about, I will probably buy the switch they have on their site for an additional ~$36:

http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=59

Since I have no experience with belt grinders I have a few questions:

I plan on doing flat grinds for the most part, I don't think I will be doing hollow grinds. I am thinking about doing a high flat grind on my first blade, I have also thought about convex.

If I get the model posted above, obviously I can do flat grinds with the platen, could I possibly do convex from the top? Can I remove the platen from the platen attachment to just have an open belt with slack to do convex grinding? Does anyone think I might as well spend the $220 more to get the model that also includes the 10" wheel? Again, I am not sure I would do much hollow grind work. I have no idea what the advantages are with certain grinds. I have read that convex are best for wood/chopping?

I know the lady friend is going to be furious but money comes and goes and I plan on selling one of my guitars to cover some of the cost. I am hoping my tax return covers the rest.

I appreciate the info.
 
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One more thing: are there any components I should buy right away with that model (outside of belts). Such as a ceramic platen?
 
Yes you can remove the platen for slack grinding.If you can afford it get the one with the wheel,8" or 10" comes in real handy.If you really want it to be nice buy the varible speed unit,wish I would have.
Eddie
 
You can remove the platen and do slack belt for convex grinds. I haven't tried to do a convex grind this way but I've been told you can.

I haven't used my 10" wheel much but I plan to use it more, I'm just stubborn and lazy :D I think it helps to hog material even if you're not planning a hollow grind.

I highly recommend trying to swing for the VFD. I didn't buy the motor or VFD from Rob and got the whole package with 3HP brand name motor for about 1600 (about 1000$ KMG+10" wheel, 400$ VFD, 200$ Motor).

Either way you will not be disappointed!
 
I drool over the variable speed model, but the extra ~600 might end with me sleeping on the couch for a few months.
 
2 recommendations for the variable, I may have to reconsider this whole couch sleeping situation. I have no 220v outlets so I would only be running at 1.5hp either way.
 
I take that as the 3rd recommendation for the variable speed model. I guess if push comes to shove I can sleep on the floor. I did that in college for about a year, actually it was great for my back.

Anyone have any idea on what the freight charge for shipping is? I haven't gone all the way through ordering yet. That might make or break the variable speed purchase.
 
Not getting VS is like buying a new car and saving $600 by not getting cruise control.....You will regret it if you don't.
 
That's a good metaphor. 4 votes for the variable speed. I guess I might as well listen and just run with it if the freight cost doesn't go over $100 I think I can swing it. For the $1808 cost, I wish they would throw in the switch for free lol.

I bet I will never hear the end of this purchase. You know how they get about you buy this, and that, and that? I fire back with her shoes filling the closet, then it just goes down hill quickly.
 
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I know this doesn't provide instant gratification (something I prefer myself ;) ) but you can always shop Ebay for a few weeks and find a deal on the motor and just buy a VFD, I ruled out used on the VFD as I wanted a KBAC and not one of the discount Chiwan models and a few weeks of searching turned up nothing.

Once you have the motor and VFD give yourself some time to replenish the slush fund and then get the KMG. If you don't have a belt grinder at all get a HF 1X30 for like 40$ to tide you over until you get your parts and KMG together. I still use my 1X30 for all kinds of odds and ends grinding and sanding.

1X30 single speed to variable speed 2x72 was like going from a gocart to an F1 car. Not buying the VFD would have been like getting a Porsche. A cool car and way better than a gocart, but the F1 is going to point and laugh every time he laps you on the track :D
 
I know you didn't throw this out there, but have you checked out Esteem grinders? I think they're put together as well as or better than the KMG, are direct drive, and cost a good bit less for what you get.
 
Thanks guys for the suggestions. I thought about a cheapo HF 1" grinder but I really want to start on something closer to the real deal 2" grinders, with that in mind why not just jump at a real machine to start?

@Travis

That grinder looks fantastic. The direct drive, powder coat and price makes it a sweet deal, I was already worried about buying paint for the KMG and the Esteem Grinder would save me money there too, not to mention it looks like it comes fully wired!

It seems like at least one person liked it more than their KMG: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1045777-Esteem-2x72-Belt-grinder

I got my Esteem in from Brett last week and it is top notch-solid and a GREAT machine. I love it so much my KMG is now my backup and used for small wheels-lock up only.
Click to expand...

I think I will send Brett an email.
 
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I have the Esteem, which I highly recommend. The VFD is almost a "must have".
One of the main problems for newbies is the 3450 rpm motor - it is way too fast for most beginners. You will love the VFD. You can purchase a 10" wheel (the only way to hog off metal for profiling) later.

Tim
 
You can get by without a VFD, I've been using my KMG with the step pulleys a little while now. Even though I've had a VFD sitting in my closet for about 6 months now. Just haven't gotten around to putting it on, it's already pre wired and everything... I need to make a mount for it, but keep getting side tracked.

A VFD is super handy though, for times when a step pulley just can't get the speed your looking for. I have variable drives on my disk grinder, and couldn't do without it. Haven't seen a disk grinder with a pulley system, but I couldn't see myself owning one if there was. However it's one more thing to go wrong.

Have you considered other grinders? Like the Grinder in a box- by polarbear forge, or something from Wilmont grinders. Wilmont even has cad files for the EERF grinder, which you could send off to a waterjet company.

The KMG is nice, but you don't need it if your willing to just get by. You could probably setup a variable speed coote for the price of a step pulley KMG.

Just food for thought, I haven't made knives for long. But I have used my KMG quite a bit for random things.
 
Thanks again for the responses. I have given it some thought and after seeing video of people using variable speed I think for a beginner like myself it will help a ton. I think with a variable speed set slow enough I could probably even sharpen quite easily on the grinder.

I like the Esteem more than the KMG for 4 reasons: Direct drive, Already wired, Powder coated, and lower total cost.

Reliability is another question I have for the Esteem, it looks very well built so I am betting it will last. I will be speaking Brett tonight. I sent him an email last night and he got back to me in about 30 minutes, that's fast!

I do like the coote, I just feel if I'm going to push 600-1000 for a variable coote, why not spend another 200-600 and get a grinder that can be easily changed to run different components? I hate spending money but I think the majority of people suggesting KMGs or clones of it and variable speed have swayed my decision to spend more now and have less regret later when I'm wishing I had options.
 
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Decision made: I am going with the Esteem Grinder by Brett Mathews. I am going to be getting a 110v version which Brett has said is a 2hp motor on 220v. He said he is 6-7 weeks out for orders. I am in no hurry but I know I will be walking back and forth in the garage until I get it. At least it gives me time to setup a location for it. I have a stainless steel cart on wheels that is about 2 and 1/2 feet tall with a square top about 3 foot, that should make a decent mount.

I may have to get an electrician out next. Lady friend will just jump for joy on that I am sure! Maybe I can trick her by throwing out a breaker and say the electrician is "needed". That will be a while out anyway, I have time to think of better ideas.

I plan on posting pics and maybe video of my first knife bevel grind on my first ever belt grinder. I am quite certain this will be a learning experience, hopefully I don't mess this knife up!

That all said, what brand and grit belts do you all recommend from start to finish? Where can I get them for the best price? If possible I would like a satin finish on this, I think that will help prevent any deep pitting should the knife get wet during an extended stay camp and I forget oil. I'd love to get everything ordered and have it ready to go when my new grinder arrives.

Again, thanks for the input everyone.
 
Good belts aren't cheap. However one is really good for a decent price, they are called vsm. Trugrit.com sells them.

Lots of preferences on grit progressions. I suggest you search this place a little more and form your own opinion. There's an insane amount of info here.

Gator, blaze, cubitron, cubitron ll, norax, and vsm are mentioned very often.

You can pay as low as 4 bucks, up to 30 or so for a single belt.

I like 36 grit for heavy removal, then move to 60, 120, 220, etc. Can't remember what grit I end at on the gator belts, but they are pretty dang smooth by then. After which I hit it on the buffer and she's good to go. Try it all and find what works for you.
 
Mob,

Thanks for the info.

I was thinking about ceramic belts and a cost between $15-$30 per belt. I am willing to spend more but I am definitely looking for the "best bang for the buck" situation.

If I can get by with VSM belts for $3-$5 I'd be a happy camper, I shall give those a try.
 
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No prob. The VSM Ceramics don't go up to a high grit. But they are a great belt for the price, I've found that they don't track as well as my other belts- but for the price they work just fine.
 
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