KMG clone survey

[boilermaker]

G'day all, just as a matter of interest, how many of you out there have made your own KMG clone? im in the process of building mine (although it's been an on again off again kind of thing) and was just wondering how many people where doing the same and for what reasons? also have any of you come up with any clever little improvements over the original machine (if this is at all possible.)

My only mods. to the KMG design have been to use thicker stock for the frame, and to mount the 3 phase VFD motor i am using, directly to the rear tool arm support/upright. i will post pics as soon as i am able.:thumbup:

Cheers

Keetha.

 

[deker]

I built my own. My reasoning was a combination between cost savings and just the fun of building it myself. I documented it in a thread on Don Fogg's forum.

-d

 

[Keith_H]

I am building one right now in my shop class! it is just 4 pieces of 1/2 inch plate, but it is coming along!

 

[efleming]

I ended up making the lower frame from 3"X6" box metal. This made a great frame with very little work.

Here is a view of the back...

I never had the opportunity to see a real KMG tracking setup so, I was left to dream up my own. It ended up working great. Once I saw a KMG tracking assembly, it was so simple... In retrospect, I would go with the standard KMG tracking as it would be much easier to make than what I did.

I drew up plans in Microsoft Visio. If you want them, send me a PM.

BTW, I purchased my platen and wheels from Rob. He is fantastic to work with. I've since also purchased a VFD from him as well. You cannot beat his products and service. The only reason I built a clone instead of purchasing one of Rob's is, I like building machines...

I also have a 10" Grizzly wheel and later purchased a 3" wheel from Rob.

The project took ~8 hours and it was lots of fun. Hope this helps... Eric

 

[rashid11]

Don't discard the "Bader" design - this is what I used for my clone. I documented that in a series of posts in this forum.

Most important thing that Bader and KMG share is the tooling arm, that gives you the freedom to have many different attachments and change between em with ease.

Bader has a vertical plate onto which both motor and tooling arm channel mount, so it is prolly a bit easier and less expensive to build than "true" KMG .

 

[loneronin]

I'm working on my KMG clone too and the reason are:
- I really enjoy building stuff
- I'm in Italy and Rob can't deliver an official KMG here
- I have some metal scraps
- I have a little (very little) budget

Please post some pics of your baby and send me your plans: gianluca666@gmail.com


Grea job Eric! I like your chassis ideas. very simple and effective :thumbup:

 

[Dagr]

Not really a KMG clone, but I love the NWGS. It was as fun to build as it has been thus far to use. And I know for the future, that all the expensive components (motor, wheels) can be re-used on almost any machine I choose to upgrade to.

 

[WadeH]

Eric I just thought you should know when I click on your profile PM is not listed, so no one can PM you or atleast I can't.