KMG Grinder Options

A

arjuna70

Joined
Mar 19, 2010
Messages
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I'm taking the plunge and going to get a KMG setup. This is what I was thinking about. I'm a beginner but the 2x42 Craftsman is not cutting it. Here is what I am thinking, I have about $2000 to spend:

KMG 10" Grinder Package - $970
http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/kmg6-10.html

VS-VFD-2.0 - 2 hp Variable Speed motor and VFD package - $814
http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/motor-vfd.html

Misc:
forward/reverse selector - $28
MA25X3/4 grinder pulley - $16
MA50X5/8 motor pulley - $22
A-23 drive belt - $9.50
SUBP base plate - $115
SPA spare tooling arm - $80
TREE tooling rack - $84


Total = $2138.50

Is there anywhere else to get the motor/VFD setup for cheaper with the same quality? Its a little over my budget but this is what I was thinking. Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
This is the most popular variable speed set-up..and I'm glad to see that you are going with 2 HP.

You've got everything listed and will be ready to start grinding when it arrives.

One comment that I have is in regards to the reversing switch. I'm not a big fan of it on the KMG because of the hazard from accidently running the grinder in reverse at full speed while thinking it is running forward. In reverse, the tracking is somewhat un-responsive and I can't think of many reasons to run the grinder backwards...except for sharpening on the slack belt in between the contact wheel and tracking wheel.

I would save that money and use it for a small wheel attachment which I think will be much more useful than reverse.

That's the only suggestion that comes to mind. It looks like you've already done the homework.

I hope it helps.

Sincerely, Rob
 
I'm with Rob, no need for reversing switch.

You might find a motor cheaper form one place and controller cheaper from another. But it's just easier and more convenient to get it all from Rob. You'll get top quality stuff and he's there to answer questions.
 
I agree. A reversing switch really isn't needed anyway.

You can get a less expensive motor and controller but not one that is fully enclosed. That is very important. Believe me, you don't want metal filings in there.

Buy quality, cry only once.

Rob makes quality stuff.

Craig
 
Si Senor...no reversing switch and get a small wheel jig....necessary for any radius smaller than the 10" wheel....which is on many, many knives including almost all folders.
 
John L said:
Si Senor...no reversing switch and get a small wheel jig....necessary for any radius smaller than the 10" wheel....which is on many, many knives including almost all folders.
Click to expand...

You mean this:
SWF Small Wheel Attachment - $83
http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/kmg-swa.html

What diameter wheel would you recommend to start, he has a bunch:
1/2" diameter small wheel
5/8" diameter small wheel
3/4" diameter small wheel
1" diameter small wheel
1-1/8" diameter small wheel
1-1/4" diameter small wheel
1-1/2" diameter small wheel
1-3/4" diameter small wheel
2" diameter small wheel
 
No reverse switch and start with a 3/4" small wheel
Stan
 
I'm going to differ with some of the opinions above.

I say get the reverse switch, not for the KMG, but if you ever get or make a disc sander later, you can use the same VFD Controller to run the disc motor forward and reverse, only needing to buy the motor and disc later and not the controller.

You can put a set of plugs in between the motor and controller to make this simpler.


I would forget the tooling arm rack and get the small wheel attachment with more small wheels.
1/2, 3/4, and 1 seem to be popular
If you really want that rack, you can make it yourself too.


Is there anywhere else to get the motor/VFD setup for cheaper with the same quality? Its a little over my budget but this is what I was thinking. Any suggestions?

The VFD is the KBAC-27D, you may buy it here also
$ 340
http://www.state-electric.com/_product_15403/9520_-_KBAC-27D_Gray_Inverter

The Leeson motor, you can buy most anywhere.

Whether it is cheaper ot not, especially with separate shipping from 3 sources you have to decide that for yourself, I suspect the savings will be lost in extra shipping.
 
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When we sell the Variable speed motor packages, we include the optional power switch and a baggie with wire nuts, water tight cable glands, connectors and a 4-conductor SO cord to connect between the motor and VFD. When purchased with the SUBP base plate, you also get the VFD bracket and hardware which mounts the VFD to the front of the SUBP in pre-drilled/tapped holes.

-Rob
 
rfrink said:
When we sell the Variable speed motor packages, we include the optional power switch and a baggie with wire nuts, water tight cable glands, connectors and a 4-conductor SO cord to connect between the motor and VFD. When purchased with the SUBP base plate, you also get the VFD bracket and hardware which mounts the VFD to the front of the SUBP in pre-drilled/tapped holes.

-Rob
Click to expand...

Thanks for the post. You've been very helpful. Now just need to finish collecting the funds and I'll be ordering soon.
 
I'm going to agree with everyone else here...

Don't worry about the reversing switch now. I have one on my KMG, but belt tracking in reverse is poor. Like 12345678910 said, however, if you plan on running a disc grinder off the same VFD, the switch could be usefull.

I think the most useful small whell in my shop is the 3/4". I also use a 1-1/4" quite a bit, but feel that a 2" wheel would be more useful in most cases. I use my 1/2" wheel often for smaller detail work.

If you plan on mounting the VFD next to the grinder like shown on Rob's site, the base plate is a good idea. If you want to mount the VFD elsewhere, I wouldn't worry about it... just bolt the KMG to your benchtop.

Like 12345678910 mentioned, www.state-electric.com is a decent place to get the KBAC-27D. If you buy it there, you'll want to buy the additional power switch (~$15), as their unit, unlike Rob's, does not come with it. I bought my VFD from them and bought my 2hp motor from Grizzly. I have been happy with both.

Good luck.
 
I wanted to thank everyone for their help. I decided to go all in and went with the 2HP Variable Speed setup. I sold a couple safe queens and went ahead with the full setup. I could not be happier, thanks again for all the help.

KMG1.jpg

KMG2.jpg


Now I was thinking about the MAP Arm. Any thoughts? Would it fit on this setup? Worth it?
 
I don't have a Map arm, but want one, I believe that it would fit directly on that.

Did you buy your tooling arm tree from Beaumont?
it's different from the photos on the website

It looks like the socket is just milled out of the vertical tubing itself instead of the additional welded on socket, a very ingenious change that suits his CNC equipment and reduces welding setup and time.

VS-KMG-1(400).jpg
 
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That is a really nice setup. Rob, is there ant reason not to get the 3HP version and the 14" wheel instead of the 10"? That is the setup I am gonna buy in the near future. Plus I want the modified Caffrey Platen with the 1.5" wheel on top of and the 3" wheel on bottom of the platen. I figure if I'm gonna get a KMG it might as well be the best KMG it can be. Any advice would be nice. Thanks.
 
You'll find the grinder useful for SO MUCH MORE than just knifemaking.

Get the 3 HP motor. I've only managed to stall it one time - and I was trying to do while sanding a 2x2 and really leaned into it. There are a number of times I think I would have stalled the 2HP.
 
You can't go wrong with the KMG. I had mine for years. I Use 1 1/2 Hp DC motor w/ speed control. The attachments that I have are 14" wheel, small wheel, flat and a 4" wheel. I made my own tool arms.:thumbup:
 
OneOneBravo said:
I want the modified Caffrey Platen with the 1.5" wheel on top of and the 3" wheel on bottom of the platen. I figure if I'm gonna get a KMG it might as well be the best KMG it can be.
Click to expand...

Well I already have my KMG but what is the Caffrey Platen? What is the benefit of this modification.

I may go ahead with the MAP arm, seems like a nice addition, now I just have to save up the funds.

The entire setup is from Rob at KMG. It does look like he did change the tooling arm tree slightly. It works well either way and saves bench space which is limited in my little shop.
 
arjuna70 said:
Well I already have my KMG but what is the Caffrey Platen? What is the benefit of this modification.
Click to expand...

Ed Caffrey had Rob create a Wilton Square Wheel type platen attachment that fits the KMG and did a write up on his website
(...& named it after himself...)

You can go directly from flat platen, to slack belt, to 2 different radi for guard and handle work.

Write up and photos here...


http://www.caffreyknives.net/KMGarticle.html
 
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