KMG MAP arm or Rotary Platen??

silver_pilate

silver_pilate

Joined
Oct 30, 2002
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It's a couple of months off yet, but I'm trying to decide what to beg my wife to let me buy for my birthday :D. I was looking at an ipad, but just don't see me doing it as my laptop and phone handle pretty much what I need already. I have a new grinder coming in that takes KMG tooling arms in addition to the KMG I have, so I thought adding variety to my grinder stable might be the ticket.

So now I'm torn with the decision of Michael's MAP arm vs. Beaumont's Rotary Platen. I love the variability of the MAP arm, and it will allow me to be more precise in a number of areas in my grinding, but I love the benefits offered by the rotary platen as well and can see myself using it a great deal.

From those of you who have either or both, which would you choose first? (because I'll eventually have both :D). Thanks!

--nathan
 
I've got both and use the rotary platen much more. On the other hand the MAP arm is
wonderful when I need it.

On thing to consider is that the MAP arm mount involves partially disassembling the KMG
to install the new mounting channel. You'd have to invent and build a similar
modification to the second grinder to use the arm on both grinders.
 
MAP arm= perfect swedges :) I love the MAP arm. I have never used the rotary platen as the KMG I use has a water cooled platen. :)
 
silver_pilate said:
It's a couple of months off yet, but I'm trying to decide what to beg my wife to let me buy for my birthday :D. I was looking at an ipad, but just don't see me doing it as my laptop and phone handle pretty much what I need already. I have a new grinder coming in that takes KMG tooling arms in addition to the KMG I have, so I thought adding variety to my grinder stable might be the ticket.

So now I'm torn with the decision of Michael's MAP arm vs. Beaumont's Rotary Platen. I love the variability of the MAP arm, and it will allow me to be more precise in a number of areas in my grinding, but I love the benefits offered by the rotary platen as well and can see myself using it a great deal.

From those of you who have either or both, which would you choose first? (because I'll eventually have both :D). Thanks!

--nathan
Click to expand...


Hmmm... Im gonna have to go with the rota.... wait..... no..... the MAP arm, definatly the MAP arm.

Michael
www.adammichaelknives.com
 
The water cooled platen has an aluminum block bolted to the back of the platen with water pumped through the block from a bucket next to the grinder.

To grind swedges with the MAP arm you tilt the angle of the table up to the desired angle and then grind them in on the flat platten. I do it after HT with a 60 grit belt, then with a 220 and so on all in one shot so you can maintain the same exact angle.

Does that make since?
 
Yes, thanks! I was wondering if that's literally what you meant - the light went "ding" and I thought even if that WASN'T what you meant, that was a GREAT idea!

The other possibility was that you were just running coolant down the thing - bleh what a mess.

Are you finding that the cooling makes a big difference? I am really thinking about machining something up and giving it a try. GREAT idea! :thumbup:

Thanks,
Dave
 
My father in law built the platen, I just use it :) It works well, it is mostly noticeable when working materials that burn or over heat quickly. You can grind them for longer before you need to cool the piece. Also the belts get less gummy when working with g10 or other similar materials because the plastic doesn't melt as quickly.

I know some people do grind while spraying a mister directly onto the platen, but it does get messy and I wouldn't dare do that with stag or ivory.
 
Dan, my thoughts were that I could mount the MAP on the KMG permanently, and have two grinders set up to take the tooling arms (rotary platen, flat platen, 10" wheel, small wheel, multi-platen). The second grinder was the right price (EERF gridner kit), and I'm going to assmble a change-over switching box to allow use of my VFD with my disc grinder, KMG, and EERF grinder. The extra grinder isn't a necessity, but it's sure going to be a convenience!!

Good thoughts, guys. I thought you might chime in here, Michael. I appreciate your unbiased opinion ;) :D. Keep 'em coming everyone!

--nathan
 
I bought my MAP Arm before I bought my KMG, just to make sure I got one from the initial production run. I still want a rotary platen, but it will have to wait. -Doug
 
I have both and would have to go with the rotary platen by a small margin. But, the adjustability of the Map arm is sure nice.

Steve
 
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