KMG or Bader?

J

jimbowie7

Joined
Mar 13, 2005
Messages
90
I may be in the market for a grinder and like the KMG, but don't have much space. :(

I was thinking about the Bader BIII as an alternative, as it is lighter and has a smaller footprint. My only concern is how reliable are they? And if you blow the motor, does it cost an arm and a leg to repair?

If I had a lot of space, I would definitely go with the KMG, I like the fact that you can just replace the motor if it blows and the way it can be customized.

Anyone with both have any opinions on this matter? If the KMG is really that DAMN good, I may have to try to make more space.

P.S. I'm going to get variable speed for whichever one I choose if that impacts the decision.
 
When I was looking to get a 12" contact wheel for my Wilton Square Wheel, I called and emailed all over trying to see it the damn thing would even fit. Most told me they knew nothing about it, and said 'sorry'.

The folks at Bader offered to mount a shaft and bearing to a wheel, send it to me, and if it didn't fit, they'd take it back and send me a 10" (so long as I didn't grind on it, mind you... just a 'fit-up').

It was in my possession in two days, it fit, I kept it.

My next machine is a Bader. They took the time to help me, even with stuff that wasn't necessarily theirs!
 
I also have an issue with space. When I set out to arrange my "grinder area", I first thought about putting the motor for a KMG under the bench, as many others have done. But I wanted to use that space also, so I am setting mine up with the motor above and slightly to the rear of the grinder.

I have the motor mount cut & fit, but not completed yet. I have been side-tracked lately, but I don't see any problems. I will have some belt length adjustability, but it is something that does not have to be done often, especially if you are using the variable speed (I'm using step pulleys).

Just another option,
Richard
 
If you mount your motor under the work surface (as has already been mentioned) you can save on space. While I'm somewhat biased as my grinder is a KMG clone, and I've had great experiences working with Rob Frink, the service and support from the Stephen Bader company can't be denied.

Either grinder will serve you very well and you'll get excellent after-sale support from either company.

-d
 
Try to solve the space situation (or just try to live with it) and go for the KMG.
 
It's a great question. One of the differences between the two machines is that the motor is not an integral part of the KMG. To some, this is good, and to others, this might be a problem.

The reason for this is to increase it's versitility. This gives you unlimited options for the kind of motor used, as well as where and how to mount it. The KMG is not a consumer product that plugs in the wall right out of the box....but needs to be configured and set-up for your specific requirements. So, if space is an issue, you might find that you can actually fit the KMG in a smaller area with some creative thinking as mentioned above.

Blowing motors is really not an issue with either machine. The Bader will come with a high quality industrial motor and with the KMG, you'll have your choice.
 
I'm a hobby maker, with very little experience compared to most here, but I have a Bader III. I really like it a lot. I don't have any experience with the KMG, but I can tell you that you won't have to worry about blowing the motor on the Bader for a long time. If you do happen to blow the motor, finding a suitable replacement shouldn't be a problem. -Matt-
 
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