KMG - Suggestions Needed

S

sdemars

Joined
Dec 22, 2009
Messages
156
Looking for input on configuring a Beaumont KMG.

I am not a knife maker, plan to use the KMG for general "mini" fab work & pieces parts type work, sculptures ect.

I may try my hand at some very basic knives someday . . .

I do have a 4' X 4' Dynatorch CNC PLASMA TABLE so I'm thinking it may be handy for cleaning up small parts.

I know 2hp & variable speed are a good start. (Maybe 3hp?)

* Contact wheel size? (8" or 10") or even smaller like a Ellis Grinder and why?
I'm assuming the big contact wheels are for hollow grinding blades?

* Do I want contact wheels for my platen rollers in place of 2" idlers ? No, or bottom only?

* Is a spare tooling arm useful, if so, aluminum or steel? - What is the stock arm made of?

* KMG small wheel attachment - useful ?, if so what size contact wheels are most popular?
 
3 hp
10" or larger
2" contact wheel for platen
Steel arm or make your own
Small wheel attachment with 3/4" wheel
Getting some of this is cheaper when buying. I would add the 2" contact wheel and keep the aluminum older for another use.
 
If your doing "mini fab" work, then you may not have much need for a larger contact wheel like 8" or 10". A few small contact wheels in incremental sizes probably would be helpfull to you. I'd suspect you would use the flat platen and small wheels most. But only you know your work, and what that should drive your wheel diameter choices. For instance, if you are fabricating and welding 1" diameter tube on a regular basis, then a 1" diameter wheel would be very handy for pre-shaping for miter welds.

If you get any attachments beyond the flat platen I recommend a spare tooling arm for it.

Mike L.
 
i have a 2hp VFD direct drive wit 10 inch wheel and flat platen (both 2 inch wheels are now rubber and handle in use) small wheel gets into tight spots (3/4 and 1/4 small wheels are what i have)
skip the Al tooling shaft less you need light weight
i have 3 arms but need 2 more (i just buy mild solid square and drill and tap it proper for use )
 
2 hp and Kbac 27 d drive
I started with a 10 inch wheel but now use a 8 inch much of the time because I like deep hollow grinds on 3/16 stainless .. Most guys want the 10 inch.
When you order a KMG you can have a 2 inch contact wheel substituted for a metal idler on bottom.
Get a small wheel attachment right away with a 3/4 and a 1 inch wheel.
A steel tool arm costs $80 plus shipping and weighs 13 pounds. Buy 1 to copy and make yours from steel or aluminum. I made 7 aluminum tools arms.( costs about $22 dollars each on average including drills and taps) They weigh 3 pounds each.
You need a 220 volt outlet of at least 20 amps with 12 gauge wire. If you need an electrician have him use bigger breaker for more tools on 220 volts . A 3 hp motor needs at least 30 amps I have been told.
 
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the differences in the contact wheel and flat platen. The wheel will grind smother and cooler then the platen. The platen is greT for when you need flat and square, but the wheel works better for profiling and deburring. I think 2hp is big enough. You'll love it.
 
Just my 2 cents..................

You say you're going to be working on "mini-fab" projects. If you're going to be working with tubing i.e. bike frames, roll bars, yard furniture, etc, you're REALLY going to want the small wheel arm and some of those small contact wheels. At $50+ apiece those can ad up but they are amazing tools for tube work.

Corey "synthesist" Gimbel
 
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