Kmg vs pheer

T

Tkrocky

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Sep 6, 2013
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Hey guys, as I stated in a previous thread, I am about to get a new grinder. I definitely want variable speed. I have been leaning towards the kmg pretty heavily but was just checking out the pheers. The pheers are a bit cheaper and are direct drive vs the kmgs which are belt driven. I'm also open to other suggestions, I just don't want to build it or cut corners and deal with the headache later. Just wondering if anyone has had experience with both of them and what suggestions you might have. It's a ton of money so I want to make a good call! Thanks guys!
 
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Imo I would take the pheer any day of the week over the kmg. The additional slot and direct drive coupled with the vfd make it an easy choice, the cheaper price is just icing on the cake. :thumbup:
I know some swear by the kmg and it's a rock solid machine but if that is the only deciding factor the pheer is plenty tough. Just my two cents.
Blessings,
Joshua
 
I have the pheer 427 and have definitely put it through it's paces and plan to add a second. I don't own a kmg so I really cant give a side by side comparison but have used them on many occasions and honestly don't see a reason to get one over the pheer. just my two cents
 
I own a 454 and it's been great. If suggest getting 2hp, a 6" drive wheel, and the small wheel attachment. It's a solid machine and the support from Jose is second to none.
About a year ago my VFD went bad and he took care of everything. You'll have no regrets.
 
In my mind, I'd be choosing between Pheer or Wilmont, rather than adding KMG to the options. Despite its longevity, the other two offer improvements in the basic design. I'm working on yet another modification to my KMG to make it 'right'. Is it a good machine? I guess. Is it as good as other machines I've had the chance to use? No. Every Bader I've ever used was much smoother, and newer machines like Travis Weurtz's, frankly, are vastly superior.


Everyone has an opinion. That's mine. I own a KMG because I got it in a trade, and it offered greater flexibility over my previous grinder, a Wilton Square Wheel. If I had the money, I'd own a TW90, or perhaps a Wilmont. I'd buy a Bader before I spent money on a KMG, though...
 
Good info! So what are some of the reasons Bader and Wilmont and wuertz are superior? They are just so dang expensive!
 
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Take a look at the Esteem grinder as well
 
Good addition, Adam!

The Weurtz I got the chance to try was the smoothest grinder I've ever felt. Thin, high flat grinds on it would be a breeze. The Bader's I've used were smooth as well, just not as smooth. Neither lacked in power. I can stall my KMG with a 2HP motor when I hog with the platen. I attribute that to the pulley system, and I hope to be converting it to direct drive in the VERY near future. I think this will also improve the smoothness. I don't want to fool with machines, though - I just want to make knives!

Every experience I've had dealing with Bader has been positive. EVERY one.

The new guys seem to be interested in finding ways to update and improve their machines. That's a big plus, unless you want to be the one experimenting.
 
I have a Pheer and have used it very extensively. It is a great machine. Also as mentioned Jose's support has been great. When I first got it, had it set up about 2 days and heard a pop. VFD gone bad. One phone call to Jose and he had the manufactuer of the VFD drop ship me another unit. Back up and running with in 2 days. Now years later, couple of months back around Thanksgiving time I hear a pop again. Yep VFD fried. But as stated I USE this machine so call up Jose Fri evening (ever notice how these things never happen on a Monday morning). He's got a new upgraded VFD in the mail to me Monday with a scheduled delivery of Wed. Didn't get it till Monday but not Jose's fault, the PO misplaced it for a while. I will be getting another Pheer.
 
Matthew Gregory said:
In my mind, I'd be choosing between Pheer or Wilmont, rather than adding KMG to the options. Despite its longevity, the other two offer improvements in the basic design. I'm working on yet another modification to my KMG to make it 'right'. Is it a good machine? I guess. Is it as good as other machines I've had the chance to use? No. Every Bader I've ever used was much smoother, and newer machines like Travis Weurtz's, frankly, are vastly superior.


Everyone has an opinion. That's mine. I own a KMG because I got it in a trade, and it offered greater flexibility over my previous grinder, a Wilton Square Wheel. If I had the money, I'd own a TW90, or perhaps a Wilmont. I'd buy a Bader before I spent money on a KMG, though...
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I agree with Matthew is saying here..I have used several KMG's and they are hell for stout machines. Good machines but in my humble opinion are not the best knife grinding machine out there. Before someone blows a gasket and says "but,but,but masterpieces are made on KMG's"...Yes they are but Ive also seen beautiful work done on Cootes and 2 x 42 craftsmen..That dosnt make them the best grinder either..Our Esteem is upteen times smoother than any KMG Ive ever used and the TW-90 is even better still..Baders are great grinders, plenty of options..Im not saying don't buy a KMG. If that's whats best for you get it. Im saying for a knifemaker there are better options out there..Check them all out.
 
Just got off the phone with Jose, I am leaning towards his 454. Same as a kmg except it's direct drive and about 400 bucks cheaper. Still waiting to hear back from Bret Mathews and I may give Bader a call. Man I am glad I asked you guys
 
have you considered a Burr King or Hardcore?
yes they are more money
I have an Esteem and Hardcore and I like the Hardcore better and prefer to use that,
just my opinion
 
In my opinion, if you are going to consider the Bader (a great machine) you should also consider the TW90. The TW90 is more expensive than the other grinders, but not when you consider that you get all the attatchments with it, where the other companies charge extra. I think the TW90 is a great value.
 
I love my Esteem grinder, but I don't have experience with others. Brett is a busy guy, but he is fantastic when you have any concerns or questions.
 
J. Hoffman said:
In my opinion, if you are going to consider the Bader (a great machine) you should also consider the TW90. The TW90 is more expensive than the other grinders, but not when you consider that you get all the attatchments with it, where the other companies charge extra. I think the TW90 is a great value.
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What extra attachments do you get with the tw-90? It does look like a good grinder but I can get the pheer with a 1.5 hp motor, variable speed, platen, 14" wheel, tool rest and small wheel attachment and wheel for 2000. That's 1500 cheaper than the tw-90, and it includes the small wheel. I dunno am I missing something?
 
Tkrocky said:
What extra attachments do you get with the tw-90? It does look like a good grinder but I can get the pheer with a 1.5 hp motor, variable speed, platen, 14" wheel, tool rest and small wheel attachment and wheel for 2000. That's 1500 cheaper than the tw-90, and it includes the small wheel. I dunno am I missing something?
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TW 90 rotates for horizontal grinding out of the box. That's a nice option.
 
^^ I have a Pheer 427, 2hp motor, VFD, Small wheel attachments, and a custom workrest....all for about $100 less thatn it would have cost for a Wilmont. I ended up making a hinged baseplate to mount the grinder that allows me to tip it horizontally....all in was about $50 in raw materials. Go Pheer and don't look back:-) Jose is great to work with, kept me up to speed on the build progress, and makes a helluva grinder!!

11381005_688171157955155_1082530782_n.jpg
 
Just a thought the best way Ive been able to get hold of Matt at esteem is to call him. Hes pretty busy so it may take a time or two. Good service, great grinder..Just a thought.
 
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