KMG vs Polar Bear Forge grinder in a box

BMK

BMK

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There is a big difference in price between the two that appear to be similar in design. Do they perform equally as well? thanks in advance - Jeff aka BMK
 
The GIB will only be as good as your ability to put it together and the wheels you use. KMG is top quality all the way.

Both are great machines and I'm about done with my GIB. I like that I can buy a piece at a time
Jason
 
Yup, a huge difference between the two is your ability to assemble the GIB. Tapping, countersinking holes etc. Your cost savings is because of your labor.
Search the past posts by Unky Gumby. He detailed out his process with his GIB build very well. With a new TEFC 1.5-2 Hp motor, VFD, Quality wheels etc, the GIB seems to run around 1,200 dollars completed.
I'm starting a GIB build, entirely because I have more time than money, and can pay cash for it over time.
 
I got the KMG because of two things.

1. I am not very good at putting stuff like that together. I actually had a thread asking what size bolts to use on the KMG because I wasn't sure.

2. The GIB is going to cost you less but for me the price difference was worth getting the KMG.

I don't have a nice drill press (my hf would probably be fine) or a tapping setup like you need for it. After research it still sounded like KMG was the way to go for most of the parts too, the contact wheels, etc. When you price them seperately they really add up! You can save a lot on the KMG by getting a different motor but I have to say I am very impressed with the 2hp 46 pound motor that came with mine. I use the 3 speed pulley setup which works great for me.
 
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If you are good with building things and scrounging parts, the GIB will be cheaper and you will have the fun of building it. Both aspects which worked out well for me, since I did not have the scratch for a KMG anyway. If I did, I'd probably have bought the KMG.

I'm good at finding motors and wheels. With a little modification or none if you're lucky, you can get most of your own parts together and cut cost a LOT from what it would be if you bought everything new or from the normal channels.

If you have access to a shop with a metal lathe, you can turn your own wheels (except for the contacts) I did, even buying the stock and bearings new you save.

In many areas, surplus or used 3 phase motors can be had free or for a song if you look. Many industrial machines will have them, people either never use the machine or they swap out for a 1 phase motor since almost no one will have 3 phase service residentially. I got a 3phase 2hp. Leeson, c-face mount, 1725 rpm, used in nice shape for $75 off of Ebay recently.

I used a Teco FM50 VFD on my grinder, actually it now powers two grinders, a 3hp and a 2hp. It's very good with some precautions, and costs less than the KBAC that many use.

I should say that I did not buy a GIB, I used the plans with modification to fab mine. But the principle is the same, for some the option to build instead of buy is the more feasible way to go, not to mention enjoyable.

Edited to add: thanks for posting that, fluidsteel. And right as I was typing... I love belt grinders, if I was rich, I would have an immense grinding room with 2 or 3 examples of all types, including some Euro brands. It would be a shrine to belt grinding, except all would be welcome, nay compelled, to make dust in there.
 
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I like the GIB kit. I am pretty cheap when it comes down to it. But the grinder kit isn't "cheap" just inexpensive. I finished it with a new 2hp 3ph motor from ebay, teco fm50 vfd, wheels from sunray, and came in around $800. I still have some final finishing for the work rest and platen but it is totally worth it in my opinion. I rushed putting it together and had to fix a few things but I now know just how to tweak it to work for me.
 
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