KMG vs Wilmont TAG-100 Grinder comparison

BMK

BMK

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Very similar design. I like the 3 tooling arm slots on the Wilmont which might also be easier to mount on a hinged plate so the grinder can rotate 90 degrees. What are your thoughts? Is one better than the other?
 
Paul,
I've used a KMG and only seen the Wilmont. The 3 tooling arm slots make the Wilmont a bit more flexible. I've seen KMG's on a hinged surface for horizontal grinding, Beaumont also makes a dedicated horizontal grinder. I don't know anything about Wilmont's customer service but Beaumont is considered the gold standard in customer service for knifemaking equipment.
 
The Wilmont is much more similar to the Bader in my opinion. The KMG is loosely based on the BIII. I don't have anything bad to say about any of the grinders, but the price on the Wilmont is not attractive to me since it's not coming with a motor or accessories. For 1500 bucks I'd like to get a motor or a contact, but neither is offered by them, even as an add-on. A low-end BIII will run an extra hundred bucks but comes much more complete. Without the motor, you can buy a KMG with a contact wheel and a platen for less than $1000. For $1700 you'll be setup with a VFD as well.
 
The muli-position tool rest is key to Wilmont's versatility. I bet there is a way to engineer a more versatile tool rest for the KMG. I like the fact that the KMG is the traditional choice and ordered one today. Rigging a swing plate for the KMG is an easy fix. Thanks for your comments.
 
I forgot about the MAP arm, I've seen one used... purty slick. I remember when there was a huge argument about if using a tool rest violated "hand made knife" principles. :D
 
The MAP arm is pretty cool. Hadn't gotten one, but it would simplify a few things - especially if it would go to 12.5 degrees!
 
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...on-to-EERF-GIB-grinder?highlight=gib pictures

Lol, I don't want to resurrect that discussion, but a tool rest being used wouldn't affect my opinion of being handmade. :D

There's also this mod that works on Jamie at Polar Bear Forge's GIB grinder. Jamie has a version of this that he will sell to go with his grinder kit. Jamie said the MAP Arm will also work as is on the current GIB kit.
I have my GIB mostly built. Welded up, and tapped and threaded. Just waiting for my 1.5 Hp motor and VFD that shipped from Wayne Coe today.
For me, being able to buy the parts over time and save some money building it myself was a factor.
 
Thanks for the info on the current GIB kit. I was looking at buying a second grinder.

Based on my experience with the MAP arm (purely my opinion, I own one) I would not buy one. I think the tool rest shown on the green grinder on the Polar Bear Forge completed page looks like a good deal and pretty easy to construct.

David Sharp
Sharpwerks
 
I just bought a Wilmont 101 grinder at the Blade Show in Atlanta. The Wilmont is the tops in versatility and quality, There is no question about that.
And Chris is an awesome guy who works with you to get the most out of the grinder with his tips and youtube videos.
I was not interested in building a grinder. I just wanted to get going with it and I am soooooo happy with the Wilmont.
You get what you pay for. I didn't want the centerpiece of my shop to be a grinder that I would have to tweak, fix, and alter in order for it to work well.
The Wilmont 101 with variable speed is supper smooth and extremely adaptable to your needs.
If you can afford a high quality grinder, that is ready to put to work, this is it.
I am extremely pleased.
See picture at link below.
bestpicn.jpg

Shot at 2012-08-08
 
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I also think that the Wilmont is possibly the best looking grinder out there. Blarmy it just looks good.
 
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