KMG - Which configuration for a newbie?

B

blacktails

Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
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I need some advice. I'm thinking about buying a grinder for general home use and to also give knife making a try, if not now, then later on. I'd like to try my hand at fixed blades in the various hunter styles, at least at first. For the grinder, I'm leaning mainly toward going with the KMG (but possibly a Coote). Funds allowing, it'll be the KMG.

What all would I need to order for a good, recommended configuration of the KMG that will meet my needs and get me started and comfortably equipped? I don't want to buy now and then 6-12 months later wish I had ordered different components. A recommended purchase list from any KMG owners would be really helpful to me.

Secondly, just thinking waaay ahead, if it turns out I enjoy making knives and gain some skill at it, what upgrades or accessories for the KMG should I be considering then? Thanks in advance.
 
Rob has all kinds of accessories for the machines he makes; they can be added as you acquire new skills.
The eight inch wheel and platen are a good start as Sam suggest.

Buy the KMG, even if you have to wait a little longer. You will not be sorry.

Fred
 
Save a little more and get the KMG. I use the step pulleys on mine and when I got it I had Rob switch out the top wheel on the platen with a 2" contact wheel. Get the 8" package and add to it as your skills increase.One thing about the KMG you can usually get your money out of it if you ever decide to sell it.
Stan
 
Save for the KMG, as all the others have said you will not be sorry. I agree also with the platen, with a 2" contact wheel. Then an 8" wheel. Then as you can afford add to the attachments. I have platen, 8", 4", 2", Small wheel attachment with .75 1.0 and 1.5. I just ordered the Rotary Platen, and will be ordering the 14" in the future. It is a never ending habit. Also the variable speed is really great but you can live with a step pulley system if you absolutely have to. Just make sure you get at least a 2hp. Not too much more and the power makes a huge difference. If you really want a monster get a 5hp:eek::D:eek:
 
Great sounding advice. It really helps to have this kind of input from you guys.

8" wheel
2" wheel
platen
variable speed
2hp motor minimum

As for the motor, will 2hp just barely be enough, or would I be wiser to get something larger, like maybe a 3hp?

Also, my garage currently only has 110v outlets. Does that limit my options? Can I still do a variable speed setup?
 
blacktails said:
As for the motor, will 2hp just barely be enough, or would I be wiser to get something larger, like maybe a 3hp?

Also, my garage currently only has 110v outlets. Does that limit my options? Can I still do a variable speed setup?
Click to expand...

I think that 2 hp is plenty, as I have not been able to stall mine.

IIRC, the 110v motors are either 1 or 1.5 hp. You can still get a variable speed setup with these.
 
i started witha flat platten and VFD (got it used )
but found i really only use abuot 3 speeds anyhow
mine is a 2hp and then i got the 2 inch top wheel for the platten
later i got tthe small wheel atc. with .75 inch wheeel (remamber to run that slower as it will burn the bearings up faster then the other wheels)
got a used 10 inch at a good price then added the 5 inch poly (wanted to see how i liked the 5 inch ) the poly is holding up jsut fine grinding razors
 
There is no substitute for HP. I run a 3 hp with pulleys and the six inch drive wheel retrofit. It sounds like a jet coming down the runway. Sweeeet!

Fred
 
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