KMG workrest

[PT Doc]

Just wondering what portion of the MAP arm was less than ideal? Seems like the articulating arms were well thought out. Is it the work rest with all the dedicated cut outs? Would a work rest with a vertical round rod under it allow for better adjustments?

 

[David Sharp]

An articulating work rest for the KMG is one of the next projects on the list. These things take time though. I'll probably have something mid-next year. :thumbup:

The problem is that after Nick told you that the disc were too cheap we won't be able to afford the rest! Kidding of course; If it is anything like your other products I'll sell something to acquire one.

 

[Shawn Hatcher]

An articulating work rest for the KMG is one of the next projects on the list. These things take time though. I'll probably have something mid-next year. :thumbup:

 

[carbonsteel928]

+1 On Shawns succinct response.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

...lol...

 

[SBuzek]

Yeh what he said

 

[Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.]

Rob told me quite a few years back that he would rather not sell a tool rest at all.

A tool rest can be very dangerous to somebody who is careless and/or doesn't understand pinch points.

Burr King quit making the 960 Knife maker's grinder for several years because some bozo had a blade get pinched between the belt/tool rest, and then it launched out into his gut. He then tried to sue Burr King and True Grit (they sold him the grinder).

His fault? Of course! 100%!!! Doesn't change the fact he made the mess that he did.

This is why we can't have nice things. Some idiot always has to ruin it for everyone. There's a small group of people will never accept that certain things are inherently dangerous. I'm hoping no one like that guy buys one of my straight razors, nearly kills himself with it, and then sues me for all I'm worth. Stuff like this keeps me up at night.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

I don't worry much about getting sued. Sure, in this country it could happen. But I always try to be responsible in the things I design (I'll bet y'all didn't know I've designed a lot of endoscopic surgical implements, grinders don't scare me much), that and you can't squeeze blood out of a turnip.

And I own a nice deep creek bed...

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I cannot recommend the MAAP arm; it's essentially worthless.

 

[Jeremy Barnard]

I'm working on a tool rest myself. Hopefully it will serve all my needs.

I cannot recommend the MAAP arm; it's essentially worthless.

What don't ya like about it?

 

[David Sharp]

I can only speak about mine. It was very sloppily built I had to make and tighten up a few parts to make it useable. IIRC I could not set a .187 x 2 x 36" bar of O1 on it without it drooping. The transaction was not the smoothest either. I was on my way into the hospital to start chemo again and by the time I discovered all the problems it was easier to fix it.

Like most things I buy (except for Nathan's stuff) I modified/fixed it and use it in a neutered state to make two products.

 

[David Wesner]

I'll bet y'all didn't know I've designed a lot of endoscopic surgical implements,

No, I didn't know that.

But at 52 yrs. old now, I just recently had my first Dr. Recommended check-up for colon cancer.

Sooooo, I've finally found the guy I need to deal with :grumpy:

fwiw Nathan, you Never cease to amaze me !

Tell Jo I say hey, & that my Jo says hi to your Jo
Confusing ....... I know

 

[David Wesner]

Didn't mean to get side tracked on the OP.

Being a member of the ABS has it's privledges, one of them being, getting help from some of the best Bladesmiths in the world.

One of those guys, MS Steve Culver has created a page on his website dedicated to jigs, fixtures and tips that he's come up with specifically related to the KMG Grinder.
Ironically one of them being what he calls a clip grinding attachment. Basically a tilt-able workrest for the KMG. Simple to make - simple to use.

Steve is not only a great guy who will graciously help you with anything related to knifemaking, he's also just a heckuva nice guy !!

Here's a link to his KMG Grinder Jigs and Attachments website page - First go to his homepage, check out his knives, maybe even order or buy one . They're excellent !!
Then go back and check out what he's come up with in regards to the KMG attachments that you can make, to help create the masterpieces similar to what you just looked at :thumbup:

Thanks Mr. Culver :thumbup: :thumbup:

 

[Mitchell Knives]

What don't ya like about it?

The MAAP arm is large and heavy, making adjusting it problematic. If found that I spend more time setting it up than using it. The tool rest has a bit of play in it that I can't seem to get rid of regardless of how hard I tighten down the adjustment screw. The build quality isn't very good considering the price.

 

[JGarrison Knives]

The MAAP arm is large and heavy, making adjusting it problematic. If found that I spend more time setting it up than using it. The tool rest has a bit of play in it that I can't seem to get rid of regardless of how hard I tighten down the adjustment screw. The build quality isn't very good considering the price.

Yes, adjustment are made by 3 different tools, which is a hassle. It needs to be made with quick adjustments. I also found there was play in the work rest if the fitment areas weren't kept completely clean and keeping it clean is impossible.

 

[PT Doc]

Sounds like the MAP arm was not a good design and very heavy. There are other good ideas out there between the tw90, wilmont work rests. Tweaking these would likely result in a very goo solid rest.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

Here's a link to his KMG Grinder Jigs and Attachments website page...

Well thanks a lot for making my "Jigs to Build" list even longer David. It's bad enough that I have to put up with that Wheeler fellow doing the same.

Kidding aside, thanks for sharing that and to Steve for all this great info.:thumbup:

 

[NickWheeler]

Great post David! I totally agree about Steve Culver!

I've heard that Steve makes & sells the clip grinding rest to other makers as well.

 

[David Wesner]

Well thanks a lot for making my "Jigs to Build" list even longer David. It's bad enough that I have to put up with that Wheeler fellow doing the same.

Kidding aside, thanks for sharing that and to Steve for all this great info.:thumbup:

My pleasure Patrice Even though my "join date" says 2005, I've been here since the late 90's, first known as Trapperwez. I've seen a LOT of folks come and go on this forum. In fact, I remember when you started posting here Patrice. You and I, among others, have watched folks make their first knife, and progress in their skills to the point where they're now JS & MS makers.

You yourself are making some Awesome, Awesome Blades !

That Wheeler guy aint so bad either Before you know it, his Beautiful new spouse Angie is going to be a better knifemaker than both of us Ouch ! That hurt !! At least on my end


In regards to the Map Arm - I remember when Michael Kanter came up with the idea, made the first ones, and finally, went into production.
One of the coolest guys that used to frequent the "Bladesmiths Questions & Answers" Sub-Forum was a guy we call Fitzo. I love that guy and I miss his presence here. To say he is brilliant would be a tremendous understatement. A chemist by trade, he helped Michael with some of the development of the Map Arm.
One of the first glitches they encountered, was the fact that, when the main tool arm was placed in a position where the 2 main joint bolts were horizontal to the floor, and any significant weight was placed on the work rest, the RH threads would want to loosen. Hence, they replaced the 2 main joints with left hand Acme thread bolts. Now, instead of loosening, the more weight you place on the tool rest, theoretically, the tighter the 2 joint bolts get.

-- Is it heavy and well built ? Yes.

-- Does it sometimes take a bit longer to adjust than some folks likes things to happen - Yes.

-- Does it work well ? Absolutely ! I have one, and although I don't use it every day, when I do, there are few work rests on the market that can be placed in the positions the Map Arm allows for.

It's a solid piece of equipment & over built because of the liability that comes with making power tools or the accessories (like the Map Arm) that work with them.
You can't deny the fact that, in this day and age, when someone who's never worked with power or hand tools, all of a sudden decides they want to make knives?, they're at risk of hurting him or herself.
In many cases, who do they blame if something like that does indeed happen ? Certainly not themselves for doing something stupid, or not learning the safety rules of working with, or around power tools. They blame the power tool maker, or the guy who made a flimsy accessory.

Flimsy, the Map Arm is not.

After an accident that could have been prevented by safe machine tool practices, comes the lawsuit :thumbdn: :thumbdn:

And please, no offense meant to you guys who work a job, maybe an office job, grocery store, whatever, and also have the skills to work with your hands, with power tools, make & fix things after the work day, etc..
There are a whole bunch of guys out there in this category - no doubt about it. So just to be clear, no offense meant.

I thought the Map Arm was taking an excessive beating and decided it was time for another point of view.

Frankly, I like my MAP Arm. YMMV

FWIW, MAP = (Multi Articulated Positioning)

Have a great day guys



:thumbup:

 

[Dan Pierson]

I've also got a MAP arm and find that I don't use it very much because of how heavy and annoying to adjust it is. I'm looking forward to whatever Nathan comes up with.