Need quick Bader III feedback!!!

T

Travis Fry

Joined
Jun 11, 2010
Messages
489
I've been planning to get a KMG after much research, and just came across a mega-killer-awesome deal on a Bader III ($1650 for a 2hp @@V variable speed with 8 and 2 inch wheels, belts, mounting plate, flat platen...). I expect to have to move quickly to get it. Can anyone give any feedback on these? Pros and cons? Should I spring for it or keep waiting? Is this as good a deal as it appears?
 
I've never used a kmg but I do have a bader III and I love it. The knifemaker that I went to for help when I was first starting out has 3 bader III belt grinders. He has been making knives for 16 years so I figured if they were good enough for him they are good enough for me. Plus I was already very familiar with the grinder before I got mine, because I used one every week when I went to his shop.
 
You'd better buy that one, while you can. Cuz, I guarantee somebody else will.

I paid $1000 for mine, over 10 years ago, and I only got the single speed motor and flat platen. I got no wheels, belts, etc... Them contact wheels are easily a couple hundred each and the variable speed control is a lot of money, too.
 
Do it. That is a heck of a machine. The cost of a KMG will look a lot like that without some of the accessories.
 
I have one. It will be hard to best that price. I paid $1000 for mine and another $750 for vfd and motor. I would buy it if it were here. Jess
 
Get him to run if for you.

Turn it on twist the variable speed knob and make sure it works

Then pay
 
I have a knock-off of the bader bIII made by Riverside Machine. Great machine. I have used BIII's in original form, too. they are fine things.
kc
 
Sorry I missed your call last night. Call me after 1:00 today. Looks like mostly positive feedback over here, mixed on knifedogs. Probably a good deal, but that's KMG money as well.
 
Thanks for the feedback guys. I talked to the guy with the grinder yesterday to get more details, and then priced out the identical setup from Rob Fink. Apples to apples, the Bader III will cost me $1650 + $13 for a new tension spring (the original is gone, new one is too weak). The new KMG will cost me about $2200 including shipping (the Bader is local), plus I have to set it up. I'll have to wire an outlet for 220V in either case, but I can do that.

Price being equal I'd chose the KMG. The price difference here is material, however, and I'm not sure the incremental cost comes with corresponding incremental benefit. I know I'd be happy using either, as both would be a vast improvement over my current grinder.

Any more feedback from anyone?
 
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If you need more opinions on whether or not to buy the Bader, you need to be whopped with a knotted plowline(Josey Wales reference). :D

JUST BUY THE DANG GRINDER!
 
I have not used a Bader much, but they run every bit as good as my KMG and it has the advantage of direct drive...I would jump on it.
 
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