New KMG machine

Those are all fine machines, but I once again recommend a very close look at that T-90
. You can get the surface grinder atatchment later.
Frank
 
At this point, the KMG design is probably up for a re-think. There are tons of new designs that are comparably priced, built better, and offer more versatility and features. Also, they likely have better customer service. My KMG has been nothing but a headache, and since offering a fix for some of the issues I've heard from tons of folks complaining of similar issues. I think, if you manage to get a good machine, you're good to go, and it'll be a battleship. If you don't... well, I hope you're good at creative thinking and problem solving, because you'll be on your own to correct things.

I can't stress this enough - find people that have grinders, and see if they'll get you time behind them. Get some experience!!! Find out what the owners like and don't like.

If I had the money, the TW-90 is still my current 'most wanted'

I'm eying the Northridge machine, too. I saw it at Blade last year, but I don't think their setup was secure enough to properly demonstrate it, so I'm going to try and give them another look.

Wilmont's grinders appear to be well received, as does the Esteem grinder. I have very limited space in my shop, though, so if a machine isn't capable of swinging horizontally, it doesn't make my list.

Drew Riley's machine (ARCustomKnives here on BF) looks to be a sweet device, as well.

I've never heard anyone complain about Bader machines, and their customer service is top notch.

My observations are merely my observations, btw. I'm hardly an expert at any of this shit, I just know what I've seen and what I like, or don't like. Good luck! Hope this helps.
 
The last 10 years have seen some great design innovations and at the top of my wish list is the TW-90. My 2 KMG's as Matt stated drove me crazy killing bugs, but have done what was required. VFD are pricey but I like the convenience PERIOD. The ability to rotate horizontal from vertical is worth its price of admission compared to the price of a dedicated horizontal machine when you are short on space.
 
Matthew Gregory said:
At this point, the KMG design is probably up for a re-think. There are tons of new designs that are comparably priced, built better, and offer more versatility and features. Also, they likely have better customer service. My KMG has been nothing but a headache, and since offering a fix for some of the issues I've heard from tons of folks complaining of similar issues. I think, if you manage to get a good machine, you're good to go, and it'll be a battleship. If you don't... well, I hope you're good at creative thinking and problem solving, because you'll be on your own to correct things.

I can't stress this enough - find people that have grinders, and see if they'll get you time behind them. Get some experience!!! Find out what the owners like and don't like.

If I had the money, the TW-90 is still my current 'most wanted'

I'm eying the Northridge machine, too. I saw it at Blade last year, but I don't think their setup was secure enough to properly demonstrate it, so I'm going to try and give them another look.

Wilmont's grinders appear to be well received, as does the Esteem grinder. I have very limited space in my shop, though, so if a machine isn't capable of swinging horizontally, it doesn't make my list.

Drew Riley's machine (ARCustomKnives here on BF) looks to be a sweet device, as well.

I've never heard anyone complain about Bader machines, and their customer service is top notch.

My observations are merely my observations, btw. I'm hardly an expert at any of this shit, I just know what I've seen and what I like, or don't like. Good luck! Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
I got a KMG about 7 months ago. I haven't had any issues with it but don't use it every day. What have been the issues you have ran into that I should be aware of?

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
 
You guys can't imagine how helpful you have been. I have been looking on the internet at so many different units my head spins, LOL. I agree with most, I would rather buy good once than buy something and spend my time setting it up over and over.
After more research, I understand why more hp is desirable to get the low speed torque necessary to keep the belt moving, and VS was always a requirement.
I really like the looks of TW90 and Northridge units and your recommendations have been great.
There a some others yet to look at but those two are top of my list at the moment.
Thanks again and please don't hesitate to share your opinions.
Best wishes.
 
There have been a variety of issues, but I'll bet a quick search of "KMG" and "vibration" will turn up results. I had a lot of issues, but the biggest one was horrific vibration due to the pulleys. A friend of mine made a direct drive conversion kit for me, and he's sold quite a few to guys looking with similar issues.

Here's my thread about it:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1351035-Converting-a-KMG-to-direct-drive


TG custom blades said:
I got a KMG about 7 months ago. I haven't had any issues with it but don't use it every day. What have been the issues you have ran into that I should be aware of?

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
 
as was stated KMG if its working right now will keep on going till barrings need replaced or platens. i love my tank KMG but might look into that northridge a bit closer. depends on what tooling i can use on it (im gettign na base no motor no matter what grinder i get)
 
Matthew Gregory said:
There have been a variety of issues, but I'll bet a quick search of "KMG" and "vibration" will turn up results. I had a lot of issues, but the biggest one was horrific vibration due to the pulleys. A friend of mine made a direct drive conversion kit for me, and he's sold quite a few to guys looking with similar issues.

Here's my thread about it:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1351035-Converting-a-KMG-to-direct-drive
Click to expand...
Matthew, thank you for that information that is very helpful.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
 
Matthew Gregory said:
At this point, the KMG design is probably up for a re-think. There are tons of new designs that are comparably priced, built better, and offer more versatility and features. Also, they likely have better customer service. My KMG has been nothing but a headache, and since offering a fix for some of the issues I've heard from tons of folks complaining of similar issues. I think, if you manage to get a good machine, you're good to go, and it'll be a battleship. If you don't... well, I hope you're good at creative thinking and problem solving, because you'll be on your own to correct things.

I can't stress this enough - find people that have grinders, and see if they'll get you time behind them. Get some experience!!! Find out what the owners like and don't like.

If I had the money, the TW-90 is still my current 'most wanted'

I'm eying the Northridge machine, too. I saw it at Blade last year, but I don't think their setup was secure enough to properly demonstrate it, so I'm going to try and give them another look.

Wilmont's grinders appear to be well received, as does the Esteem grinder. I have very limited space in my shop, though, so if a machine isn't capable of swinging horizontally, it doesn't make my list.

Drew Riley's machine (ARCustomKnives here on BF) looks to be a sweet device, as well.

I've never heard anyone complain about Bader machines, and their customer service is top notch.

My observations are merely my observations, btw. I'm hardly an expert at any of this shit, I just know what I've seen and what I like, or don't like. Good luck! Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Matthew, I would say that you ARE an expert on KMG grinders considering all of the modifications and adjustments you made to your KMG. In my not so humble opinion the biggest problem with the KMG is the lack of a second tool arm slot followed by it using belts and pulleys rather than direct drive, and having a poor tension spring arrangement rather than a gas piston for belt tension. The tracking adjustment wheel is too small and the tracking arm needs a longer lever. I copied most of the mods that Matt made on his grinder and improved my grinder to the point that I prefer using it to my other newer grinder. If I had it to do over again I would look closely at the Wilmont and the Travis Wuertz TW-90. It is kind of satisfying though to make improvements to your equipment. Just my opinion again. Larry
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The reality of shelling out a pocket full of cash on equipment that you have no experience with is quite sobering!

Looking back I wish that there was a showroom with each different model and all the goodies to test drive them side by side. After years of running my KMG's I got to work on a TW-90 WOW I was shocked by how well thought out the design was and how smooth it operated.
 
I have a KMG & a tw-90. Shortly after getting my kmg 8 years ago I converted it to a direct drive due to noise and vibration. It is very limited as far as tooling arm adjustments, and fact it does not flip horizontal and the small tool arm forks get in the way makes it somewhat limiting. The tw-90 comes with a contact wheel, platen assembly, small wheel assembly, tooling arms for each, a fully articulated tool rest, 2hp motor, variable speed. Every other grinder I have seen charges extra for many of these options. Plus you can add the surface grinding attachment in the future which is invaluable for folders. My only regret about the tw-90 is that I only one of them, (hope to change that soon).
 
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