Pheer PH427 or a KMG 3 Speed?

J

jaymeister99

Joined
Sep 14, 2010
Messages
819
I've finally got enough saved up for a higher end grinder.

But I'm torn here. I was leaning toward a Pheer 427, good price and its variable speed. But then I hear great things about the KMG.

The KMG 3 speed and the Pheer 427 run about the same price (with a 10" wheel and platen attachment).

Which should I go with???
 
I have had the Pheer for almost a month now and I love it. No regrets at all. The money I saved I bought plenty of belts and steel. The 1hp direct drive has plenty of power for me. If you have any questions you can PM me.
Tim
 
Timbear said:
I have had the Pheer for almost a month now and I love it. No regrets at all. The money I saved I bought plenty of belts and steel. The 1hp direct drive has plenty of power for me. If you have any questions you can PM me.
Tim
Click to expand...

I was just about ready to pull the trigger on the Pheer until I saw this Esteem. Now I think it will be either an Esteem or Pheer, the KMG might be out.
 
I'm interested in this. Im going to be buying a grinder come spring and have it narrowed down to the KMG, Pheer, and Esteem. Here's what I've figured out. The Pheer is the most cost efficient set up the same as the Esteem but the Esteem seems to be heavier built and better finished. The KMG has the most attachments from the factory and is pretty much the standard. By going KMG I would loose variable speed and cost as much as the Esteem. All have good reviews. All seem to work fine and be higher end units. Im kinda thinking just get the Pheer and spend the money saved on belts.
 
gixxer1237 said:
Im kinda thinking just get the Pheer and spend the money saved on belts.
Click to expand...

That's exactly what I was thinking with the Pheer, plan on spending the leftover money on some other stuff. And the Pheer is variable for roughly the same price as the KMG. But now that darn Esteem has me thinking again. Really nice for just a wee bit more, and its variable speed too.
 
And that's the dilemma. But for the cost of the Esteem I could get a Pheer and a small wheel attachment and ceramic platten. I'm generally a buy once cry once guy though so nothings out at this point.
 
Something else to consider. My pheer came with 2 tool arms one for the platen and one for the wheel no extra charge. Not sure if the other grinders do... Not trying to knock the other grinders they are heavy duty and built really well ,but bang for the buck I think the Pheer is hard to beat. IMHO
 
You might want to consider the quality, longevity, reputation (etc) of the producers as well as that of the machines. For me that is often as important, if not more.

Also, does the lower cost Pheer package come with the NEMA4 VFD like Brett's, or does a NEMA4 one cost extra?
 
Phil Dwyer said:
You might want to consider the quality, longevity, reputation (etc) of the producers as well as that of the machines. For me that is often as important, if not more.

Also, does the lower cost Pheer package come with the NEMA4 VFD like Brett's, or does a NEMA4 one cost extra?
Click to expand...

It comes with the exact same VFD, a KBAC-27D. Its included in the price.
 
Last edited:
Timbear said:
Something else to consider. My pheer came with 2 tool arms one for the platen and one for the wheel no extra charge. Not sure if the other grinders do... Not trying to knock the other grinders they are heavy duty and built really well ,but bang for the buck I think the Pheer is hard to beat. IMHO
Click to expand...

Here's the biggest pluses/minuses for these IMO:
Pheer -Costs less. Comes with a platen and a 10" wheel for around $1475. Not as solid as the competitors.
Esteem -Built solid, quiet, great work rest, compatible with Bader accessories. A bit more expensive, around $1600+(?), wheel (or platen) doesn't come in the package.

For me the final question is simply what I can get for the money. The Pheer will give me a wheel and a platen, and i'll have a bit more money to put towards other accessories. The Esteem has less that comes with it for the money. But IMO its a much better built machine, which for me goes a long way.
 
Brett is a member here, shoot him a pm. You wont be disappointed with the esteem, he has been selling quite a few in the metal fab sector locally. He is a friend and one hell of a guy, who takes pride in everything that comes out of his shop! He just purchased a Bridgeport cnc mill, to help in production.
There is dedicated thread in knifemakers supply, or here in shoptalk?
Greg
 
I have one of the original pheer grinders. Been using it for nearly 2 years. Jose has great customer service, personally helps you when you need it. Not only is his grinder very good, priced right, it works. All at a value price. I could not be happier with it. If you want to talk about it PM me and I will give you my cell number. And no I get no commission. Just like my unit and how easy it works. Jose also at my request included an extra tool bar at no charge. My friend Fred had a spare small wheel adapter from USA Knifemakers Supply which he gave me. I got a 3/4" small wheel for. Second best thing I did..
 
KMG allll the way. Its the only thing in my shop that I feel warm and fuzzy every time I see it and I know it will out last me
 
The Pheer doesn't seem to me to be in the same ball park build quality wise as the Esteem or KMG..
Personally I used a Wilmont little buddy frame then bought materials to make my own arms and rests using KMG dimensions with Nathan's flat and radius KMG platens ....
I think the Esteem is damn hard to beat out of the box personally ...
 
I dont think you can go wrong with either grinder. The pheer does look bare bones in its simplicity and might not be as pretty but after using it I definitely dont think its under built. It runs smooth, quiet and is powerful enough for me... Happy grinding whichever one you choose. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top