Question about a grinder

G

Gossman Knives

Edged Toolmaker
Joined
Apr 9, 2004
Messages
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Hello everyone,I'm looking at purchasing a new grinder in the future and was
thinking about the KMG-1 from Koval's and wanted to get opinions from anyone who has one as to how they feel about them. Do they offer a variable speed model or would I have to buy a separate motor for that? Thank you in advance for your input. :)
Scott
 
<chanting>KMG, KMG, KMG, KMG, KMG, KMG, KMG, KMG,</chanting>

Yes buy it!

I sum it up this way: I've seen people switch from other grinders to the KMG, but never heard of any one leaving the KMG for another machine.

You won't get better service or a greater array of knife making related add-ons. I've had Rob (the guy that makes KMGs) build 2 custom platen dealies for me. He's not only willing to do them, but gets excited about new things.

For a motor, the sky's the limit. OK actually your budget is. I have a 2hp DC treatmill motor and am quite satisfied.

Steve
 
It has been said the KMG is a very good grinder.
I have two variable speed 1 1/2 hp Bader B3s and I'm very pleased with them.
I wouldn't trade them for KMGs but if I were in the market I would consider a KMG. Notice I said B3, the older Baders I don't care for one bit. Burr King also makes a good grinder but I like the Bader B3 better.

Don Hanson lll sunfishforge.com
 
I bought a KMG last year and enjoy owning and using it. No complaints at all. Still thinking about the movable belt platen gizmo, but just can't let go of the $400 for it. I do like convex grinds though. I made a "soft" platen form plans that Steve Sando gave me, and it works pretty good, but leaves dimples in the steel. I'm sure it's the way I built it that's causing it. Anyway, I like the KMG. I've never even used a Bader machine, so I can give a comparison, folks love them also.
 
Thanks for the comments so far. ;) Sound like it's a big hit. Is this grinder sold by other knife supply companies? I'd like to get one for the best price by shopping around. Any suggestions would be appreciated :)
Scott
 
You can get it directly from Rob Frink at Beaumont Metal Works - he makes em. He also now sells variable speed power for them. I too use a B3 and love it; but if I was in the market for a new machine it'd be the KMG. Rob's tool rests are far superior to anything else available. I bought the rotary platen a couple years ago and can't imagine living without it now.
 
Yup, Rob's the guy to with. Great guy who builds a good machine.
I run mine with step pulleys for variable speed.
Very smooth running. bruce
 
Thanks guys, I really appreciate your input. Does he have a website or phone number that I can use whenever I'm ready. Don't quite have the funds right now but would like to have the info when I'm ready. Thanks again, Scott :)
 
Thank you !! What a machine!! The wife better hide the kids piggy bank! :D (just kidding) Thank you guys for being so helpful ;)
Scott
 
rhrocker said:
I made a "soft" platen form plans that Steve Sando gave me, and it works pretty good, but leaves dimples in the steel.
Click to expand...


Robert could you explain 'dimples'? I've ground a number of knives and haven't had any trouble. Just wondering what the trouble might be. (BTW that 'japanese' knife I posted was finished with that think. So was this:

mgrind1.jpg


Steve
 
KMG is great, Scott. You'll love it. Var. speed is nice too, if you got the $$.
 
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