Rotary platen updates...more pics

rfrink

rfrink

Joined
Aug 1, 2000
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Most of the testing is completed. This is the latest design for the KMG1. It uses the turret head concept mentioned in the previous discussion.

The head rotates to provide 4+ different positions, each with specific design goals.

This is the small wheel out front position:
Mvc-019.jpg



In this next postion, the attachment has been rotated such that the rollers are spaced far apart for the "softest" contour-ability:
Mvc-018.jpg



Then an intermediate position with the rollers closer together:
Mvc-017.jpg



Then closest together for maximum stiffness of the rotating platen:
Mvc-016.jpg



The attachment has a 3/4" stub-shaft which fits into a split hole on the tooling bar. Similiar to the Square wheel Grinder.
Mvc-024.jpg
This allows for very quick changes in position. (the white lines on the belt is some text...not staples. These belts are molded seamless.)


The rotary belt has adjustable tension by the means of a screw which precisely pulls a movable roller. Once tighten, the movable roller is clamped by a bolt:
Mvc-025.jpg



The same attachment fits the KMG1 and the BaderBIII.
Mvc-022.jpg



Both machines require a special tooling bar with the "split hole" clamping system. This new tooling bar can also be used for a new Rigid Platen assembly that is coming soon....for both machines.
Mvc-023.jpg


I'll have an attachment at the BladeShow and I'm planning to take one to Ron Claiborne's Hammer-In the following week. If you can make it to the Hammer...(Knoxville, Tn. June 8,9) ..you be able to grind with it on the KMG1 and Bader.

The Square Wheel, BurrKing and Hardcore designs are in the works and I hope to have some working protyopes by mid-June.


.....and the last pic:
Mvc-020.jpg



So, that's the latest info....whatta think?

Sincerely,
Rob
 
How about making the single small wheel (pic #1) so you can put a 1/2 3/4 or 1" wheel there for finger notches?
 
looks great rob, i second the ability to chang small wheels as in pic# 1. keep me posted on the hardcore model. also have you had any luck with the mimicking of a hollow grind wheel?
 
Whatever it takes, one of those is going to be in my shop. I ain't kidding. :cool: That's got to be the greatest innovation in belt grinders - ever.

Rob, any production plans?
Dave
 
Rob, like Dave said^, a great innovation. Thanks to Ken onion and yourself.
I think a lot of exiting new things are going to come out of this initial breakthrough. :cool:
 
Bill, I struggled with the small wheel idea for a long time. These rollers are the smallest diameter recommended for the rotary belt. I decided to stay with this diameter so that the over all performance would not be reduced from speed, tension, stiffness and durability issues....all which are aggrivated by the smaller wheel(s). The primary goal was for maximum flat/convex grinding performance...anything else was a nice bonus, if it didn't degrade the performance.

Laurence, There is no hollow grind mimicking with this tool unless you grind on the 2" small wheel end. This tool is intended for flat-to-convex grinding and finishing without the rigid platen "bumping".

Dave, Yes, these are going into production. I've tooled up and I'm ready to run them. Some of the material is on hand and more will be arriving next week. After Blade, I'll get started. Here's the show stopper......these are not cheap (inexpensive). The price for the KMG1 and Bader is $390.00. This includes the attachment and the arm. I hope to have them ready to ship by Mid-June.

Kit, at Blade... I'll be at Koval Knives' tables with the grinders and machinery.

Thank you for the compiments and feedback! Positive...or negative... it is truly appreciated.

Take care,
Rob
 
Would the original design ever be available? It seems like the original one would do everything I need it to do, without buying the additional tooling arm.
 
Great job, Rob. You have taken Ken's concept and rapidly turned it into an advancement to the knifemaking craft. Sign me up for one!
Looking forward to seeing it at Bowie's Hammer In.
 
Rob, outstanding design on the rotary planten. I'll be getting one this fall. (lot's of fish to annoy until then)
 
I'm Blown Away!!! Looks like a great piece of equipment. Real nice design and machine work. Two thumbs (I still have 'em) up.
 
Rob Im realy looking forward seeing this new addition to your products , very nice idea
cant wait to try it out, thanks for making it available at the hammer -in
thanks and all are invited to be here and try it for themselves
Bowie
 
Rob, that's less than I expected it would be, I'll contact you mid-summer. This thing is fantastic.

Dave
 
I have two of these units.
They are fantastic. There overbuilt, and precise like Robs grinders.
I use the RP to finish everyday.
This unit saves mucho dollars in belts and time.
The finish is excellent when compared to a flat platen.
They feel like a hollow grinding wheel on blades. Its like they track the groove.
Thanks goes out to Rob and Ken Onion for the great piece of equipment.

Ken mentioned spliting the rubber belt and the sanding belt to get into tight spots. Thats next for me .
 
Lets see now - ron must have a bunch of trained hamsters all running in a cage hooked up to a generator set to provide the power to the machine. He lives so far out in the sticks that would be the only way to get the power to it (big grin).
 
Rick,
Yes, you can get the original design for you KMG1. Email me offline...and we'll discuss your specific needs.

-Rob
 
Great job Rob !!! I like it !!! Thanks for bringing this thing to life and accessable to all. I hope to see one in real life soon !
 
I saw it at Blade. Sweet. Got mine on order now and can't wait.
This tool will rewrite flat grinding. Change the back belt tension should allow for a painless appleseed grind.

Now to catch me a UPS truck...Ken
 
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