Simple KMG work rest modification

Raymond Richard · Jul 19, 2006

Back in January Wayne Goddard was over and looked at my new KMG Grider. One thing he said was it would sure be nice if the work rest would pivot out of the way. Up untill today I've just been using one bolt in the second hole of the tooling arm and I was able to pivot it somewhat but there were still times that I just had to remove it when I was grinding my blades. Just a few minutes ago I took another look at it and found a real simple fix. I just ground a radius on the inside corner of the fastening bar of the work rest and it will pivot 180 degrees and is now out of the way.

John Frankl · Jul 19, 2006

I am having a hard time envisioning this, but I am "envisioning-challenged"

What I and others have done is this:

First, either cut off the very end of or mill out to the very end the tool rest fastening bar. This allows it to be slid in and out without ever removing the bolts.

Second, use the same bolt (don't know the name but it has a handle at a right angle to the bolt) that Rob uses to adjust the tool arm in and out. It is the same 3/8' size, but you can loosen/tighten it by hand rather than using a wrench.

These two things make everything a lot quicker/easier.

John

rashid11 · Jul 19, 2006

Goddard is very fond of these pivoting rests, he mentions it at least one of his books, complete with a picture. It is a definite time saver.

gspam1 · Jul 19, 2006

Mr. Richard, can you take a picture of what you've done?

Thanks,

George

Raymond Richard · Jul 20, 2006

You know I was just out taking pictures of knives and ment to take a picture of the work rest but forgot. I'll take one in the morning if I don't forget.

Raymond Richard · Jul 20, 2006

Here's a picture of the modification. Heck you can even use your KMG to grind it.

gspam1 · Jul 21, 2006

Excellent, thank you very much!

George

Peter Atwood · Jul 21, 2006

Oh, now that is just brilliant!

I have been using a large Vise Grip C clamp to quickly pop mine on and off. This sounds like a much better solution, especially when combined with a threaded knob to tighten and loosen the thing.

Also, I stick a block of wood in between the arm and the work rest bracket to lower the whole thing and give me more working room on the platen. Now it looks like I will make a metal block to do the same.