Hello, folks, I'm new here, returning to knifemaking after a long layoff. I have a question regarding the Beaumont Metalworks knife grinder. Mr. Frink suggested I ask you folks:

Do any of you have experience with both an KMG-1 and a Bader II such that you could compare them for relative effiency of the platen for flat grinding, especially belt stability so you can cut a good ricasso. I replaced the crown on my Bader II so it tracks better, but I've never really been able to get a good hang of that platen for flat grinding.

Also , do any KMG1 users have it direct mounted to the shaft without pulley to a VS DC motor?

I'm grateful for any opinions. Thanks.

mikefitz

Can't help with your comparisons but am glad you have decided to start making knives again. We need as many makers as possible.

Welcome to the forum and welcome back to knifemaking.

rob does good work he is a good machinest and his grinders from what I have read by the pros who do it for a living
have sold all ther old grinder and get a KMG.
It is a heavy grinders and will stand up to along life of knife making.He has done some work in the past and did an excellent job he also made me a 9 inch disc for me to try out.
the grinder is belt drives which I think is better than dirrect
drive the belt drive grinders runs smoother and you do not get
much belt vibration.I don't think you will not go wrong with it.
nathan

Thanks for welcome and thanks for advice. I am ordering the 9" disc tomorrow.

mikefitz

I built my own using the basic layout of the Bader and Ron's design. It works like a charm and tracks like a dream. Ron made the idler and contact wheel for me and both are flawless and smooth. Here is a link to the thread with some pictures of the grinder.I have a flat platten for the grinder that is not shown in the pictures and am currently working on a small wheel attachment.
pub42.ezboard.com/fcustom...D=37.topic (http://pub42.ezboard.com/fcustomknifedirectoryforumfrm6.showMessage?topicID =37.topic)
Hope it helps some.
Mike

Mike I like your grinder and Frinks and well yes a bader III too. I was wondering is your grinder frame and all aluminum or is it just the pictures?

What did it cost to get your metal cut at the machine shop approximately?

Thanks

The frame is all aluminum. As far as the actual cost I really couldn't tell you. I lucked out and the guy who owns the shop traded me the raw material and cut it to size for me for a knife. I did all of the layout,drilling, milling. tapping and assembly myself. If I had to guess I would think that there is about $100 to $150 worth of aluminum. It is all made of 6061 T-6 aircraft grade stock and I am sure it will outlast me.
Mike

Thanks, again, guys, for the info and opinions

These forums are a wonderful addition to the knifemaking world. The acquisition of good info at "network" speed is remakable comopared to the learning curve 20 years ago.

It feels good to be back.

mikefitz