I was just on his site again. It really does look to be the best built of them all IMO. I really like the package deal of the AMK but it appears that any add on would have to be an AMK or it'll need serious tweeking.Call George at NR. Best customerservice and he actually listens to his customers.
Ok, so I'm pumping the brakes. I was interested in the Esteem package in the classifieds but it literally sold the day I decided to buy it. I've emailed Pheer, AMK, and Esteem and plan on calling Northridge today. I've got 3k budget for tools I can use. My plan is to buy a grinder and spend 2k max for now plus a small wheel set. I've been making finger groves with files for too long and screwed up many a blade with a disc grinder removing as much steel as possible to cut down on finger grove filing.
My skills have improved a lot in 8 years, but I'll be in a sense, starting all over with a 2x72. I also need a new propane forge and I'll be building my own. My knives have been made of L6 and 1095 and 1084. I've been able to heat treat succesfly to within desired hardness after many a hard learned lesson. My band saw is crap, so ivebeen looking to upgrade as well. Basically, I'm trying to move from a hobbyist who gives away knives to friends and family, to begin selling. In all the years I've painted, I could never bring myself to sell one.
Working and creating art, be it, a sculpture, carving, a painting or a knife, I've always had a very personal attachment to the end product. So, I'm looking to challenge myself by seeing if I can sell my knives and wasn't comfortable with my talent until now. Hence, the sudden spark and motivation to upgrade my little shop. I think many of you would understand. So I'll slow down and listen to those who've walked the path I'm about to embark on.
Thank you all for taking the time to respond. I've read about several hours worth of threads, reviews and watched many videos on different grinders since deciding on what I perceived to be a safe bet in a KMG. I've changed my mind. It was a sudden burst of energy and excitement in deciding to jump into the fire, I think many of you know how I feel.
Ok, so I'm pumping the brakes. I was interested in the Esteem package in the classifieds but it literally sold the day I decided to buy it. I've emailed Pheer, AMK, and Esteem and plan on calling Northridge today. I've got 3k budget for tools I can use. My plan is to buy a grinder and spend 2k max for now plus a small wheel set. I've been making finger groves with files for too long and screwed up many a blade with a disc grinder removing as much steel as possible to cut down on finger grove filing.
My skills have improved a lot in 8 years, but I'll be in a sense, starting all over with a 2x72. I also need a new propane forge and I'll be building my own. My knives have been made of L6 and 1095 and 1084. I've been able to heat treat succesfly to within desired hardness after many a hard learned lesson. My band saw is crap, so ivebeen looking to upgrade as well. Basically, I'm trying to move from a hobbyist who gives away knives to friends and family, to begin selling. In all the years I've painted, I could never bring myself to sell one.
Working and creating art, be it, a sculpture, carving, a painting or a knife, I've always had a very personal attachment to the end product. So, I'm looking to challenge myself by seeing if I can sell my knives and wasn't comfortable with my talent until now. Hence, the sudden spark and motivation to upgrade my little shop. I think many of you would understand. So I'll slow down and listen to those who've walked the path I'm about to embark on.
Thank you all for taking the time to respond. I've read about several hours worth of threads, reviews and watched many videos on different grinders since deciding on what I perceived to be a safe bet in a KMG. I've changed my mind. It was a sudden burst of energy and excitement in deciding to jump into the fire, I think many of you know how I feel.
Those machines usually aren't sealed to the standards necessary for a dedicated metal shop. There's a strong possibility that, should your productivity increase, it'll eat itself. I think you also might find that EVERYTHING becomes much easier on a better machine. Using something because you have it ceases to be relevant when you have something that achieves the same end result better.
You've waited until now. What's another month?
There's so many things wrong with the KMG regardless of whether it tracks/runs well or not compared to newer designs. Not wrong I guess, but dated. A single tool arm slot? No provision for a gas spring? Short tension arm? Tool arm slot mounted on two edges rather than making up an entire bulkhead of support?
I can make anything I want and there's nothing about a KMG I would even copy other than the platen hole spacing and platen arm hole/arc slot spacing. It's not designed to be a great grinder. It's designed to be easily manufactured from cold rolled barstock.
Back in the day the KMG was king and considered the best.
This is touch of revisionist history, man. The KMG was never considered 'the best'. It was the alternative that provided lots of flexibility without the expense. It was what most guys could afford, and allowed a variety of motor options to keep that expense down, where Bader and Burr King were still the high water marks. Back then, you could get a KMG with a single speed motor (so, three speeds with the pulley configuration), a platen and a wheel for just about what a Wilton Square wheel cost. Bader, Burr King, and newcomer Hardcore were a LOT more expensive.
When did the gas springs start showing up on grinders. When I built my stainless steel grinder I felt I was somewhat original by swapping the coil spring with a sealed gas spring. I built my grinder with a gas spring in aug 2009.
I also think the KMG is behind the times compared to what is for sale. Back in the day the KMG was king and considered the best. But now I feal its fallen behind especially considered the price. I love direct drive and will be building another grinder in the future. Don't get me wrong I love my KMG clone but I built every part and it's as perfect as I could make it back in the day