Horizontal flip designs for KMG or dedicated grinders

JG Custom Metal Works

JG Custom Metal Works

Joined
Nov 27, 2013
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Im looking to either make a horizontal flip system for my KMG or build a dedicated horizontal grinder. I have seen all sorts of different vertical grinder builds and plans, but none for horizontal. There’s gotta be some out there, I’m just not able to find them.

The recent 2x72 grinder thread mentioning the Ameribrade had me thinking of just making my own dedicated grinder. If you’ve seen the Ameribrade grinder you’ll know that it looks insanely simple in its construction.

At the same time, if I was able to do a good flip plate design for my KMG I wouldn’t have to worry about getting a new motor, vfd, or wiring the new motor into my existing vfd.

So if anyone had a flip plate or home made horizontal grinder and could share pics and plans for the build, I’d greatly appreciate it.
 
+1 for flip design info...I've got a GIB type but it's close enough that i could make it work.
 
Yep, the first and most important step for the KMG is the direct drive conversion with VFD. For serious knifemakers I'd go with a dedicated horizontal grinder. They're easy to make and it's so handy to have the horizontal setup ready to use. I have a flip setup on my KMG clone, and it's easy to flip - BUT, I do think I'd use it lots more if it were dedicated. The tool rests are all different, I think it would work "pretty" good to have a fixed speed for the horizontal - it's always used pretty slow.

David (OneArmed) converted his 1X30 grinder to a horizontal using a 1-1/2" drive wheel to slow it down. Added an extension so it would use 72" (48"?) belts and he says it works pretty good.
 
I have the flip plate for my Esteem but never mounted it. I want a dedicated horizontal grinder for sure. I am going to start designing very soon.

There are a few designs out there. Search Google images.
 
Beaumont makes one but it’s pretty pricey. They DO sell just the tracking setup, which seems like it might be the most complicated part of the setup.

I’m thinking about experimenting with my craftsman 2x42. If I could figure out a way to mount it sideways then that might work. Hell I might be able to clamp a tool arm in line with it and even use 2x72 belts with it. I’d like to be able to use the small wheel setup but it would be running too fast.

Probably just be easier to mod the KMG.
 
JG Custom Metal Works said:
I’m thinking about experimenting with my craftsman 2x42. If I could figure out a way to mount it sideways then that might work. Hell I might be able to clamp a tool arm in line with it and even use 2x72 belts with it. I’d like to be able to use the small wheel setup but it would be running too fast.
Click to expand...

Here's a link where OneArmed did a 1X42 to horizontal. By using a 1.5" drive wheel the belt speed slowed way down
https://knifedogs.com/threads/horizontal-grinder.47770/
 
JG Custom Metal Works said:
Im looking to either make a horizontal flip system for my KMG or build a dedicated horizontal grinder. I have seen all sorts of different vertical grinder builds and plans, but none for horizontal. There’s gotta be some out there, I’m just not able to find them.

The recent 2x72 grinder thread mentioning the Ameribrade had me thinking of just making my own dedicated grinder. If you’ve seen the Ameribrade grinder you’ll know that it looks insanely simple in its construction.

At the same time, if I was able to do a good flip plate design for my KMG I wouldn’t have to worry about getting a new motor, vfd, or wiring the new motor into my existing vfd.

So if anyone had a flip plate or home made horizontal grinder and could share pics and plans for the build, I’d greatly appreciate it.
Click to expand...
Personally I like this one design and most likely I will make one . .. . . .

 
On one of my older square wheel grinders I laid it on its side and changed the drive wheel to 1 7/8"
-- that's it no other mods, been running great for 10 ish years.
Ken.
 
Josh Rider said:
Have you made a direct drive conversion yet for your kmg? It makes it a lot easier.
Click to expand...

No, unfortunately I have the wrong motor type. My Lesson is a 56 and I guess it requires a 56c :/. I think there might be a conversion, but I’m not sure. Perhaps I’ll look into it. Have you done it? I talked with Matthew Gregory about getting the direct drive kit, but right before I was about to pull the trigger he informed me about the need for the different motor, so I had to put it on hold. How did you do yours?
 
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You can do that with your existing motor just fine - but it does need to be 3 ph so you can use VFD. A motor with mounting feet is just fine for direct drive - just bolt it down to the base with it in position so the drive wheel lines up. No need for a 56C face motor that requires the special mounting plate. Where I converting a KMG grinder I wouldn't use a 56C plate mounted motor at all.
 
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