This paper presents the practical results of the design analysis, commissioning, identification, sensor calibration, and tuning of an active magnetic bearing (AMB) control system for a laboratory gas blower. The presented step-by-step procedures, including modeling and disturbance analysis for different design choices, are necessary to reach the full potential of the prototype in research and industrial applications. The key results include estimation of radial and axial disturbance forces caused by the permanent magnet (PM) rotor and a discussion on differences between the unbalance forces resulting from the PM motor and the induction motor in the AMB rotor system.