Recommendation? 2X72 in my future ... welcome recommendations and guidance

N

nailcreek

Joined
Sep 21, 2003
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76
After reading through quite a few threads, I'm leaning towards either a Pheer, Ameribrade, Reeder or a "custom" like Crooks for my first serious grinder. I'm interested in understanding pros/cons, workmanship/quality/service/durability between each and welcome the forum's thoughts. Minimum standard would be at least a 2hp motor with variable speed control.

I understand there's an enormous amount of variability, but which brand represents a solid value?
 
For me ratcheting tension is a must, that leaves you with TW90 or Burr King. Both are great machines. Variable speed is a must. Horizontal is a huge plus,
 
I have a pheer 454 and love it. Great price and really well built. Buying the pheer allowed me to snag accessories like the small wheel attachment\kit, 2nd arm and a bunch of belts for the same cost or less than as others. I also prefer the spring tention.
 
I have the north ridge and love it. Although I’m no expert like some folks on here. This video sold me on it.

 
If you are going to be a one grinder shop, get variable speed and one that tilts.
Several good ones out there but in my opinion the "Outlaws Grinder" is the best on the market right now.
 
I called Northridge this morning. They are pausing some of the grinder production for several months. However, they do have some grinders in stock and they will have replacement parts.
Bottom line, probably worth calling them if you are interested.
 
I use a Brodbeck Engineering grinder that tilts horizontal. It doesn't have ratcheting tension (and I have no experience with that) but no issue with belt tension...that I know of lol. I do reccomend their products and the design robustness is top notch.
 
Another happy Reeder owner here. Customer service is a big factor and Greg and Don are the best and have a design that works great.
 
deerrockknives said:
I have the north ridge and love it. Although I’m no expert like some folks on here. This video sold me on it.

Click to expand...
I was able to connect with Matt, the gentleman who posted the YouTube, and he continues to be just as much a fan of Northridge as he was when he posted the video. His grinder's been flawless and he mentioned that he was curious as to why others haven't gone over other mfg grinders with machinist squares for comparison and posted their results.
 
I just went through the same debate and bought a 2x72 about 2 months ago. After several months of research my top 3 were the TW-90, KMG-TX, and Northridge. I ended up with the KMG-TX. It’s direct drive with ratcheting tension,VFD, and has the tilting feature. Price wise they were all in the same ballpark and the KMG offered a 3 hp motor option which is what I got on mine. Honestly at the end it was between the KMG and the TW-90. Mainly because there wasn’t as much info on the Northridge. One deciding factor in my decision was lead time. The TW-90 was going to be about 10 weeks before shipment(I’d still be waiting for it to be delivered ). I had the KMG in 2 weeks. I know that sounds like a stupid reason to base a decision on but I had agonized over which one to buy for so long I didn’t want to wait any longer.
Anyway, the KMG-TX is a monster. Hard to believe anyone makes a machine that is significantly better in a similar price range. I checked a few things with my machinists square earlier this evening and it was dead on. I don’t really agree with the guy in the video’s assessment of the the bolts on the Northridge being better suited for axels. A shoulder bolt would probably be best but I’m not sure if any manufacturers use them for that application.
My main advice would simply be to buy a reputable brand and several have been mentioned in this forum. You can find videos and posts for or against any grinder you choose so don’t get too caught up in that if it is a good brand. I‘d also recommend getting a grinder that uses 1.5” tool arms. That’s ALMOST the universal size. I’d advise against getting any of the “super deal/everything you’ll ever need” packages. They’re tempting but most of the stuff included probably wouldn’t see much use in my shop. I got the articulating rest, small wheel package, contact wheel (included), and flat platen (included) with mine and that’s handled everything I’ve needed so far. The 3 hp motor has been incredible. It eats everything at whatever speed I’m running it and acts like it enjoys it.
 
ScarFoot said:
I just went through the same debate and bought a 2x72 about 2 months ago. After several months of research my top 3 were the TW-90, KMG-TX, and Northridge. I ended up with the KMG-TX. It’s direct drive with ratcheting tension,VFD, and has the tilting feature. Price wise they were all in the same ballpark and the KMG offered a 3 hp motor option which is what I got on mine. Honestly at the end it was between the KMG and the TW-90. Mainly because there wasn’t as much info on the Northridge. One deciding factor in my decision was lead time. The TW-90 was going to be about 10 weeks before shipment(I’d still be waiting for it to be delivered ). I had the KMG in 2 weeks. I know that sounds like a stupid reason to base a decision on but I had agonized over which one to buy for so long I didn’t want to wait any longer.
Anyway, the KMG-TX is a monster. Hard to believe anyone makes a machine that is significantly better in a similar price range. I checked a few things with my machinists square earlier this evening and it was dead on. I don’t really agree with the guy in the video’s assessment of the the bolts on the Northridge being better suited for axels. A shoulder bolt would probably be best but I’m not sure if any manufacturers use them for that application.
My main advice would simply be to buy a reputable brand and several have been mentioned in this forum. You can find videos and posts for or against any grinder you choose so don’t get too caught up in that if it is a good brand. I‘d also recommend getting a grinder that uses 1.5” tool arms. That’s ALMOST the universal size. I’d advise against getting any of the “super deal/everything you’ll ever need” packages. They’re tempting but most of the stuff included probably wouldn’t see much use in my shop. I got the articulating rest, small wheel package, contact wheel (included), and flat platen (included) with mine and that’s handled everything I’ve needed so far. The 3 hp motor has been incredible. It eats everything at whatever speed I’m running it and acts like it enjoys it.
Click to expand...
Your comment about avoiding the "bells & whistles" sales pitch is something more than one maker has mentioned. As one stated, "it'll serve your sales guy better than you" 😄 What you've listed is pretty much what I'll get, but I'm also going to look at having the shop/garage wired for 220 so I can use a full 2hp motor with vfd.

To your point, at the price point all of these machines hover around, there is a certain quality and precision you should expect. Lower cost machines, all bets are off.
 
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