Ameribrade vs Northridge grinder

[Richr19]

Noob here... I want to buy a good quality 2x72 grinder. After some research, I've narrowed it down to Ameribrade Fastback (new model) and Northridge Mod-2. Both seem to have very good reviews. But after googling, I could not find any good direct comparisons.

It seems that Northridge is little better but it appears to cost about $1000 more for something comparable. The two things that stand out for Northridge appear to be a ratcheting tensioner and solid aluminum arms.

From people who have actually used both systems, would I really care enough about the ratcheting tensioner that I would regret buying the Ameribrade? Is the Northridge really worth $1000 more ($3500 vs $2400)?

 

[Richard338]

I can only say what you seem to already know, the Northridge is an excellent machine. I got one last year after a long time on a noname grinder and it has been fantastic. I haven't tried the Ameribrade and I don't know your finances, so I can't be of more help than that.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

We often see many different brands talked about here on BF.

Most of us champion what we own.

The previous poster was right about not knowing your finances, and how it's up to you depending on that.

When I bought mine, I chose one without a motor or drive, because I have access to those, and it cut my cost considerably.

I'm curious about the idea of a ratcheting tensioner?
Not sure why that's needed, or good?

I just have a mounted spring. I didn't want a air cylinder to worry about.
I like simple, boring things. I make simple, boring Knives.

 

[Dominick Maone]

I doubt a ton of people have hours and hours on different brands, unless they had one brand ten years ago and have a different one now.

I have an Ameribrade and like it. But the 2”x2” tool arms on the Ameribrade are pretty frustrating. It seems all aftermarket arms are 1.5”x1.5”, so hard to use a different company’s products.

I think a lot of the industrial grinders have ratcheting tensioners. But I doubt most people would notice if it is better. The Ameribrade tracking works great as far as I can tell.

 

[AVigil]

I doubt a ton of people have hours and hours on different brands, unless they had one brand ten years ago and have a different one now.

I have an Ameribrade and like it. But the 2”x2” tool arms on the Ameribrade are pretty frustrating. It seems all aftermarket arms are 1.5”x1.5”, so hard to use a different company’s products.

I think a lot of the industrial grinders have ratcheting tensioners. But I doubt most people would notice if it is better. The Ameribrade tracking works great as far as I can tell.

Just bolt 1/2 aluminum bars on the 1.5" arms

 

[Taz]

I have the AmeriBrade Fastback. Yes, the arms are larger, but there are adapters out there as well. I like the way they do their arms and have the tool rest, small wheel attachment on an arm, combo platen on the arm. I picked up a HouseMade True Tilt table assembly and was able to modify it for my AmeriBrade. I just put it in the 2" slot and tighten down the set screw so it's over to the far right. I will eventually get something to weld/JB Weld to the arm to take up the extra space in the tool arm slot, but for now it's fine. I think if you remove the weld seam in the 2" tubing, you should be able to slip the other 1.5" arms into it without much work to the 1.5" arm. Just need to move the attachment on the arm out a bit farther to line up, which is why I am using the 1.5" arm, just pushed over to the side.

 

[12345678910]

Vote for the Northridge from me.

tension, tracking far better.

machined components for alignment and fit vs fabricated from nominal structural steel shapes.

 

[Richr19]

I'm curious about the idea of a ratcheting tensioner?
Not sure why that's needed, or good?

I'm no expert on this, but apparently a ratcheting tensioner is one of the best ways to adjust tension for good tracking. I'm not sure how much better it is vs just a spring or a piston...

 

[Richr19]

Yes, the arms are larger, but there are adapters out there as well.

Here is an adapter I found online (never tried): https://www.belnapcustomknives.com/...-allows-use-of-1-5-tool-arms-in-2-tool-slots/

 

[Richr19]

Vote for the Northridge from me.

tension, tracking far better.

machined components for alignment and fit vs fabricated from nominal structural steel shapes.

When you say that tracking far better, is this based on actual experience with Ameribrade? Or this based on general experience?

 

[Richr19]

I'm leaning towards the Ameribrade based on functionality and price. But will I regret it later and wish I had spent more for the Northbridge? Is the better fit and finish really worth it? Will the tracking be so much better? For anyone who has used both, what are your thoughts taking cost into account? I know this is very subjective... For reference, I am just starting with knife building and really don't know how far I will go. I also want to use it for general sanding and grinding projects in my garage.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

When you say that tracking far better, is this based on actual experience with Ameribrade? Or this based on general experience?

My considerably cheaper Pheer tracks very well.

Reverse, too with most belts so far. Which I heard can be tricky.

I run in reverse last to clean up the blade/convex the secondary

 

[Richr19]

My considerably cheaper Pheer tracks very well.

Reverse, too with most belts so far. Which I heard can be tricky.

I run in reverse last to clean up the blade/convex the secondary

How does Pheer do tensioning? Spring?

 

[Crag the Brewer]

How does Pheer do tensioning? Spring?

Yes, just a simple metal spring.
It looks low tech.......but that's exactly why I wanted it.

Only a few do it that way now

 

[Bühlmann]

I just got done agonizing and overthinking/over analyzing 2x72 grinders just like you are doing now. I won’t muddy the waters with my decision, but I will say that of the grinders you are considering you cannot make a bad decision.

You are not splitting atoms, you are grinding steel. Plenty of very, very skilled makers out there that make knives that’ll make you cry with files or a HF 1x30. Pick a grinder and go. You’ll never remember what you were so concerned about in a few weeks or months anyways. YMMV.

 

[Richr19]

I just got done agonizing and overthinking/over analyzing 2x72 grinders just like you are doing now. I won’t muddy the waters with my decision, but I will say that of the grinders you are considering you cannot make a bad decision.

You are not splitting atoms, you are grinding steel. Plenty of very, very skilled makers out there that make knives that’ll make you cry with files or a HF 1x30. Pick a grinder and go. You’ll never remember what you were so concerned about in a few weeks or months anyways. YMMV.

Cool. Would you mind mentioning what was on your short list? What did you choose and why? Thanks.

 

[Bühlmann]

was trying to simplify your quest, but since you asked….

Pheer, Reeder, & Ameribrade. And I’m positive I would be extremely happy with either. I was about to pull the trigger on the Ameribrade after I realized I was weeks into recycling the same questions, scenarios, and whatabouts so it was time to just decide.

Then I came across a HouseMade Revolution v4 build video that derailed my entire plan. So the short of it is I started the entire process over again & decided to spec out everything I wanted individually and price out a build. I learned a ton of stuff I never thought I needed to know, changed my mind on some key features as a result, updated my plans and started ordering components. Fun stuff, but a rabbit hole that goes deep!

Not for everyone but entirely doable by anyone, I think. It’s welded, which might be a bridge too far for some. I have assembled all of my components but work has pulled me from home for a few weeks. No assembly yet, so I can’t quite tell you I made a good decision on anything other than paper as of now. But your questions sounded remarkably familiar to me so I thought I’d try to help bump you out of your decision rut. Hopefully I didn’t just make it worse!

 

[REK Knives]

I would go with ameribrade personally. I like that they have forward and reverse tracking (separately) and that the motor appears that you can mount it in close to the belt which minimizes any motor shaft flex

 

[12345678910]

When you say that tracking far better, is this based on actual experience with Ameribrade? Or this based on general experience?

I've got a hand full of things to mention, but start with one.

Motor mount

North uses C face.
The motor housing is machined flat and the shaft is pretty true right angle to it.

Ameri uses foot mount.
The foot plate of a motor is stamped, welded on, holes are oversized for adjustment.
If you have tracking problems, the solution is to fiddle with and shim the motor mount in three axis.

Now go and look at which other grinders use which system.

 

[REK Knives]

I've got a hand full of things to mention, but start with one.

Motor mount

North uses C face.
The motor housing is machined flat and the shaft is pretty true right angle to it.

Ameri uses foot mount.
The foot plate of a motor is stamped, welded on, holes are oversized for adjustment.
If you have tracking problems, the solution is to fiddle with and shim the motor mount in three axis.

Now go and look at which other grinders use which system.

Have you ever watched ameribrade's set up video? It's pretty slick. I used to prefer the mounting set up you describe (that's what my Wilmont is actually) but after seeing ameribrade I believe it would actually work better. It's mounted like that because it has a separate tracking integrated in the foot mount and once it's locked in place its not moving.