Another 2x48 vs 2x72 discussion

Joined
Jan 25, 2023
Messages
17
Hi All,


I'm a relatively new hobbyist maker looking to upgrade from my current 1x30. I've narrowed my search down to either the Alec Steele 2x48 (made by 84 Engineering) or the Housemade Revolution Gen 5 (DIY-would also be my first welding project). In doing my research, I've found that one of the largest reasons for recommending a 2x72 over a 2x48 is a greater availability of belts With a bit of googling, I've found plenty of belts available in both sizes, so that's not really a concern of mine. It also looks like the 2x48 can most of the same accessories a 2x72 can. The differences I'm really interested in are:
1) Footprint- is a 2x48 really that much of a space savings over a 2x72?
2) Belt life- I know a 2x72 will last longer, but how much are we talking here?
3) Heat build up- again, obviously a 2x72 will out perform a 2x48 here, but by how much?

Basically just trying to get a better idea of the differences in these areas so I can make a better informed decision on which grinder is right for me.

A few other considerations that are more specific to my situation and less about the overall differences between the two sizes:
4) platen size. The 2x48 comes with a 6" platen- I couldn't immediately find the size of the Revolution platen, but it looks to be 8"-ish in the pictures. How much will that limit a novice maker, and would a 48" belt fit a larger platen at some point down the line? I'm most interested in making kitchen knives, so I'll be working in the 8"-10" range for blades.
5) I've never welded before. I have access to a welder and don't mind spending a little time learning the basics with scrap, but welding a whole grinder chasis together looks a little intimidating.

If you've made it this far- thanks for taking the time to read through- any guidance or experience shared is much appreciated.
 
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If you're making your own, you can make the footprint almost any size you want. Just add or subtract pullys to get you to the desired size.

There are some standard configurations for sure. Most are 3 or 4 wheel, but if you wanna have 78 pullys you can. There'd be a lot of friction but you could do it...

One thing you do need to consider though is the angle at which the belt comes around the drive wheel. The belt needs to wrap around the drive wheel a good bit to keep traction. Look at professionally made grinders and you'll see that most come close to 50% contact. You want something close to that.
 
2x72 is the standard. Everything else will be a compromise. You will most likely struggle with add-ons like a small wheel kit, surface grinding attachment, even a simple large wheel arm will be limited by a 48”. I don’t think you even save much money at all with a 48” over a Revolution kit, and if you do it won’t be enough to even remember after you use the 72.

Here is my Revolution WIP after I answered all of your same questions for myself:

 
I use all, BUT by far the most useful (and productive), is the 2x72 variable. I have a very small shop and the footprint of each one is about the same, considering that the space on the bench top behind the grinder is fairly useless anyway.
Platen size means a lot, bigger is better.
 
I use all, BUT by far the most useful (and productive), is the 2x72 variable. I have a very small shop and the footprint of each one is about the same, considering that the space on the bench top behind the grinder is fairly useless anyway.
Platen size means a lot, bigger is better.
Thank you- this is very helpful!
 
I was in a similar situation as you a few years ago....

after tons of research I chose to get a Pheer 2x72 grinder.
I was a toolroom machinest, and I know how to weld. I Could of made one..... But I wanted to learn how to make knives, not learn how to perfect grinder making.
trust me there are Plenty of other things I'm making in this craft. I didn't need to also make the grinder. I spent a good amount of time figuring out my base, and building it. Which is just as important.

I Did save money by buying the grinder without a motor/drive. I added my own.

Id do it again in a heartbeat, No Regrets!
 
I just purchased a 72 and will be wiring it up here shortly. If your a little worried about the welding part and making everything true, Nexus Grinders is where I got mine. Full grinder body, ceramic glass platen, choice of drive wheel all for less than the Housemade kit. You can get the motor and vfd from them as well, but I found a three phase motor locally for a great price, and amazon for a cheap vfd (looks just like the one on house made).
 
I just want to add that if you stick with the hobby, you WILL end up with a 2x72. The additional belt life and heat reduction that comes with the longer belt is just a better solution. I encourage you to pursue one. Will be the most relied upon tool in your shop.
 
I just purchased a 72 and will be wiring it up here shortly. If your a little worried about the welding part and making everything true, Nexus Grinders is where I got mine. Full grinder body, ceramic glass platen, choice of drive wheel all for less than the Housemade kit. You can get the motor and vfd from them as well, but I found a three phase motor locally for a great price, and amazon for a cheap vfd (looks just like the one on house made).
Got me excited for a minute, thats a great deal! Looks like its not available for shipping to the US :(
I am eyeing the Reeder chasis though.
 
What ever direction you decide you NEED a variable speed setup. No comparison with a pulley setup with 3 or 4 speeds.
I am eyeing the Reeder chasis though.
You won't regret the Reeder. Where I considering purchasing another grinder Reeder would be at the top of my list for sure. "IF" money were no object I'd for sure purchase the complete package with SGA - I do think the Reeder SGA is by far the best around from reports I've read.
 
What ever direction you decide you NEED a variable speed setup. No comparison with a pulley setup with 3 or 4 speeds.

You won't regret the Reeder. Where I considering purchasing another grinder Reeder would be at the top of my list for sure. "IF" money were no object I'd for sure purchase the complete package with SGA - I do think the Reeder SGA is by far the best around from reports I've read.
Good to know. For now it would just be the basic chasis and wheel set, along with the same cheap motor and VFD recommended by Housemade, but an SGA is definitely on my list of needed upgrades down the line.
 
Plus 1 on the Reeder basic chassis. Best grinder base on te market IMHO. Adc a VS motor/VFD package and you're in business with a top-notch grinder.
 
I agree the Alex Steele is overpriced.

I would not get any OBM of any type ever,

The tracking on the House Gen 5 kit appears to be the same as the oem KMG, and after all this time you shouldn't have to settle for that.


Reeeder is probly OK, I've never touched one.
 
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Hi All,


I'm a relatively new hobbyist maker looking to upgrade from my current 1x30. I've narrowed my search down to either the Alec Steele 2x48 (made by 84 Engineering) or the Housemade Revolution Gen 5 (DIY-would also be my first welding project). In doing my research, I've found that one of the largest reasons for recommending a 2x72 over a 2x48 is a greater availability of belts With a bit of googling, I've found plenty of belts available in both sizes, so that's not really a concern of mine. It also looks like the 2x48 can most of the same accessories a 2x72 can. The differences I'm really interested in are:
1) Footprint- is a 2x48 really that much of a space savings over a 2x72?
2) Belt life- I know a 2x72 will last longer, but how much are we talking here?
3) Heat build up- again, obviously a 2x72 will out perform a 2x48 here, but by how much?

Basically just trying to get a better idea of the differences in these areas so I can make a better informed decision on which grinder is right for me.

A few other considerations that are more specific to my situation and less about the overall differences between the two sizes:
4) platen size. The 2x48 comes with a 6" platen- I couldn't immediately find the size of the Revolution platen, but it looks to be 8"-ish in the pictures. How much will that limit a novice maker, and would a 48" belt fit a larger platen at some point down the line? I'm most interested in making kitchen knives, so I'll be working in the 8"-10" range for blades.
5) I've never welded before. I have access to a welder and don't mind spending a little time learning the basics with scrap, but welding a whole grinder chasis together looks a little intimidating.

If you've made it this far- thanks for taking the time to read through- any guidance or experience shared is much appreciated.
Just to remind you that if you use longer tool arm 2x48 belt grinder can be 2x72 belt grinder ...........
 
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