Brodbeck vs Ameribrade

jll346

jll346

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
May 29, 2006
Messages
4,599
Looking to get some opinions on these two grinders. I'm kind of pulled towards the broad back because it uses a standard 1.5 in receiver. I can buy any brand accessory. I like the heavy duty of the ameribrate but they're two inch receiver restricts you to only their stuff. Thanks for any replies
 
I really don't think you can go wrong with either choice. It's really gonna come down to what attachments each have that you want to actually use. I have a Brodbeck with nearly all the attachments they offer, except for the rotary platen, and I really think it's an excellent piece of gear. I've had it for 5 years without a single regret, and it's never had a feature that holds me back in any way. I do love everything I see from Ameribrade too though, so I would just go with your gut.
 
Like Michael says they are both good choices. I bought my Ameribrade a few years ago and it’s been flawless. The 2” receiver isn’t an issue. You can buy 2” tubes and bolt any accessory you want to them. I’ve bought all my accessoriesI from Ameribrade.
Go with whatever feels right to you.
Jeff
 
I'm from a different mindset. I have 2 Bader 3's which have 1.25" tool arms. I've heard all the BS about how you need bigger and that is just that in my opinion. Half of my tooling arms are aluminum with no issues. I am not alone in the Bader pool, but many won't speak up.
 
I have the Ameribrade and also love it! Their tools and accessories can be adapted to other size machines (they often have a 1.5" accessory arm option) and you can get some steel and make some spacer blocks to turn the 2-in opening into a 1.5 in opening if you need to.

I haven't tried to fit a 1.5" arm into the 2" aluminum tubing yet; I did put steel bars on the left and top of the 1.5" arm to get it over towards the belt as much as possible as spacers. I usually get 2" square aluminum in 1/4" thick to use for other accessories. I did a 12-in contact wheel and a surface grinder attachment for it using the 2-in aluminum tube.

Brodbeck has nice accessories as does AmeriBrade; can't go wrong with either! Both are quality grinders.
 
Both are quality machines from great makers, but neither would be on my list. I also prefer 1.25" tool arms and ratchet tension.
 
I just took notice of the Torus Pro Grinder. Not well known, but checks a lot of boxes. Full aluminum, stainless, or carbon steel. Your choice. Ratchet system. Currently on sale for an incredible price. If it had dual axis tracking. I don't think I would think twice
 
I have two Brodbecks and two Ameribrades, and tend to use them about equal for different dedicated operations. That said….I find tolerances to be a little better on the Ameribrade. Both are outstanding machines though.
 
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