Current Economy Belt Grinders - Designs - Opinions

J. Keeton

J. Keeton

Joined
Nov 15, 2005
Messages
1,215
I'm wondering if anyone has experience with not only these grinders but also these designs... since most of them are copies of some sort or another. I was surprised to see that these units are fairly reasonably priced. Any recommendations are appreciated! I don't see these come up in discussion often.

Seems like the economic benefit of building my own is less pronounced with these on the market.

Das Toobinator:


  • $679+$97 shopping = $776
  • Comes with enclosed 1.5 motor
  • Flat platen
  • 1.5'' tooling arms

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2x72-BELT-...928282?hash=item3aff46b99a:g:0AgAAOSwATtaa4a0

Design from DC Knives:
https://dcknives.blogspot.com/2018/07/toobinator-2-x-72-belt-grinder-for.html


The Belt Grinder:


  • $475.99 without motor
  • Flat Platen
  • 1.6'' tooling arms
  • CNC Machined

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076HF5D7...olid=3MVQF1KBYWAP4&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

TR Maker:


  • $486.75+$49 shipping = $535.75 without motor
  • Flat Platen

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TR-Maker-B...71217133?epid=15013923973&hash=item2137de01ed


Oregon Blade Maker:


  • $465 + $70 = $535 without motor
  • 1.5'' tooling arms
  • Flat Platen
  • Gas Strut

https://originblademaker.com/product/belt-grinder-2x72-complete-chassis-lightning-wheels/




Cheers,
JK
 
I've been using an OBM grinder for a few years and overall I'm pleased. One MAJOR issue that I've brought up with them is the way they have their flat platen mounted if you want to use a carbide filing jig for your plunges. There's no problem when working with the jig on the right. But the way they have their arm/platen configured, there are welds in the way and the platen isn't deep enough to use the jig on the left side.
I epoxied a piece of fireplace glass to the platen which pushes the surface out about 1/2 inch and it's still not enough for the filing jig. I need another 1/8" for there to be room.

Also, after a couple/few years, I think the gas strut is starting to go, so I think I'm going to replace it.

Other than that, I've been pleased overall, but don't have much to compare to.
 
Honestly none of those!!

Check out

https://kadrmaskreations.com/products/srg-2x72-belt-grind

Ive used a kmg, tw90, bader 2 and 3, oregon, ameribrade, and pheer.

This Srg from Kadrmas is my favorite and ultimately the one i went with.

Ive used 3 different versions of his and currently own the linked one. He uses a good mix of steel and aluminum.

Direct drive, can use foot or c face motor, fantastic machining.

The kicker is the tracking and tension setup. Incredibly responsive and uses a cam over style tension arm. Easy to change out belts without moving work rest or tooling arm.

Can get one setup for 1.5" tooling arms or 3/4"x1.5" arms. 4" all the way up to 8" drive wheels, his platen is clean and simple but perfect for.most uses.

Grinder also comes with full adjustable work rest in second tooling arm slot, all wheels line up and are straight and threaded dead on non canted or out of alignment like the recent kmgs.

All his wheels are machined and crowned beautifully.

Ive been meaning to do a full review but havent found time yet. Diamond in the rough for sure. Also just shooting the breeze with kyle is great. You can tell he wants to make the best grinder he can. Talented machinist as well and he bent over backwards with some of my odd requests.

I dont have any connection and paid full price for my grinder but given how nice its made i think i underpaid. He also.has.access to leeson 3phase motors already wired to kbac vfds.

Cant remember how to upload photos, keeps saying they are too large. Hope my instagram link is ok if not feel free to remove.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmhW-aKAe2p/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=uvkzt94hb1mk

Another pic

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmkNls6g9l9/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1s53d1hx3gaoh
 
Last edited:
weo said:
I've been using an OBM grinder for a few years and overall I'm pleased. One MAJOR issue that I've brought up with them is the way they have their flat platen mounted if you want to use a carbide filing jig for your plunges. There's no problem when working with the jig on the right. But the way they have their arm/platen configured, there are welds in the way and the platen isn't deep enough to use the jig on the left side.
I epoxied a piece of fireplace glass to the platen which pushes the surface out about 1/2 inch and it's still not enough for the filing jig. I need another 1/8" for there to be room.

Also, after a couple/few years, I think the gas strut is starting to go, so I think I'm going to replace it.

Other than that, I've been pleased overall, but don't have much to compare to.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info! I've very much like to be able to utilize a file guide while grinding plunges.

Tin.Man said:
Honestly none of those!!

Check out

https://kadrmaskreations.com/products/srg-2x72-belt-grind

Ive used a kmg, tw90, bader 2 and 3, oregon, ameribrade, and pheer.

This Srg from Kadrmas is my favorite and ultimately the one i went with.

Ive used 3 different versions of his and currently own the linked one. He uses a good mix of steel and aluminum.

Direct drive, can use foot or c face motor, fantastic machining.

The kicker is the tracking and tension setup. Incredibly responsive and uses a cam over style tension arm. Easy to change out belts without moving work rest or tooling arm.

Can get one setup for 1.5" tooling arms or 3/4"x1.5" arms. 4" all the way up to 8" drive wheels, his platen is clean and simple but perfect for.most uses.

Grinder also comes with full adjustable work rest in second tooling arm slot, all wheels line up and are straight and threaded dead on non canted or out of alignment like the recent kmgs.

All his wheels are machined and crowned beautifully.

Ive been meaning to do a full review but havent found time yet. Diamond in the rough for sure. Also just shooting the breeze with kyle is great. You can tell he wants to make the best grinder he can. Talented machinist as well and he bent over backwards with some of my odd requests.

I dont have any connection and paid full price for my grinder but given how nice its made i think i underpaid. He also.has.access to leeson 3phase motors already wired to kbac vfds.

Cant remember how to upload photos, keeps saying they are too large. Hope my instagram link is ok if not feel free to remove.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmhW-aKAe2p/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=uvkzt94hb1mk

Another pic

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmkNls6g9l9/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1s53d1hx3gaoh
Click to expand...

Good pics on your IG! I didn't know about this one. Thanks for the info. Can't wait for your full review! Looks like a solid piece.


Your link didn't work for me so I'll put it here for posterity: https://kadrmaskreations.com/products/srg-15-2x72-belt-grindersander-frame-with-wheels
 
Tin.Man said:
Honestly none of those!!

Check out

https://kadrmaskreations.com/products/srg-2x72-belt-grind

Ive used a kmg, tw90, bader 2 and 3, oregon, ameribrade, and pheer.

This Srg from Kadrmas is my favorite and ultimately the one i went with.

Ive used 3 different versions of his and currently own the linked one. He uses a good mix of steel and aluminum.

Direct drive, can use foot or c face motor, fantastic machining.

The kicker is the tracking and tension setup. Incredibly responsive and uses a cam over style tension arm. Easy to change out belts without moving work rest or tooling arm.

Can get one setup for 1.5" tooling arms or 3/4"x1.5" arms. 4" all the way up to 8" drive wheels, his platen is clean and simple but perfect for.most uses.

Grinder also comes with full adjustable work rest in second tooling arm slot, all wheels line up and are straight and threaded dead on non canted or out of alignment like the recent kmgs.

All his wheels are machined and crowned beautifully.

Ive been meaning to do a full review but havent found time yet. Diamond in the rough for sure. Also just shooting the breeze with kyle is great. You can tell he wants to make the best grinder he can. Talented machinist as well and he bent over backwards with some of my odd requests.

I dont have any connection and paid full price for my grinder but given how nice its made i think i underpaid. He also.has.access to leeson 3phase motors already wired to kbac vfds.

Cant remember how to upload photos, keeps saying they are too large. Hope my instagram link is ok if not feel free to remove.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmhW-aKAe2p/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=uvkzt94hb1mk

Another pic

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmkNls6g9l9/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1s53d1hx3gaoh
Click to expand...

Interesting. I'd like to see some vids of that tension/tracking mechanism.
 
The face mount design of that grinder is not very well thought out. Considering the obvious "inspiration" of the body design, it would have been smart to copy this feature also. Face mount motors are design to be seated into a hole diameter matching the outside flange. This design will cause the body or motor to flex the plate side of the grinder body, introducing all kind of potential issues for tracking and alignment. I'm guessing they'll have you stack washers on the motor side of the bolt holes to compensate for this, but why wouldn't they just laser out the actual hole for a c-face mount instead?

Doesn't look like nearly enough throw on that gas spring to be "comfortable" for belt changes either. Frankly, I've come to very much dislike gas springs in general, even with twice as much range, compared to an appropriately size (and quality) pulled coil spring setup.
 
No flex here. Comes with a seperate piece thats been laser cut that lets the motor sit flush against the frame.

Like you said, had he lasered out a hole for the entire C face ring flex could be an issue not sure but no flex on the one im using.

Arm has enough throw like I said above that you dont have to adjust the arm at all to change belts.

Op asked for opinions on economy priced belt grinders. Maybe use the one in question before you nitpick it yeah?

Ive used both the 101 and little buddy and the OBM but I wasnt a fan of the spring on the 101 or the price tag for my budget and the obm wont make a c face. Plus obm comes with plastic wheels. Srg comes with beautifully machined alum wheels.

Srg has a smaller foot print then either and lack of welds equals less warp which with something that needs to line up i would say is pretty important.
 
Last edited:
weo said:
I've been using an OBM grinder for a few years and overall I'm pleased. One MAJOR issue that I've brought up with them is the way they have their flat platen mounted if you want to use a carbide filing jig for your plunges. There's no problem when working with the jig on the right. But the way they have their arm/platen configured, there are welds in the way and the platen isn't deep enough to use the jig on the left side.
I epoxied a piece of fireplace glass to the platen which pushes the surface out about 1/2 inch and it's still not enough for the filing jig. I need another 1/8" for there to be room.

Also, after a couple/few years, I think the gas strut is starting to go, so I think I'm going to replace it.

Other than that, I've been pleased overall, but don't have much to compare to.
Click to expand...

Check out the modification @ 1:17 on the OBM. Looks like it may fix your issue.

 
Tin.Man said:
Plus obm comes with plastic wheels. Srg comes with beautifully machined alum wheels.
Click to expand...

OBM may have changed this then, because mine has aluminum wheels. Perhaps it's an upgrade, but I don't remember that.
 
weo said:
I've been using an OBM grinder for a few years and overall I'm pleased. One MAJOR issue that I've brought up with them is the way they have their flat platen mounted if you want to use a carbide filing jig for your plunges. There's no problem when working with the jig on the right. But the way they have their arm/platen configured, there are welds in the way and the platen isn't deep enough to use the jig on the left side.
I epoxied a piece of fireplace glass to the platen which pushes the surface out about 1/2 inch and it's still not enough for the filing jig. I need another 1/8" for there to be room.

Also, after a couple/few years, I think the gas strut is starting to go, so I think I'm going to replace it.

Other than that, I've been pleased overall, but don't have much to compare to.
Click to expand...
Agree with the above criticism. I purchased and after market d plate and flat platen from omb. I can't use my filing jig with it.
 
I'm quite pleased with my OBM (aluminum wheels). Replaced the mild steel platen with one of hardened A2, and kicked it out from the bracket as J.Keeton demonstrated above. Also bought the small wheel set up, 1.5 hp motor and kbac 27 vfd. I didn't expect it to be a Cadillac, but I'm not disappointed in the least.
 
Tin.Man said:
Honestly none of those!!

Check out

https://kadrmaskreations.com/products/srg-2x72-belt-grind

Ive used a kmg, tw90, bader 2 and 3, oregon, ameribrade, and pheer.

This Srg from Kadrmas is my favorite and ultimately the one i went with.

Ive used 3 different versions of his and currently own the linked one. He uses a good mix of steel and aluminum.

Direct drive, can use foot or c face motor, fantastic machining.

The kicker is the tracking and tension setup. Incredibly responsive and uses a cam over style tension arm. Easy to change out belts without moving work rest or tooling arm.

Can get one setup for 1.5" tooling arms or 3/4"x1.5" arms. 4" all the way up to 8" drive wheels, his platen is clean and simple but perfect for.most uses.

Grinder also comes with full adjustable work rest in second tooling arm slot, all wheels line up and are straight and threaded dead on non canted or out of alignment like the recent kmgs.

All his wheels are machined and crowned beautifully.

Ive been meaning to do a full review but havent found time yet. Diamond in the rough for sure. Also just shooting the breeze with kyle is great. You can tell he wants to make the best grinder he can. Talented machinist as well and he bent over backwards with some of my odd requests.

I dont have any connection and paid full price for my grinder but given how nice its made i think i underpaid. He also.has.access to leeson 3phase motors already wired to kbac vfds.

Cant remember how to upload photos, keeps saying they are too large. Hope my instagram link is ok if not feel free to remove.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmhW-aKAe2p/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=uvkzt94hb1mk

Another pic

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmkNls6g9l9/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1s53d1hx3gaoh
Click to expand...

Very informative post. I was wondering if you might be able to give some more pros/cons of the SRG in comparison to the Ameribrade and Pheer in particular? The latter are my front runners for replacing my 2x42, and your post is the first and only post I can find regarding the SRG. Thanks!
 
I sort of happened on the kadrmas kreations on accident. Kyle is a machinist who looks at things from a different perspective than most. He was very receptive to customizing and thought about things i felt other grinders had missed.

I should preface ive owned a lot of grinders, i love machinery and am a reasonable manual machinist out of necessity from knifemaking. I kept looking for the grinder that would make me better.

Ive owned a kmg, two tw90s, an ameribrade, a northridge, bader 3, kyles first design, as well as made 4 of my own on top of owning kyles newest SRG plus ive used a pheer, esteem, obm, lb1000, hardcore, and a tag 101

They all will throw sparks, none will make you a better maker. I feel each had positives and negatives and for me personally the srg has all the features i need as a maker and none i dont. What sets it apart is the cam over gas shock, the attention to detail, he machines everything himself cnc or manual, no outsourcing, his wheels are machined better than any of the others save for tw90 and the northridge and Kyle is incredibly receptive to customization.

Kmg I owned was a later one maybe 6 years ago and after having to tear it down and square everything on a mill plus replace every bearing on it paint it and wire it just to use it I wasnt impressed. I didnt know anything was wront till I used it next to an older kmg. His just hummed, mine screeched his very little vibration, mine would shake itself off of a table if it wasnt bolted down.

The tw90 was amazing, work rest and tracking and tension setup was great, having $3700 invested in a machine I never used in horizontal(id rather tilt my head and leave it in vertical) seemed like a waste of a good machine so off it went, even bought a second one just to be sure a year or two later ha.

The ameribrade Is super sturdy, and has some very slick features, the hook they use to stretch the tension spring and hold the arm down to change belts is ingenius, however to track well i like machines that have more tension and some times this feature would engage if i pulled the tooling arm out too far to tension the spring more. Plus it will only use a footed motor wont use a c face, also the ameribrade feels perfect for a fabrication shop, it just felt a little heavy for me for knifemaking again just my personal feel. Had i not got to try the srg the ameribrade would be the one.

I guess in summary, I have less in my srg than a 3 speed pulley kmg, it is direct drive and a vfd 6" drive wheel 5" tracking came with a spare arm that has a fully adjustable work rest and all fasteners are black oxide or stainless chassis is powder coated steel rest is aluminum.

I dont have to work on it, square anything up, paint anything to worry about rust and its a damn good looking machine and it didnt cost what a small cnc mill would. It is quiet, vibration free, super sensitive and stable tracking. Best part? I need a short arm for a large contact wheel? Email and hell take care of you, larger drive wheel no big deal, custom color frame? Just ask, left handed grinder? He can do that.

He is here to stay, hes designing a large work rest to help freehand full flat grinds, hes designing hubs to use interchangeable contact wheels as well as drive wheels.

That way say you can only afford a single phase motor, interchangeable hub on the drive motor can go from a 4" wheel which is same speed as rpm on the motor or a 2" drive wheel which is 800rpms etc etc.

Hes constantly trying to improve on a product i feel stands above a lot of the current ones given his incredibly reasonable prices and amazing customer service.

For the record I paid full price for my grinder and have no affiliation. Just a guy who appreciates good work and fair prices.
 
Last edited:
Tin.Man said:
I sort of happened on the kadrmas kreations on accident. Kyle is a machinist who looks at things from a different perspective than most. He was very receptive to customizing and thought about things i felt other grinders had missed.

I should preface ive owned a lot of grinders, i love machinery and am a reasonable manual machinist out of necessity from knifemaking. I kept looking for the grinder that would make me better.

Ive owned a kmg, two tw90s, an ameribrade, a northridge, bader 3, kyles first design, as well as made 4 of my own on top of owning kyles newest SRG plus ive used a pheer, esteem, obm, lb1000, hardcore, and a tag 101

They all will throw sparks, none will make you a better maker. I feel each had positives and negatives and for me personally the srg has all the features i need as a maker and none i dont. What sets it apart is the cam over gas shock, the attention to detail, he machines everything himself cnc or manual, no outsourcing, his wheels are machined better than any of the others save for tw90 and the northridge and Kyle is incredibly receptive to customization.

Kmg I owned was a later one maybe 6 years ago and after having to tear it down and square everything on a mill plus replace every bearing on it paint it and wire it just to use it I wasnt impressed. I didnt know anything was wront till I used it next to an older kmg. His just hummed, mine screeched his very little vibration, mine would shake itself off of a table if it wasnt bolted down.

The tw90 was amazing, work rest and tracking and tension setup was great, having $3700 invested in a machine I never used in horizontal(id rather tilt my head and leave it in vertical) seemed like a waste of a good machine so off it went, even bought a second one just to be sure a year or two later ha.

The ameribrade Is super sturdy, and has some very slick features, the hook they use to stretch the tension spring and hold the arm down to change belts is ingenius, however to track well i like machines that have more tension and some times this feature would engage if i pulled the tooling arm out too far to tension the spring more. Plus it will only use a footed motor wont use a c face, also the ameribrade feels perfect for a fabrication shop, it just felt a little heavy for me for knifemaking again just my personal feel. Had i not got to try the srg the ameribrade would be the one.

I guess in summary, I have less in my srg than a 3 speed pulley kmg, it is direct drive and a vfd 6" drive wheel 5" tracking came with a spare arm that has a fully adjustable work rest and all fasteners are black oxide or stainless chassis is powder coated steel rest is aluminum.

I dont have to work on it, square anything up, paint anything to worry about rust and its a damn good looking machine and it didnt cost what a small cnc mill would. It is quiet, vibration free, super sensitive and stable tracking. Best part? I need a short arm for a large contact wheel? Email and hell take care of you, larger drive wheel no big deal, custom color frame? Just ask, left handed grinder? He can do that.

He is here to stay, hes designing a large work rest to help freehand full flat grinds, hes designing hubs to use interchangeable contact wheels as well as drive wheels.

That way say you can only afford a single phase motor, interchangeable hub on the drive motor can go from a 4" wheel which is same speed as rpm on the motor or a 2" drive wheel which is 800rpms etc etc.

Hes constantly trying to improve on a product i feel stands above a lot of the current ones given his incredibly reasonable prices and amazing customer service.

For the record I paid full price for my grinder and have no affiliation. Just a guy who appreciates good work and fair prices.
Click to expand...

The srg and Kyle certainly sound appealing! IsIt good to hear someone supporting their product to such an intense degree. Is there anything you think needs improvement on the machine? I see that you didn't mention the pheer in your comments, would you still opt for the srg/ameribrade over it?
 
The pheer I have nothing bad to say about same with the esteem but nothing jumped out to make me want it. Jose of pheer is incredibly helpful, good guy. He helped me wire my first 1 phase motor, he has better prices on contact rubber contact wheels than anyone(same wheels bader uses) has good accessories. Personally I dont like the compression spring the kmg used and that turned me off of buying a pheer but he has excellent reviews. It ran well, put together well. I bought my 14" contact wheel from jose at pheer as well
 
unless you have to a grinder tomorrow, i would wait till January and see what the new Wilmont LB1000 looks like. i have had an LB1000 for 5 years and have no issues. if the price stays close to what it is now, you are looking at $800 + shipping. that included flat platen and a second 1 1/2" tooling arm, all necessary wheels, and mount for direct drive.
 
I have been waivering over getting a Grinder as well. I had two KMG'S AND A TW-90. So I know what I like and don't like. My two finalists were the Pheer 455 and Ameribrade. I have asked, talked, and researched all I could. Tonight I am placing my order for the Ameribrade. The reviews I have been told are above excellent. The design is very unique. The build quality is as good as it gets. DO NOT listen to any talk of welding warpage. They spent more $ and time on special cnc'd welding jigs to assure zero warp! Read up on them. Really nice guys and ROCKET SCIENCE SMART!! Plus I had a few personal requests which they had no problem making. BEYOND good service! Good luck in your choice.

I did
 
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