grinder articulating work rest recommendations

Michael Black

Michael Black

Joined
Jun 29, 2014
Messages
417
Anybody have experience with different articulating work rests? I am looking at getting one for my Brodbeck Ironworks grinder primarily for using it to hollow grind bevels, but it seems like they would have many uses. I was mostly wondering about differences between the KMG Articulating work rest vs the Northridge Tools R.A.T. table. I'm open to other options if you know of any as well. I know Northridge is known for stellar quality, but it seems like the KMG might do the same thing with easier adjustability at a lower price point.
 
the RAT arm/table looks really nice and sturdy but it wont fit my tw-90 :( i am most curious about which models are solid, no wiggle , movement, flexing or bending.
 
I have the DD Workrest articulating workrest. It has more versatility than the others and costs less. Don is also an all around great dude to work with. He builds them standard for 1 1/2" receivers or will add spacers to them to fit 2" sockets like Ameribrade.
 
Signalprick said:
I have the DD Workrest articulating workrest. It has more versatility than the others and costs less. Don is also an all around great dude to work with. He builds them standard for 1 1/2" receivers or will add spacers to them to fit 2" sockets like Ameribrade.
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I've heard good things about this one, but how is it more versatile? Looking at the design it seems like there would be less versatility than the 2 I mentioned. Do you have a video showing how it works or anything?
 
Michael Black said:
I've heard good things about this one, but how is it more versatile? Looking at the design it seems like there would be less versatility than the 2 I mentioned. Do you have a video showing how it works or anything?
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In addition to height adjustability and forward and back table angle adjustments you can also adjust the table angle side to side. To my knowledge none of the others have this feature. Plus everything else being equal it costs less. On a personal note it was a bonus he offered to add the spacers to be compatible with my grinder also. It was a no brainer purchase for me. YMMV. I got in on the first offering and the only complaint I have, and it's not really a complaint but quick release adjustment nuts would be a welcome feature but for all I know he's putting them on there now. It's a simple mod that I just need to take a minute to remedy. I do not have a video, sorry.
 
I have another cheaper one which was ok, (about the $280-300 price range) but had a lot of flex and took a while to adjust, square up etc. The side to side flex was always there and a feature I personally never had a need for. I got the Northridge rat 2.0 a few months back and totally worth it. It has hardened inserts, bearings, rubber o-rings removable pivots, and is a dream to adjust and get back to square quickly! others may look similar but doubt any have this level of precision built into each one. I do clean it out/wipe it down once a month, 10 mins but still worth it...

kCfkb0k.jpg
 
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Thom Moss said:
I have another cheaper one which was ok, (about the $280-300 price range) but had a lot of flex and took a while to adjust, square up etc. The side to side flex was always there and a feature I personally never had a need for. I got the Northridge rat 2.0 a few months back and totally worth it. It has hardened inserts, bearings, rubber o-rings removable pivots, and is a dream to adjust and get back to square quickly! others may look similar but doubt any have this level of precision built into each one. I do clean it out/wipe it down once a month, 10 mins but still worth it...

kCfkb0k.jpg
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Dang, that's impressive indeed!
 
Signalprick said:
In addition to height adjustability and forward and back table angle adjustments you can also adjust the table angle side to side. To my knowledge none of the others have this feature. Plus everything else being equal it costs less. On a personal note it was a bonus he offered to add the spacers to be compatible with my grinder also. It was a no brainer purchase for me. YMMV. I got in on the first offering and the only complaint I have, and it's not really a complaint but quick release adjustment nuts would be a welcome feature but for all I know he's putting them on there now. It's a simple mod that I just need to take a minute to remedy. I do not have a video, sorry.
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Oh really it goes side to side too? I don't see a need for that personally, but I suppose you never know, it could easily come in handy! I'll look into that one some more too. Thanks!
 
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