Matthew Gregory
Chief Executive in charge of Entertainment
- Joined
- Jan 12, 2005
- Messages
- 6,629
Since adapting my KMG grinder to flip horizontally, I needed a good work rest. In general, I don't use a work rest at all, except to clean up a profile after cutting it out on the bandsaw, or setting the bevel on a spine. I'm hoping that having the option to work horizontally will open up some possibilities for me. I thought long and hard about making something myself, but after sharing messages back and forth with my buddy
Pittknife
, I decided to give the guys at Northridge a call. I talked to George at @Northridge tool for quite a while about how I was hoping to use this accessory - on a machine that isn't even theirs - and he was VERY accommodating. I opted for both the rectangular work table, and their multi-wheel table, which is likely to be a game-changer for me.
This arm is INCREDIBLY well thought out, easily adjustable with a single hex key, built to insanely tight tolerances, and like a tank. The blurb from their webpage describes it quite well:
The R.A.T. Arm is a multi-axis work rest that will allow you to use different sections of the 2x72 belt in many different angles and positions. It is adjusted with a single Allen wrench. The 1/4” thick steel tool rest is 8” x 5” and notched to fit around the flat platen. It is tapped from the bottom with no through holes for dirt/grit to accumulate, providing a smooth working surface. The arm segments are made of stainless steel and 6061 aluminum.
Here's a couple quick shots I took with my phone:
I've barely put this through it's paces, but I'm already impressed. This thing is built and finished so nicely, I feel like I'm soiling it by having it come in contact with my KMG. My initial hesitation was due to the price, which felt steep, but after having it in-hand, and seeing the quality of the construction, the fit and finish of the components, and the thoughtfulness that went into engineering its flexibility, I think it's a steal. If their grinders are built even half as well as this work rest is, they've got to be gems. It probably won't happen before Blade Show, but I have plans to drive out and visit their shop. I highly doubt I'll return home empty-handed...
Pittknife
, I decided to give the guys at Northridge a call. I talked to George at @Northridge tool for quite a while about how I was hoping to use this accessory - on a machine that isn't even theirs - and he was VERY accommodating. I opted for both the rectangular work table, and their multi-wheel table, which is likely to be a game-changer for me.This arm is INCREDIBLY well thought out, easily adjustable with a single hex key, built to insanely tight tolerances, and like a tank. The blurb from their webpage describes it quite well:
The R.A.T. Arm is a multi-axis work rest that will allow you to use different sections of the 2x72 belt in many different angles and positions. It is adjusted with a single Allen wrench. The 1/4” thick steel tool rest is 8” x 5” and notched to fit around the flat platen. It is tapped from the bottom with no through holes for dirt/grit to accumulate, providing a smooth working surface. The arm segments are made of stainless steel and 6061 aluminum.
Here's a couple quick shots I took with my phone:
I've barely put this through it's paces, but I'm already impressed. This thing is built and finished so nicely, I feel like I'm soiling it by having it come in contact with my KMG. My initial hesitation was due to the price, which felt steep, but after having it in-hand, and seeing the quality of the construction, the fit and finish of the components, and the thoughtfulness that went into engineering its flexibility, I think it's a steal. If their grinders are built even half as well as this work rest is, they've got to be gems. It probably won't happen before Blade Show, but I have plans to drive out and visit their shop. I highly doubt I'll return home empty-handed...
. They have a "new" product in the works that a lot of us are familiar with and is unrelated to their 2x72. So keep an eye on these guys!
