Northridge vs tw 90

[Teppojutsu]

I had access to 6 Burr Kings in my last knife shop, and a friend had a KMG and TW-90. The TW-90 wins hands down. Its super smooth, and the tilt function is excellent. I would not hesitate in buying the TW-90 if I had the disposable cash. And my friend was so impressed he bought 3 for production use.

Its well worth the money.

Thanks for the Intel
Yea I know the tw 90 will be a safe assured choice.

But I don't want to judge the northridge out .
I want to see it in action !

 

[Bull Mountain Custom]

I get where your coming from being it's a startup company .

I am also considering a Northridge grinder and am waiting for the pro package to be released to make my final decision.

One item I thought should be clarified is that Northridge is not a startup company, they are developing and bringing a new product to market. I have no personal or in depth knowledge of their business but read their about page which states:

"Northridge Tool LLC has been manufacturing different types of metal shaping machines since July of 2001, in the last 15 years we have grown in skill and technology. Our staff has machined many different components including firearms, medical devise components, titanium plating anodes for oil and gas power generation for companies, such as BP, Halliburton, GE, and Siemens, and many different projects for NASA Glen Lewis research center.
We have made equipment for the custom car and motorcycle industries that have been seen on numerous television shows and in the iron man 1, 2, & 3 movies. Our equipment is also used by the Marine Corps University, the air force, DynCorp International for their Apache helicopter Maintenance Support teams, and Los Alamos National Lab, for testing their new polymer compounds. They are also in the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor on historic Ford Island for maintenance and restoration on the antique war planes just to name a few."

Having previously worked in the precision metal fabrication industry. You don't stay in business 15 years, especially supplying these industries if you aren't doing things the right way. If their grinder runs half as nice as the fit and finish shown in their photos, I am expecting one hell of a grinder at a very reasonable price point. I have looked at all the grinders mentioned in this thread and from my research you will have a hard time finding any negative reviews or commentary on any of them which tells me you should pick the one that most closely fits your needs.

 

[joedhiggins]

I am running the NRT grinder. It is smooth as glass and tracks perfectly. The motor seems to have a lot of ass (I tried to dog it down with a 36 grit belt on it by pushing a 4" square block of mild steel (8 sq in of contact to the belt) into the belt. I pushed hard, and noticed it slow down around the point I felt uncomfortable leaning that hard into a rotating 36 grit belt. I can't give you a specific psi to bog it down, and the belt was new, but the motor is solid). The basic tool rest is just that, basic, and the fancy tool rest is a bit pricey, but even kitted out, It is a bunch cheaper than the TW-90, so if price is a concern, the NRT wins there.

I can't speak to resale value, but can say that the machine I received is machined impeccably. I have zero complaints. I just wish the contact wheels were available as I am sure they will be machined to the same standards that the rest of the machine is.

Joe

 

[Teppojutsu]

I am running the NRT grinder. It is smooth as glass and tracks perfectly. The motor seems to have a lot of ass (I tried to dog it down with a 36 grit belt on it by pushing a 4" square block of mild steel (8 sq in of contact to the belt) into the belt. I pushed hard, and noticed it slow down around the point I felt uncomfortable leaning that hard into a rotating 36 grit belt. I can't give you a specific psi to bog it down, and the belt was new, but the motor is solid). The basic tool rest is just that, basic, and the fancy tool rest is a bit pricey, but even kitted out, It is a bunch cheaper than the TW-90, so if price is a concern, the NRT wins there.

I can't speak to resale value, but can say that the machine I received is machined impeccably. I have zero complaints. I just wish the contact wheels were available as I am sure they will be machined to the same standards that the rest of the machine is.

Joe

Dude ... SIR. We need a video I really want to hear it grind something

PLEASE

 

[Teppojutsu]

I am also considering a Northridge grinder and am waiting for the pro package to be released to make my final decision.

One item I thought should be clarified is that Northridge is not a startup company, they are developing and bringing a new product to market. I have no personal or in depth knowledge of their business but read their about page which states:

"Northridge Tool LLC has been manufacturing different types of metal shaping machines since July of 2001, in the last 15 years we have grown in skill and technology. Our staff has machined many different components including firearms, medical devise components, titanium plating anodes for oil and gas power generation for companies, such as BP, Halliburton, GE, and Siemens, and many different projects for NASA Glen Lewis research center.
We have made equipment for the custom car and motorcycle industries that have been seen on numerous television shows and in the iron man 1, 2, & 3 movies. Our equipment is also used by the Marine Corps University, the air force, DynCorp International for their Apache helicopter Maintenance Support teams, and Los Alamos National Lab, for testing their new polymer compounds. They are also in the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor on historic Ford Island for maintenance and restoration on the antique war planes just to name a few."

Having previously worked in the precision metal fabrication industry. You don't stay in business 15 years, especially supplying these industries if you aren't doing things the right way. If their grinder runs half as nice as the fit and finish shown in their photos, I am expecting one hell of a grinder at a very reasonable price point. I have looked at all the grinders mentioned in this thread and from my research you will have a hard time finding any negative reviews or commentary on any of them which tells me you should pick the one that most closely fits your needs.

Hi bull this is EXACTLY what I was thinking.

I mean I don't know of any grinders that are being made with such up to date production. Methods ........that they actually OWN!

Not subbing out the machine work they own them !

This is big to me as well as I think the same about what you said about making it in the industry .

For my needs I "think" any would be fine but I really want a surface grinder attachment that's rules out the tag 101 ATM.

ALSO am I the only one that sees the northridge grinder is basically the love child of a tag 101 and tw90?

@joedhiggins I really would like to see that thing run.

 

[LARRYZ10]

Teppojutsu, The Wuertz surface grinding attachment is easily adapted to any grinder with either a 1 1/4 square tool arm or a 1 1/2 inch tool arm. Here is mine adapted to a 1 1/2 tool arm by milling off 1/4 9inch on two sides of a 1 1/2 inch tool arm 8 inches back. Larry

 

[Fish30114]

Folks, I can tell you the North Ridge is definitely up to snuff on what they are doing on their grinder-as Bull Mountain pointed out, North Ridge isn't new to mfg. and they have an impressive track record in demanding industries. Their attitude of 'if there isn't a high quality part in the marketplace, we will make it ourselves' is impressive and is leading to a standout machine. They have several items in the que for the future-such as a surface grinding attachment--and I can tell you that after in depth conversations with the principal, the future items will be of first rate and be high quality in all aspects as well. I really feel that the North Ridge tools grinder is going to be an industry leader.

 

[Teppojutsu]

Teppojutsu, The Wuertz surface grinding attachment is easily adapted to any grinder with either a 1 1/4 square tool arm or a 1 1/2 inch tool arm. Here is mine adapted to a 1 1/2 tool arm by milling off 1/4 9inch on two sides of a 1 1/2 inch tool arm 8 inches back. Larry

Thanks Larry !

Paul

 

[Teppojutsu]

Folks, I can tell you the North Ridge is definitely up to snuff on what they are doing on their grinder-as Bull Mountain pointed out, North Ridge isn't new to mfg. and they have an impressive track record in demanding industries. Their attitude of 'if there isn't a high quality part in the marketplace, we will make it ourselves' is impressive and is leading to a standout machine. They have several items in the que for the future-such as a surface grinding attachment--and I can tell you that after in depth conversations with the principal, the future items will be of first rate and be high quality in all aspects as well. I really feel that the North Ridge tools grinder is going to be an industry leader.

I literally just got off the phone with George ...
Seems like a solid dude and I like his attitude.

He definitely does not need to sell grinders to keep the lights on.

I'm leaning more this way .

I still am wanting to see one grind something .

He did say not to worry they are built like a brick shithouse

 

[J. Hoffman]

I have a TW90 and have never come close to stalling it. 2hp is plenty. My next grinder will likely be a NRT though, after seeing it at Blade. The only feature it doesn't have is the adjustable belt tensioner that I love about the TW90. I thought the tool rest was decent, and for the price you can't go wrong. Everything seemed extremely well machined.

 

[LCoop]

I honestly think you won't go wrong the with Northridge. Yes it's a recent introd to the knife grinding business but no newcomer to making precision machines! I can only laugh thinking in 5 years from now this thread will come up in a search engine and the other brands won't even be known then! Some will ask is the KMG still being made? It's seriously that well built!

 

[joedhiggins]

I still am wanting to see one grind something .

I may try to post a video. I am kinda stuck trying to film it with my phone while grinding, which may prove difficult, but I will give it a shot. Anything in particular you would like to see it grind (I cant really do work on a blade one handed, but I can show it running.

Joe

 

[LCoop]

I was also considering a Northridge around a month ago or so, along with 3 other models...Pheer, AMK and Esteem. There were three reasons that I didn't go with the Northridge. First, it was a new grinder model with no track record, secondly, all of their option pricing was not in place, and third, they wanted 500 bucks for the tilt option...500 bucks for a hinge!! This made me seriously think that once the other option prices became available I was going to get raked. Long story short....I purchased an Esteem grinder from Bret Matthews. Check out reviews here on BF...I've never read a single negative comment about the grinder or about Brett. The man goes above and beyond to satisfy his customers. Once you get into the $2500 plus price range you'll be happy with any grinder that you might purchase, they're all good machines. And don't be fooled by 1600 to 1700 dollar base prices, these are meaningless because you're going to want to add options like VFD, bigger motor, small wheel attachment, hollow grind wheel, etc. Look at the option prices carefully, and the quality of the options. This is where the true pricing of the machine comes into play and another reason that I'd decided on the Esteem...good quality, reasonable pricing. Just my 2 cents.

Just my 12 cents worth. Inflation and possible minimum wage going up! With that said it amazes me some folks think if you mount a grinder on a flat surface put a piano hinge on it, it automatically becomes a horizontal grinder. Yes technically it is. BUT if you spend a ton of research to design and develop the very best horizontal grinder stand and use a 1/2 million dollars of CNC equip and make a horizontal grinder that is PRECISON made and it cost more than a piano hinge it's some how over priced. Go figure. But a guy who goes spends that same amount of money or 10 times more on a motor cycle he can only use 3 months out of the year, or a bass boat that makes absolutely no money for again 3 months out of the year, jewelry, a back hoe on a over sized lawn mower, I could go on and on is ok and reasonable. A lot of folks spend the same amount of money on tattoos! I'm not against any of the folks who decide how to spend their hard earned money but IF I want to spend it on top quality made machinery for a hobby or a profession that works for me then that's me and that is my decision. If your fine with a piano hinge then that's your decision. I'll finish by saying Northridge tools who I have NO connection to, makes a outstanding product.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

I recently purchased a Wilmont Tag 101 and am extremely happy with it.

I've owned and used many machines and currently have the Tag 101, a Hardcore products, A Coote and a Griz.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with 1 1/2 - 2hp motor variable, They have done everything I've asked of them for the last 20 years and I currently run a 1 hp Variable on the Coote which I have built into a portable machine for demos & sharpening.

If money is no object? get the TW-90, Then the Tag 101. But like another maker said, get one that works 90/45.
I wouldn't buy a new machine that doesn't have that feature.

I have never seen or used a Northridge.

 

[LARRYZ10]

LCoop, I don't think the tilting stand for the Northridge grinder is overpriced and I love precision tools and own several but I think your statement that some guys think a piano hinge on a grinder makes it a horizontal grinder is probably not the best example of cheap engineering. A horizontal grinder just needs to be horizontal, period. Here is a picture of a grinder I put together and made tools and rests for that is used almost exclusively with a Travis Wuertz surface grinding attachment. It is mounted with two 3 knuckle door hinges which are more than adequate to hold the grinder rock solid and perfectly level. Lets not overthink this. I think the machine work on the Northridge grinder is beautiful and it will probably sell very well. Larry

 

[Teppojutsu]

I may try to post a video. I am kinda stuck trying to film it with my phone while grinding, which may prove difficult, but I will give it a shot. Anything in particular you would like to see it grind (I cant really do work on a blade one handed, but I can show it running.

Joe

Sweet man you don't have to make anything just touch some steel to it my ears are sensitive lol

 

[Teppojutsu]

So far I'm thinking northridge.

I'm going to actually write down a few more questions for him for the next time I call.

After talking with George the first time and getting a price. It will be cheaper then a tw and have everything except the contact wheel which are currently being made.

Thanks for your help too Larry 10


At LCoop are you in alaska?

 

[TonyRV2]

Just my 12 cents worth. Inflation and possible minimum wage going up! With that said it amazes me some folks think if you mount a grinder on a flat surface put a piano hinge on it, it automatically becomes a horizontal grinder. Yes technically it is. BUT if you spend a ton of research to design and develop the very best horizontal grinder stand and use a 1/2 million dollars of CNC equip and make a horizontal grinder that is PRECISON made and it cost more than a piano hinge it's some how over priced. Go figure. But a guy who goes spends that same amount of money or 10 times more on a motor cycle he can only use 3 months out of the year, or a bass boat that makes absolutely no money for again 3 months out of the year, jewelry, a back hoe on a over sized lawn mower, I could go on and on is ok and reasonable. A lot of folks spend the same amount of money on tattoos! I'm not against any of the folks who decide how to spend their hard earned money but IF I want to spend it on top quality made machinery for a hobby or a profession that works for me then that's me and that is my decision. If your fine with a piano hinge then that's your decision. I'll finish by saying Northridge tools who I have NO connection to, makes a outstanding product.

Piano style hinges have worked on grinders for decades. Its not the hinge that makes the machine stable, its the weight of the machine coupled with the bottom support in the horizontal postition that makes the machine stable. CNC precision or not, the Northridge hinge is overdesigned in my humble opinion as a former automation engineer. No hinge of this nature is worth 500 bucks. Competitor machines with their lowly off the shelf style hinges are typically in the 150 to 250 price range for the horizontal option. And to tell you the truth, this was a major reason I didn't go with this grinder...that and the fact that I didn't want to pay twice as much as anywhere else for their other as yet to be priced options, like a 10" wheel for instance. Sure, they'll claim its that best precision milled wheel to come around since the stone age, and then charge a premium over that claim. This is what worries me about this company at this point. Perhaps I'm wrong....we won't know until they publish all of their pricing. Now don't get me wrong, from the looks of it, the grinder is a nice one and anyone that purchases one is bound to be happy with it, as with any other grinder in this price range....they're all good grinders.

 

[AVigil]

Heck maybe the Northridge horizontal option should be $1000

Honestly it looks great, but it does not make for a better horizontal grinder over using a hinge.

 

[Teppojutsu]

Let's agree to disagree files have worked for hundreds of years.
Should we trade our grinders for them?
Just because something works doesn't mean something new can't work

George did give me a price on wheels (or at least told me what he thinks they will be)

And all together even with the contact wheel (when it comes in a few)

It is couple hundred cheaper then the tw90 .......

The debate about whether or not the piano hinge works is a moot point to me

Simple it's either well. Balanced in the horizontal position or its not .

But to say the stand isn't worth it imo is also moot to me .
If you whatch any video showing people with a hinged grinder .

The tw flips the easiest because it was made to . Not say others can't flip but it's certainly not as graceful...

.. why.... well as piano hinge pivots at the hinge making the grinder a lever that you must use to flip the weight of the machine over. Which at some point during its arc is going to load with weight and then release when it hits it's tipping point where it will start loading under its own weight again till it stops .
Correct me if I'm wrong I'm not educated

The machined stand and the tw 90 spin more on an axis then a lever (terminology? ) makes sense so far? .

This is another reason I like it over a normal hinge plate (there's nothing wrong with them this is my grinder though)
To me I like the fact that they have actually designed a flipping feature that doesn't look like an afterthought.
Just my opinion if I had bought a KMG I would definitely be devising a way for it to flip and I got a big box of bearing continuous door hinges.

Ask any machine shop how much they would charge for that stand??
I guarantee it will cost a few hundred at least.

Heck even better ask Nathan the machinest about how much a stand like that from him would Costa

So let's bury the tilting argument and let's wait for a video @ joe