Reeder vs Ameribrade vs ect..

LogisticsGuy

LogisticsGuy

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Apr 18, 2022
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So I’ve decided to take the plunge and buy a 2x72. So far I’ve been recommended Reeder and Ameribrade and I’ve watched videos on both. Honestly, they both seem like great machines. Does anyone have experience with both? Any opinions? I’m sure it’s an “it comes down to your personal preference” kind of question but would love to hear from folks with some experience. Any other machines I should be considering?

Regardless of which direction I go, I plan on getting the top package with all the bells and whistles.

Thanks!

Ryan
 
I don’t personally own an Ameribrade, though I’ve seen them up close and they are quite nice and I’ve also heard a lot of great things about them.
Also look into OBM, that’s where I got all the parts for my grinder, then just welded up my own chassis.
 
I have the Reeder and a lot of accessories. It does look like you get more features for your money on the Ameribrade. As I was shipping to England, total weight played into my choice and the all aluminum Reeder looked a lighter option. I also didn’t want my grinder to be a rust risk and liked the “everything is machined” approach.

example of price differences, Reeder rotary platen and arm is $670 vs $405 for Ameribrade. That sort of difference is hard to ignore if the construction method and material isn’t a factor for you.
 
I like the Reeder. I have a TW-90, a Bader B-III, a Wilton, and a couple home brew grinders. The Reeder is champ by far, IMHO.
Greg Reeder makes a very solid machine. Their accessories are also very well built. All aluminum is also important if you grind post-HT with a Kool-mist type system.
The tracking is really nice with coarse and fine tuning (roll and yaw). All their contact and drive wheels are machined to super tight tolerances and balance.
Not everyone needs one, but their surface grinder attachment is really good.
The belt tension is simple and easy. Some folks like a ratchet system, but I have never had a single issue with the spring setup Greg uses. I have had problems with my TW-90 ratchet not locking easily without regular cleaning and grease.
The only thing some folks don't like is the vertical/horizontal tilting setup. It is a brace bar that you lift and tilt the grinder ... super simple and not complex ... but not like some fancy hinged setups. They sell a really heavy-duty tilt and flip retrofit that does that if you need it. That add-on is a bit pricey for anyone who doesn't need to flip their grinder back and forth many times in a knife build (which I can't see why you would). I never had an issue with the simple brace bar setup.
They make a great all aluminum mobile base for the grinder that is rock solid, and you can roll your grinder where you need it and then put it away. This is a very useful accessory and very reasonably priced. I would say it is a must-have for most folks.
Greg's grinders and accessories comes packed on plywood boards and screwed down solid. It looks like how you would ship the Mona Lisa.
If you like building your own special work rests, they sell the work rest mount and pig's knuckles at a very low price. With them you can build a super articulated work rest arm.
I haven't ordered their rotary platen, but my guess is it is better than the one I have from Beaumont. Probably on my next order.
Final comment on the Reeder - The machining is beautiful. The two machined aluminum tracking wheels are artwork to a shop person.

The Ameribrade* is more expensive - It's foundation grinder package with a VS 2HP and 2"/6" combo-arm wheels is around $2800.
The basic Reeder chassis with the wheel kit, plus a 10" independent contact wheel, and a 2HP VS motor kit from my favorite motor supplier is right at $2000. You can add a lot of accessories like the glass platen kit, and the mobile base and still pay less than the Ameribrade.

*I have never used or seen in person an Ameribrade, so my comments are based on their ads and images.
 
Throwing a wrench in the works....cause that's what I do.

I have a Pheer.
A lot of makers here do too.

It's considerably less expensive, I bought mine without a motor and drive.
I supplied that myself. Saved many many Hundreds of dollars.

Mine runs in reverse too, and tracks on a dime.
I would replace it (with the Same) in a second, if something happened.
 
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All brands mentioned will do the job. The real question is what appeals to you personally?
 
Another couple brands you should take a peek at are Brodbeck and Wilmont.
 
FWIW, I have the Ameribrade and love it. Very well designed, sturdy as a tank, neatly machined and built. BUT, doubt you would go wrong with any of the quality machines mentioned.

I went with the Ameribrade because it was the best value at the time I bought it, considering the quality of the machine, VFD, and motor. Also, I use it in reverse quite a bit, and it tracks perfectly both ways.
 
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Wow I did t realize there were son many to choose from!

I’ve got a few questions:

1. Has anyone had issues with aluminum wearing out or being too light to prevent chatter?

2. Anyone had issues with steel rusting?

3. I looked up the Hardcore grinder and they are twice the price of the other premium grinder packages listed here. Am I missing something? They seem comparable in quality to me.


The Ameribrade I think is my current front runner. I like the idea of a heavy steel machine and all the various diameter attachments it come with are really appealing. I also like the storage system they built into there stand. BUT maybe having a machine that heavy is not necessary. Also Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith has not steered me wrong with his recommendations yet so I’m taking that into consideration in regards to the Reeder
 
Any thoughts on a grizzly 2x72, they are around a grand. Looking to get my first grinding setup, that is capable of wet grinding as well
 
The KMG was all the rage for years. And now whenever this topic comes up, it's not on the list.

I've had mine forever with all sorts of attachments. But now I gotta wonder if I'm missing out on something.
 
LogisticsGuy said:
1. Has anyone had issues with aluminum wearing out or being too light to prevent chatter?

2. Anyone had issues with steel rusting?
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Nope, Aluminum will NEVER give any problems due to being too light. I think all the threaded holes use steel inserts on the Reeder so that's not a problem Aluminum is my choice for sure.

If using a misting system for grinding I would suspect the steel would rust, even painted there is going to be chips over the years to allow rust
 
Meridian said:
Any thoughts on a grizzly 2x72, they are around a grand. Looking to get my first grinding setup, that is capable of wet grinding as well
Click to expand...
Yes, the Grizzly is only $1K, but it's only a single FAST speed. Just fine for hogging and profiling, but not much for bevels and other things. I'd think it would be just fine for a 2nd grinder
 
From looking at the Reeder and other grinders at Blade, the Reeder is my choice for sure. The workmanship and machining is really good. Also, Stacy's reports confirm my feeling on the Reeder. Money no object - buy the full Reeder package for many thousand bucks. As money is a big concern for me, I'd purchase the base package and add my motor and Chinese VFD for around $300 total vs $800 or so for the KBC drive/motor package. I prefer the digital readout on the Chinese VFDs that will show the actual belt speed in SFPM, or RPM depending on programming.

My route was to build a highly modified clone of the original KMG using the Reeder's tracking system. I'd LOVE to have Reeder's SGA, but my homemade setup works good.
 
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I've got the Reeder base model and it's great! Haven't had any problems with it at all.
 
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