Sell me on a 2x72

O

O'Neil

Joined
Nov 14, 2019
Messages
36
So its time to upgrade. Ive been making knives for a couple years now grinding it out on the grizzle 1x30. Its frustrating now after spinning out damascas knives and tomahawks at a reasonable pace to spend an incredible amount of time grinding bevels! I've upgraded just about everything in my shop except the belt grinder, which I regret.

3 burner majestic (reinstated of course) to the 26 ton riverside press to the 310 lb anvil, then to the 1x30 grizzly for finishing touches? Nah, time to put the 1x30 on the shelf.

So sell me on a 2x72. Ive read alot of forums and posts and it still makes my head spin. I'd like to keep it under 2500 but I'm also very susceptible to peer pressure! Also, I'm a decent welder and fabricator if making one is the way to go.

P.s. I hope I'm posting this to the right forum.
 
I personally don't grind knives myself. Perhaps you'll have people who know more about this kind of thing in the Shop Talk subforum in the General Knifemakers category, which is geared towards knife makers and seems pretty active
 
I didn’t have your budget so I loosely followed the DIY plans on DCKnives and made my own grinder with a platen and wheels from OriginBladeMaker. Very pleased with the results I’ve had.
 
Matt Gregory posted a thread called why I bought a Northridge grinder. He attached a 20 minute video. I expect it will convince you and the package he describes is right about at your budget.
 
Where I worked I did the ordering for our shop. So I ordered a Bur King vari-speed 2x72" belt grinder with every type of belt out there. I proceeded to make 6-7 straight knives all with micarta handles. What a pleasure to use. You will not be sorry getting a 2'x72" belt grinder.
 
Sounds like you're already sold on the idea of upgrading to a 2x72. Are you asking which 2x72 you should spend your $2500 on? If I were to buy one, I'd go with a Northridge, hands down.

That said, whatever grinder you do decide to go with (or even if you build), make sure to go with a VFD, and I'd probably go with at least a 2hp motor.
 
For 2500 you can get a pretty nice grinder. I'd make sure you get variable speed and one that tilts. Here's a list of quality ones I've seen for sale. TW 90, Northridge, Reeder, Outlaw, Broedbeck, New Beaumont, Ameribrade, Vashti. Probably more I'm forgetting about.
 
My Esteem is solid but it lacks a few premium features. About 3 or 4 years ago it was the best thing out there at the price point that you are looking at. If I had to do it again I would go with a tw90. Horizontal grinding would be a huge perk for me now an the other features would just be a bonus.
 
I'd get a Northridge personally... But they are struggling with production demands. Had a great buddy reach out to them about 10 weeks ago on the mod-e and they said they should have some ready in 6 weeks.
 
I have considerably less than $2500 invested in my Ameribrade Fastback with a 12" wheel, tilting combo platen, small work rest and tilt bracket. Mine runs on a 120v, 1.5 hp Leeson w/VFD. I guess what I'm saying is the quality of the Ameribrade is top notch and prices are amazing comparably speaking.
 
I'd like to add another agreement for the VFD. The tools don't make the man, but I have to say grinding bevels has become much easier for me since I set up my VFD.
 
Unless you're sure you're looking for a 2x72, you might want to consider a reverse-able disc sander with VFD and 1 degree bevel. I know a MS and a couple of JS (who trained under the same MS) who say that if they knew then what they knew now, they would have gotten the disc sander before the 2x72.
 
Stacy did a GREAT write up on the Reeder 2X72, you might look for that thread. I tend to think if I were spending $2500 on a grinder I'd go with the Reeder, or even better build one and add the SGA - best thing ever. A very good 2X72 can be built along with the SGA and save a good bit of money. I think I'd use these plans:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/free-2-x-72-belt-grinder-plans-2020-version.1705344/

and for sure a VFD, no choice there. Yes, a disk grinder is handy, but they're so easy to build. Just purchase the disk, buy a 3 ph motor and VFD and you're ready to go. Later add a work rest if desired.
 
I have a pheer grinder and really like it. It’s under your budget, but does not tilt if that’s a feature you’re looking for.
 
TW90 is bomb dot com, but uses a 1 1/4" tooling arm, so not much fits to it, DD does a good job and a couple other tool arms do (rotary platen), but his is just unique all around. Best small wheel attachment though because cutting fullers is a BREEEZE.

The northridge is just perfection all around imo, and will have good aftermarket appeal.
 
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