I bought this same grinder chassis, flat platen, drive wheel, stand and work rest just a few months ago. Sourced my own motor and VFD elsewhere (3hp 3ph motor and KBAC-29 vfd). I'm set up and grinding for about $1600 to start. It's solid, and works with no unnecessary frills or glitz. Couldn't be happier with my Ameribrade! In fact, I just ordered another larger work rest, water bucket and slack grinding attachment last week. Hard to beat their quality and price point on these grinders and attachments.
I’m pretty sure Travis werks came out with the first surface grinder and manufactures everything in the USA. Other companies copied specially some newer one that is picking up speed are using Chinese parts. (Liner stage table.)But the Ameribrade products really nice. Well-made good quality USA made
Couldn’t agree more on the surface grinder comment Walter. I’ve got the same Tormach 612 in your video but recently obtained a surface grinder from Reeder for my NorthRidge primarily for speed and flexibility. Nice video!
Hey Walter, it was good talking to you at the combat abrasives booth at Blade. I just setup my new ameribrade the other day and I'm pumped. This grinder paired with combat abrasives shredder belts is a beast! And the surface grinder attachment is gold!
Great grinder, great company! They operate out of a large garage with Cnc machines, laser cutters, etc. The main guy who started the operation quit his job as I believe an aerospace engineer. He now builds grinders full time with employees. That told me something so I drove to pick up my grinder from them and avoided the $300 delivery fee.
That is the exact setup I have, except for the surface grinder. It's SUCH a versatile beast. You're going to wonder how you ever got along without it. Ameribrade is hands-down the king of knife grinders.
Nice new tool. The small wheel setup and the sliding surface grinding attachment look like the biggest features over the old Bader. (Speed control rocks too)✌
I have a homemade style 2x72. Bought it on ebay lol, and bought the little 1 hp motor. No drive on it, just full out 3600 rpm and direct drive, so it’s a little much. You get serious chatter on it if you aren’t used to using it. And yes the bearings on it are all worn heavily by now, it really was a piece of crap and even after I modified it, it still is. The tracking pulley is barely crowned so I seriously put masking tape down the center of it to give it more curvature, and oddly it worked and the tape is still there after over a year. If I could’ve found the pulleys easily and everything I would’ve made it myself in hindsight. I also had to balance the drive pulley (it was out of balance mostly because of the large and mostly empty set screw hole). At least it’s sitting in a balancing shop so that part is easy enough. We use it for work everyday, it was the best tool we’ve bought in years, but that’s also why I’m considering buying a legit one like this. If I could I would go back and never buy a crappy one, I’d invest in a real machine like this. And rather than buy a crappy one you’d be better off making it tbh.
I built mine with a 3500rpm motor, but use a step pulley system. Has all the speeds I need. Fastest is about 8200sfpm. Slowest is 1200sfpm. Bought all the pulleys and wheels off Amazon. Tracking wheel came crowned and works great. I’m sure you could change yours out.
@@erikcourtney1834 Yeah for sure, essentially like a stepped drill press pulley. That’s a good idea, I suppose I’m just lazy lol. But definitely a good idea. The only thing I wonder is, how big is the pulley in order to have the steps for a 2” belt? Must be pretty chunky? I didn’t even know they had them tbh, never thought of it. You mean direct drive right? My grinder is direct drive, but if I had a shaft with bearings I could easily do that. It’s a great idea.
Doggo Willink the motor has a step pulley. And parallel to the motor is an axle mounted in pillow blocks. Step pulley on one end and a 4” drive wheel on the other side. I’d show you a picture but we can’t post pictures on RUclips. Which is stupid. Google search belt grinder step pulley. It should pull a picture of one up.
There are things I prefer about my KMG, namely the solid steel or aluminum tool arms. That said, the AmeriBrade looks like a very nice machine. I've got their small wheel attachment and love that I can use my KMG small wheels with it.
Hey Walter, big fan. I would really like to see and hear your honest opinion of this grinder, I had one from them and had lots of problems so I'm really interested to see what you think. 👍
How do they get a 110v motor to have variable speed capabilities? Could it be a dc motor or a 3phase motor but the input to the controller is 110v? I’m guessing that is the case...
Viewing the current political and economical atmosphere in the world humanity needs a hero. There should be a Worldwide movement To proclaim aWalter Sorrells day hero, prestidigitator, jack of all trades‘s and master of most
Kind of alarmed how the whole unit moves when you push on it. In machinist school they told us "always have a rigid set up". Anchor that sucker for safety. Predicting which way the machine will move is an extra variable you don't need.
@@jgbullen I buy the Combat Abrasives belts. They are much better than the box store variety. It's fine for my hobby but I'm not trying to sell my stuff. I'm just salty that I can't afford real equipment.
@@Picklemedia That's not a bad price for a top level knife grinder. New makers today have a ton of options and this Ameribrade looks great with some well thought out designs.
@@cousineddie7898 it's certainly the basic premise. I'm into wood working and built a panel sander, which can sand up to 22" wide, for about $200. fraction of the cost of commercial sanders.
@@randallrun I'm working on it. Already made a 22" drum sander a number of years ago for about 200 bucks. I've extended that out using the same motor and shaft to include a 9" disc sander, and now I'm designing the belt sander portion of it. It's done, but designing the best way to mount that portion of it.
I have one of the original AmeriBrade grinders. They are great grinders and great owners they will go out of their way to help you
Wow! That is cool. If I wasn’t 73 I’d buy two!
Absolutely love my ameribrade grinder.
I own ameribrade grinder and I love it.
I just picked mine up yesterday! Cant wait to get up and running
I bought this same grinder chassis, flat platen, drive wheel, stand and work rest just a few months ago. Sourced my own motor and VFD elsewhere (3hp 3ph motor and KBAC-29 vfd). I'm set up and grinding for about $1600 to start. It's solid, and works with no unnecessary frills or glitz. Couldn't be happier with my Ameribrade! In fact, I just ordered another larger work rest, water bucket and slack grinding attachment last week. Hard to beat their quality and price point on these grinders and attachments.
Walter it was a pleasure meeting you at Blade and I’m so stoked you got an AmeriBrade. This made my day!
Thank you for you comments. I have had my AmeriBlade since January & really like it. However I am a newbee so I have a lot to learn!!!
Looking forward to your honest opinion of this grinder in the near future. Thank you sir!
Thanks, Walter.
Great video. We love our Ameribrade.
Walter is back!
I'm 14 and have learned a lot from you.
I have a Etsy shop and make knives just like you.
Best grinder you can get in my opinion. I've used mine just about every weekend for the past year no problems whatsoever
I’m pretty sure Travis werks came out with the first surface grinder and manufactures everything in the USA. Other companies copied specially some newer one that is picking up speed are using Chinese parts. (Liner stage table.)But the Ameribrade products really nice. Well-made good quality USA made
Man that's a good looking machine! The SGA looks very well made. I have a wheel form them and really like it... They make good stuff for sure!
It’s on my short list!
Thanks Walter!
I just got mine, its awesome. Had a part damaged in shipping and they helped return it and get me a new part.
The more I watch Amazing KK Daily, the less impressed I am with exotic metals, materials and 1000's of dollars in equipment!
Couldn’t agree more on the surface grinder comment Walter. I’ve got the same Tormach 612 in your video but recently obtained a surface grinder from Reeder for my NorthRidge primarily for speed and flexibility. Nice video!
Don't own one but videos like this are always great to see as are many of your videos Thanks
Great machine, I'm very happy with it, service/support is also very good, satisfied client here.
When you watch the unboxing video on a grinder you already have just to hear the opinion of someone you respect
Looks good
Glad to see an unbiased opinion despite an advertisement in the form of the free.99 special.
Hey Walter, it was good talking to you at the combat abrasives booth at Blade. I just setup my new ameribrade the other day and I'm pumped. This grinder paired with combat abrasives shredder belts is a beast! And the surface grinder attachment is gold!
Cool grinder. I will for sure look at those for my next one.
Wow what more could you want out of a belt grinder that is impressive
Great grinder, great company! They operate out of a large garage with Cnc machines, laser cutters, etc. The main guy who started the operation quit his job as I believe an aerospace engineer. He now builds grinders full time with employees. That told me something so I drove to pick up my grinder from them and avoided the $300 delivery fee.
Thanks for sharing!
I appreciate your insight,, I've learned many things from your videos. If it weren't for you, I may have never have learned how to make a knife
That is the exact setup I have, except for the surface grinder. It's SUCH a versatile beast. You're going to wonder how you ever got along without it. Ameribrade is hands-down the king of knife grinders.
Oh, and to go further... The customer service is outstanding.
Just got mine and love it👍
Congrats on the new toy!
Nice new tool. The small wheel setup and the sliding surface grinding attachment look like the biggest features over the old Bader. (Speed control rocks too)✌
I have a homemade style 2x72. Bought it on ebay lol, and bought the little 1 hp motor. No drive on it, just full out 3600 rpm and direct drive, so it’s a little much. You get serious chatter on it if you aren’t used to using it. And yes the bearings on it are all worn heavily by now, it really was a piece of crap and even after I modified it, it still is. The tracking pulley is barely crowned so I seriously put masking tape down the center of it to give it more curvature, and oddly it worked and the tape is still there after over a year.
If I could’ve found the pulleys easily and everything I would’ve made it myself in hindsight. I also had to balance the drive pulley (it was out of balance mostly because of the large and mostly empty set screw hole). At least it’s sitting in a balancing shop so that part is easy enough.
We use it for work everyday, it was the best tool we’ve bought in years, but that’s also why I’m considering buying a legit one like this. If I could I would go back and never buy a crappy one, I’d invest in a real machine like this. And rather than buy a crappy one you’d be better off making it tbh.
I built mine with a 3500rpm motor, but use a step pulley system. Has all the speeds I need. Fastest is about 8200sfpm. Slowest is 1200sfpm. Bought all the pulleys and wheels off Amazon. Tracking wheel came crowned and works great.
I’m sure you could change yours out.
@@erikcourtney1834 Yeah for sure, essentially like a stepped drill press pulley. That’s a good idea, I suppose I’m just lazy lol. But definitely a good idea. The only thing I wonder is, how big is the pulley in order to have the steps for a 2” belt? Must be pretty chunky? I didn’t even know they had them tbh, never thought of it. You mean direct drive right? My grinder is direct drive, but if I had a shaft with bearings I could easily do that. It’s a great idea.
Doggo Willink the motor has a step pulley. And parallel to the motor is an axle mounted in pillow blocks. Step pulley on one end and a 4” drive wheel on the other side. I’d show you a picture but we can’t post pictures on RUclips. Which is stupid. Google search belt grinder step pulley. It should pull a picture of one up.
I love my Ameribrade.... You will too!
Just got mine a few weeks ago. Angle that small wheel attachment up a little bit so that the bearing doesn't fall off when switching belts!
There are things I prefer about my KMG, namely the solid steel or aluminum tool arms. That said, the AmeriBrade looks like a very nice machine. I've got their small wheel attachment and love that I can use my KMG small wheels with it.
Thank you for the beginning review. Also thanks to the commenters below. I'm still looking for a 2 x 72 that won't break my wallet.
excellent...looks like a work house...good luck good grinding
My goodness,that's quite the grinded!Wondering how much he would have to spend to purchase all this...
I believe Travis Wuertz initially came up with the surface grinder attachment.
Hey Walter, big fan. I would really like to see and hear your honest opinion of this grinder, I had one from them and had lots of problems so I'm really interested to see what you think. 👍
Get crackin Sorrels!!
I believe Travis Wuertz came out with the fist available surface grinder followed by others......
Ditto
I've been in the market but I think I'm gonna go with a 2x48 until I sell a few to pay for something like this.
Didn't Travis Wuertz do the first surface grinder attachment?
The motor must be a 3ph with the VFD? Thanks Mr Walter!
3ph is 220v. 110v takes a different vfd made for single ph 110v
Up to 1.5 up for 110v
How do they get a 110v motor to have variable speed capabilities? Could it be a dc motor or a 3phase motor but the input to the controller is 110v? I’m guessing that is the case...
Viewing the current political and economical atmosphere in the world humanity needs a hero. There should be a Worldwide movement To proclaim aWalter Sorrells day hero, prestidigitator, jack of all trades‘s and master of most
Hey Walt, RUclips didn't let me know about the last 3 videos
👍👍👍
Ehh, if they let you keep all, this has been one hell of a good deal for Walter. I have been eyeballing that grinder for a while anyways.
Do you have an old grinder for sale now?
كلشي مبروك
My dream is to be a knife maker
Kind of alarmed how the whole unit moves when you push on it. In machinist school they told us "always have a rigid set up". Anchor that sucker for safety. Predicting which way the machine will move is an extra variable you don't need.
Does anyone bring these into Canada? Thanks
If i may ask an unrelated question to pose to all…
Will Buffalo horn handles become damaged by the heat of being left in the car?
Did I hear 110v?
Another 2x72 grinder I can't afford.....lol
Oh sure rub it in, I'm stuck with my $200 disc belt sander combo with 4 X 36 belt. Hey wait, can I have your old one?
Lol I built the one that dcknives had on his blog site. It's pretty simple if you have the time.dcknives.blogspot.com/p/2-x-72-belt-grinder.html
I have a 1X15 from Harbor Freight or is it 1 X17 ? Anyway it works just buy good belts.
@@jgbullen I buy the Combat Abrasives belts. They are much better than the box store variety. It's fine for my hobby but I'm not trying to sell my stuff. I'm just salty that I can't afford real equipment.
@@ozarked2363 3.1 million children die from malnutrition every year so, "can't afford" is relative
@@joshyingling nice tip dude
someone got a free grinder
904$-1644$ USD
That’s it? I spent 2500 on mine years ago and it’s way more basic.
You're right. $3165 for the mastery package
@@Picklemedia That's not a bad price for a top level knife grinder. New makers today have a ton of options and this Ameribrade looks great with some well thought out designs.
@@MJFacas Agreed
5400$ with all the accessories
مرحبا اريد اشترى كم سعره
Sell me your old grinder. I got tree fiddy.
prices on grinders is nuts. Just a couple of wheels and a motor...
Not quite...
@@cousineddie7898 it's certainly the basic premise. I'm into wood working and built a panel sander, which can sand up to 22" wide, for about $200. fraction of the cost of commercial sanders.
@@larrybud Riiiiiight.
Build a professional level knife grinder and get back to us.
And do a RUclips video so we can see it.
@@randallrun I'm working on it. Already made a 22" drum sander a number of years ago for about 200 bucks. I've extended that out using the same motor and shaft to include a 9" disc sander, and now I'm designing the belt sander portion of it. It's done, but designing the best way to mount that portion of it.
No wonder its 3000$ ,look at the all that unecessary machining operations they did to "look nice".
What parts do you think are unnecessary?
Hahaha I paid more for my Northridge and it looks (and runs) GREAT