I've had an Ameribrade for quite a while and I love it. I've never really used any other 2x72's though. The Brodbeck Ironworks and the Housemade both look pretty legit also. As far as the Ameribrade goes though their customer service is top notch, seems like it would be pretty easy to make custom tool arms (even though they offer pretty much anything you need) and it's built like a tank. I did have to buy the tilting base for it (and a few extra tool arms, 12" wheel and small wheel attachment) but all in I'm probably right around $2000-2500. That's my experience and recommendation. Answer from boyson83 on reddit.com
HouseMade Industrial
housemade.us › collections › grinder-kits
Grinder Build Kits – HouseMade Industrial
Evolution DIY Belt Grinder Kit · Regular price $1,575.00 Sale price from $1,425.00 · 23% Tsunami 3x79 Upgrade Kit · Regular price $875.00 Sale price $675.00 · 9% Revolution 2x72 Build Starter Pack · Regular price $193.00 Sale price from $175.00 · Sold Out · Tsunami 3x79 Build Kit ·
AmeriBrade
ameribrade.com › grinder-build
2x72 Custom Grinder Build — AmeriBrade
7 inch: (We recommend this size for variable speed grinders) Pro: higher belt speed (6600 feet per minute) is great for metal stock removal
Recommendations for a buy once, cry once 2x72 belt grinder?
I've had an Ameribrade for quite a while and I love it. I've never really used any other 2x72's though. The Brodbeck Ironworks and the Housemade both look pretty legit also. As far as the Ameribrade goes though their customer service is top notch, seems like it would be pretty easy to make custom tool arms (even though they offer pretty much anything you need) and it's built like a tank. I did have to buy the tilting base for it (and a few extra tool arms, 12" wheel and small wheel attachment) but all in I'm probably right around $2000-2500. That's my experience and recommendation. More on reddit.com
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February 15, 2023Those who have built belt grinders: how much did it cost, and what plans did you use?
Honestly you don’t need plans if you’re ok with a bit of trial and error. I just bought square tubing and had some angle iron on hand and went for it. The only real adjustment I had to make was increasing the height of my tracking wheel after running it initially and struggling with tracking. My tracking wheel post has a spring underneath it to provide the upright force. Platen simply slides out and you can replace it with a large or small wheel, both of which are pretty easy to make. My large wheel is just a big caster that I mounted and balanced. It works great. More on reddit.com
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January 1, 2024Finished my 2x72 belt grinder kit using parts from broken treadmill (More info in comments)
Finally got most of the remaining parts together and did a little live test.
YouTube Video
The slowest speed is about 800 SFPM and the fastest is 5100 SFPM. I have not tested it out under load yet, but It should have ample power for my needs.
I was looking at the AC control VFD motors and drives they seem relatively expensive. I had salvaged the motor and power supply from a 21yr old treadmill. It is a 1.5hp permanent DC magnet type rated at 5700 rpm. The speed controller has some sort of slow start circuitry built in. It’s already wired for a safety stop as most treadmills have some sort of key pull. The motor is also has a thermal shutoff.
I’ve added the enclosure, switch box and work table, but still need to build a stand.
What is interesting that I’ve seen tons of old working treadmills at yard sales and on Craig’s list for $200 or less and even $25. Those motors and drive circuits can be very useful for DIY projects. I’m wondering if anyone else has done this.
More on reddit.com 9
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August 2, 2017How to build a 2x72 Belt grinder step by step
This is the tightest shit. More on reddit.com
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January 15, 2013Videos
17:13
Make Your Own Grinder from a Kit - Save $$$$! - YouTube
16:03
Easy to Build, Affordable 2x72 Belt Grinder Kit - Beck Tools - YouTube
18:43
Building a 2x72 Belt Grinder From A Kit - YouTube
29:31
A better surface grinder attachment (for belt grinder) - YouTube
10:46
Awesome Belt Grinder Attachment - Is It A Game Changer? - YouTube
41:34
How to Make Small Wheel Attachment for a 2x72 Belt Grinder - YouTube
HouseMade Industrial
housemade.us
2x72 & 3x79 Belt Grinders, Forges & Build Plans - HouseMade Industrial
The QuickFlip is a dual-use work rest that flips between small-wheel detail work and big-wheel smoothing. Designed to fit all Evolution and Revolution grinders. ... Whether you want to get into a 2x72 or 3x79 setup (or both), the Evolution’s got you covered. And it’s our fastest, most flexible build yet. ... Looking for a full DIY forge kit or digital plans?
Reddit
reddit.com › r/blacksmith › recommendations for a buy once, cry once 2x72 belt grinder?
r/Blacksmith on Reddit: Recommendations for a buy once, cry once 2x72 belt grinder?
February 15, 2023 -
Hey all, I've been operating without a belt grinder for quite a while, but would like to finally grab one. I mostly do woodworking tools, decorative pieces, and hardware for my woodworking. I'd like to do more stuff like axes, drawknives, froes, slicks, and gouges, but my current setup is pretty limiting with tools like that. I'd like to use it some for my woodworking too. Ideally the all-in is under $2000.
I originally was looking at the Jer Schmidt YouTube plans, but I'm not confident in my ability to accurately cut out parts or get them made. Other than that, I'm aware of AmeriBrade, Diktator, and HouseMade. I really like the idea of them shipping all the parts already cut out and me welding it together. On the other hand, I'd like to be able to make my own accessories as I need them, and I'm not sure if that would be possible with either of the kits. Naively, I like the 2 inch posts on the AmeriBrade as that seems like it would be more resilient, but that's a guess.
Anyone have experience with any kits or have other recommendations? Motor size recommendations? 2 HP or 3 HP? Any absolutely necessary addons or other things to watch out for? I'd prefer quality and starting with less to something a bit cheaper with more included if that makes sense.
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I've had an Ameribrade for quite a while and I love it. I've never really used any other 2x72's though. The Brodbeck Ironworks and the Housemade both look pretty legit also. As far as the Ameribrade goes though their customer service is top notch, seems like it would be pretty easy to make custom tool arms (even though they offer pretty much anything you need) and it's built like a tank. I did have to buy the tilting base for it (and a few extra tool arms, 12" wheel and small wheel attachment) but all in I'm probably right around $2000-2500. That's my experience and recommendation.
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If I ever have $27 million burning a hole in my pocket, I'm definitely getting an AmeriBrade. In the meantime, I'm just making do with my crappy 2x42. I've looked at 10,000 plans, and a dozen commercial models. I really think the AmeriBrade is the belt grinder for me. Buy once, cry once, but I just can't afford one. I even tried selling my ex wife's soul to Satan to buy an AmeriBrade. Satan was like, "I'm the lord of flies, the king of darkness, but damn, that woman is a BITCH!"
eBay
ebay.com › home & garden › tools & workshop equipment › power tools › sanders
2x72 BELT GRINDER DIY KIT | eBay
2x72 BELT GRINDER DIY KIT
2x72 BELT GRINDER CHASSIS KIT. WE USE TOP QUALITY SPRING LOADED CLAMPING KNOBS TO SECURE OUR TOOLING ARMS. THE FEMALE THREADS ARE FLANGE NUTS WHICH ARE EASILY REPLACED WHEN WORN. (COMPETITORS:YOU HAVE TODRILL & TAP HOLES THROUGH THE 1/4" TUBES. ).
Price $495.00
Diktator Grinders
diktatorgrinder.com › home
Diktator Grinders: 2x72 Belt Grinder Kits and Accessories
Discover Diktator Grinders 2x72 belt grinders, including the Max, Mini, Das Toobinator, XS, and Bandit series – the top choice for knife and toolmakers.
Beck Tools
becktools.com › home › shop
BA Shredder 2x72 Belt Grinder: Professional Design and Build Kit - Beck Tools
December 10, 2025 - This kit does not include a motor ... expertise, the BA Shredder 2×72 Belt Grinder Build Kit delivers a modern and refined approach to DIY grinder construction....
HouseMade Industrial
housemade.us › products › ultimate-bundle
Generation 5 Revolution 2x72 Build Kit – HouseMade Industrial
Revolution grinder kits now ship with a newly-designed receiver chassis, fabricated by us. Not only will this give you perfectly flat & square interior walls to tighten your tooling arms against, it'll also save time on your build! ... We provide the pieces, parts & plans...you weld it up. ... The novice fabricator can put this together and have a versatile, feature-rich, tilting 2x72 Belt Grinder that would cost thousands of dollars if it were manufactured.
Beaumont Metal Works
beaumontmetalworks.com › home
Beaumont Metal Works | Professional 2x72 Belt Grinders
March 1, 2016 - Beaumont Metal Works manufactures 2x72 belt grinders, disc grinders and equipment for bladesmiths, blacksmiths, fabricators, makers and artists. Our adjustable heavy duty KMG belt grinder is the most loved heavy duty bench top belt sander for knifemaking, tool making and custom metal work.
Brodbeck Ironworks
brodbeckironworks.com › home › premium package: 2x72 grinder
Premium Package: 2x72 Grinder
Premium Package: 2x72 Grinder
The Premium Package
The Premium Package includes our tilting chassis, small wheel attachment with rubber coated wheels, Mareko platen, adjustable work rest, and 10” contact wheel.
Chassis kits include all parts and hardware needed for assembly. including the following wheels: 2” Platen, 4" rubber coated Platen, 4” Tracking, and 5” Drive with 5/8” bore (other sizes can be requested at an additional cost).
Motor Options:
No Motor: You have the option to source your own motor or use a motor you already have.
Note:
Please note that Brodbeck Ironworks will not be responsible for providing customer
Price $1,979.98
Amazon
amazon.com › Diktator-Bandit-2x72-Tilting-Grinder › dp › B0DMS1NDKL
Diktator Bandit 2x72 Tilting Belt Grinder - Complete DIY Kit for Knifemaking, Metalworking or Fabrication | Made in the USA - Amazon.com
Diktator Bandit 2x72 Tilting Belt Grinder - Complete DIY Kit for Knifemaking, Metalworking or Fabrication | Made in the USA - Amazon.com
Diktator Grinders
diktatorgrinder.com › home › bandit 2x72 tilting belt grinder - complete diy kit
Bandit 2x72 Tilting Belt Grinder Kit – Diktator Grinders
Bandit 2x72 Tilting Belt Grinder - Complete DIY Kit
The Bandit DiY Generation 6 is the grinder kit for builders who want American-made quality without compromise. Created entirely on CNC machines for precision and repeatability, this 2x72 tilting chassis kit gives you a serious foundation for knife making, tool making, and fabrication. Every part is thoughtfully engineered—from pre-drilled tubes and tapped tension arms to a gas strut tensioning system and our industry-leading dual-bolt tracking mechanism. While others offer flashy content and overseas knockoffs, we deliver purpose-built parts, right from the source.
If you’ve got welding skills
Price $476.97
Originblademaker
originblademaker.com › product › belt-grinder-2x72-complete-chassis-black
Belt Grinder 2x72" Complete Chassis - Black
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/knifemaking › those who have built belt grinders: how much did it cost, and what plans did you use?
r/knifemaking on Reddit: Those who have built belt grinders: how much did it cost, and what plans did you use?
January 1, 2024 -
It’s time for me to upgrade from my 1x30. I’m looking at the grizzly 2x42, but I’m also considering building a 2x72. However, every plan I’ve come across is pretty damn costly. I’m scared to spend a lot and end up with a subpar product. If possible I’d like to spend less than $700 on this.
If I’m building one, I’d want a design that is easily modifiable in the future with tilting, vfd, small wheel, hollow grind, and waterfall platen. Maybe some other things but not sure what right now.
If I go the 2x42 route I’d probably save up some more money and get a high end 2x72 another time in the future.
Id love some input, especially from those who built their own grinders. I don’t have a welder but might be able to recruit a friend. I may be able to get some free angle iron and tubing and stuff from my work. I may be able to use a cnc plasma cutter, but not sure.
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Honestly you don’t need plans if you’re ok with a bit of trial and error. I just bought square tubing and had some angle iron on hand and went for it. The only real adjustment I had to make was increasing the height of my tracking wheel after running it initially and struggling with tracking. My tracking wheel post has a spring underneath it to provide the upright force. Platen simply slides out and you can replace it with a large or small wheel, both of which are pretty easy to make. My large wheel is just a big caster that I mounted and balanced. It works great.
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Hi. I built myself a 2x72 grinder based on Jeremy Schmidt's plans. It works well enough for me - it has horizontal tilt, and over time I build a surface grinding attachment (very useful), small wheel attachment, big contact wheel, flat platten of course. I even use the drive wheel as a disc sander occasionally. It works well enough, though it is clear it has been designed by someone who does not make knives. But the plans are easy to follow. It does require a stick welder or a mig welder, but even I could build it and it was basically my first big welding project, so the difficulty should be fairly low. Plasma cutter may help, though angle grinder should be sufficient. All the parts were made from flat steel or bar stock. I think there are other plans around, some made by knifemakers. I would look at those. But Jeremy Schmidt has some videos about how he designed and built his grinder and if they speak to you, maybe this machine is for you. Here is a video for a 2nd iteration of the grinder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dxCAHU_xpY&t=13s . The plans are about 40 USD on etsy, I'd say that's not too bad. But again, there are other options for sure. I would say the VFD is not strictly an option based on the grinder design, it is a feature you can add to the motor (or not). You might be able to pick a single speed motor and then add the VFD irrespective of the grinder design. I would go with the VFD right off the bat though, as it is very useful. It will also be the most expensive item of the whole build, probably. Do not skimp on the VFD, you want something that can withstand the dust and so on.
USA Knife Maker
usaknifemaker.com › shop-categories › grinders-sanders-all-kinds-c-99.html
Grinders and Sanders Plans Parts Complete - SHOP CATEGORIES
No Weld Grinder parts and other grinders and accessories.
Toruscnc
toruscnc.com › product › torus-2x72-steel-kit-no-welding-tilting-belt-grinder-chassis-with-flat-platen-and-drive-wheel-assembly-required
Upgrade Your Shop with the Torus 2x72 Belt Grinder
Torus - 2x72 - Steel - Fully assembled.
The Torus - 2x72 Tilting Belt Grinder Chassis offers vertical and horizontal grinding with industry-standard tooling bar compatibility. Built from 6061 aluminum, it’s available with either a durable ratchet-style or Suspa gas shock tensioner for precision and durability.
Price $1,195.00
The Hobby-Machinist
hobby-machinist.com › forums › general types of metalworking machines › tool grinders & surface grinders
2" x 72" Belt Grinder Kit | The Hobby-Machinist
December 16, 2020 - I just ordered a DIY kit for a Revolution 2" x 72" belt grinder from Brian House. I wonder if any of you are familiar with these, or have any views about a grinder of this type. I think they are used largely by knife makers, which I am not. I just thought they were kind of cool. I attached a...
Etsy
etsy.com › market › belt_grinder_kit_2x72
Belt Grinder Kit 2x72 - Etsy
Check out our belt grinder kit 2x72 selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our tools shops.
Alec Steele Co.
alecsteeleshop.com › translation missing: en.general.breadcrumb.home › 2x72" steele grinder pre-order
2x72" Steele Grinder Pre-Order – Alec Steele Co.
2 x 72" Steele Grinder$1,695.00 Our 2x72" Steele Kit Grinder is the machine that gets you into the larger 72" belt, without breaking the bank. The 3/8" thick steel plate construction gives you an extremely rigid platform and 2 tooling arm slots ...