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Belt Grinders

Knifemaking: Business or Pleasure

Plenty of knifemakers start for the pleasure of it and end up with a business. Either way the 2×72 grinder sets the ceiling. Here is why the Torus 2×72 Classic fits a hobbyist and a pro at the same price.

1 min readBy Rich Linville
Belt grinder assembly mounted on a workbench, with a sanding belt, tool boxes, and shop clutter nearby

Plenty of makers start grinding knives for the pleasure of it and wake up one day with a waiting list. Either way, the 2×72 belt grinder is the tool that sets your ceiling. I built the first Torus because I wanted a machine that was good enough for a working shop and priced so a hobbyist could actually buy one. Here is why the Torus 2×72 Classic fits both.

Unfinished utility knife with a loose walnut scale beside a paper-wrapped sanding block and a handle offcut on a dark pad.

For many aspiring knifemakers, transitioning from a hobbyist to a business owner is a significant milestone. As the demand for custom-made, high-quality knives grows, investing in a reliable and versatile 2×72 grinder becomes imperative. The Torus 2×72 Classic, priced at $1,095, offers exceptional value for money, allowing budding entrepreneurs to kickstart their knifemaking businesses without breaking the bank. Its precise engineering and sturdy construction make it an ideal choice for those seeking a durable and efficient tool for their craft.

The Torus 2×72 Classic is a strong option, but some established professionals with excess cash to spend may prefer higher-priced alternatives such as the Ameribrade, OBM, TW-90, or Brodbeck Ironworks grinders. These are all premium grinders but often come without the additional features that the Torus CNC M-90 package deals come with, while at the same price as the base option from the other manufactureres.

If you are starting out, or expanding without a big outlay, the Torus 2×72 Classic is the sensible buy. Check the reviews on Etsy before you decide.

Four abrasive belts hang on wooden pegs above a dark bench holding a gray knife blank on a mat and a wooden guide block.
Belt grinder assembly mounted on a workbench, with a sanding belt, tool boxes, and shop clutter nearby

The Torus 2×72 Classic is $1,095: machined 6061 aluminum, stainless ratchet tensioner, tilting chassis, deep flat platen and 4-inch drive wheel, assembled and tested. Every Torus uses the same dual-axis tracking head. Want the bigger 9×12 base and the taller frame? The Nova and Nebula are $1,395 and $1,495 respectively.

Plain machined aluminum disc with a center bore lying flat on a dark bench pad, with a cold knife blank behind it.
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I machine the parts, hand-assemble, track and test each grinder before it ships. Most orders leave in seven to ten business days from time of order.

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Rich Linville in the Torus CNC shop with a finished 2x72 belt grinder

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