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Nova aluminum 2x72 grinder with flat-platen tool arm and abrasive belt, three-quarter view, on black with a purple glow

Grinders and motors

2x72 belt grinders, built in Sterling.

Four grinders, all using the same machined dual-axis tracking head. The Nova and Nebula stand on a 9x12-inch base with a taller frame that keeps a long motor off the bench at horizontal; the Classic runs a compact 9x9. Each one tilts, uses a 304 stainless ratchet tensioner and accepts standard 1.5-inch tooling arms. I machine the parts on my HAAS, then assemble, track, run and box each grinder myself.

5 products

Everything in belt grinders & motors

  • Nebula 2x72 grinder, front three-quarter view: aluminum arm, black plate, Safety Rules label, on black with a purple glow

    Nebula 2×72 Steel Belt Grinder

    My heaviest 2x72: a 3/8-inch steel chassis with machined dual-axis tracking. Bolt it down and it stays put.

    Starts at$1,295View
  • Techtop motor and KB Genesis KBAC variable-speed drive with its power cord, top-down view, on black with a purple glow

    Variable-Speed Motor & VFD Combo for 2×72 Belt Grinders

    TechTop TEFC 3,600 RPM motor with a sealed KBAC-27D drive, programmed and ready. 1 HP for $1,195 or 2 HP for $1,245.

    Starts at$1,195View

I have used TW 90s, brodbeck, ameribrade, Kmg as well as a couple others and the Torus is as good as the best of these and better than most at a fraction of the cost.…

Read the whole review by aaron emmerichShow the short version of aaron emmerich’s review

I am unbelievably impressed with my Torus grinder. The machining is immaculate and tolerances are crazy for a grinder. It tracks perfectly. I bought this sight unseen and was a little bit concerned that aluminum wouldn’t be as rigid and that the weight of the aluminum would make it not a sturdy. I have used TW 90s, brodbeck, ameribrade, Kmg as well as a couple others and the Torus is as good as the best of these and better than most at a fraction of the cost. The ratchet tensioning is awesome.

Rich the owner has given me the best customer service of any company I’ve ever dealt with. The first time I reached out to him he responded back in 10 minutes at 10pm at night. Will always answer any questions I have and even changed the plug out pin the 220v to fit my dryer socket. On a scale of 10 I give torus a 11+. he said he’s working on a surface grinder attachment that I’m excited for.

I want to reiterate. Anyone is concerned about aluminum, do not be. This thing is more rigid and vibrates less than any grinder i’ve used. The only grinder that seem to be as balanced is the Northridge (RIP). there are some grinders that are great for the price. This grinder is UNBELIEVABLE for the price and competitive with the tw-90/brodbeck/wilmont etc.

I have no affiliation with Rich and was nervous buying this grinder as it’s not talked about much but it should be. I was ready to pull the trigger on an Ameribrade or brodbeck. I am glad I saved some money and know now I have a better machine.

5 out of 5 starsaaron emmerichGoogle review by aaron emmerich (opens in a new tab)

What matters here

Why it is built this way

  • Assembled and tested

    Every grinder ships fully assembled, tracked and run in my shop. Bolt it down, mount a motor, grind.
  • Machined, not welded

    Chassis plates are fiber-laser cut and the tracking head comes off my HAAS VF-2, so nothing pulls out of square as a weld cools.
  • Add power at checkout

    Pick a 1 HP TechTop on 120V for $1,195 or a 2 HP TechTop on 220V for $1,245, each with a sealed KBAC-27D drive. It arrives programmed for the motor; you finish the cord and plug wiring with the supplied guide.

Footprint and frame height

The Classic stands on a compact 9x9-inch base and clears a motor up to 12 inches long at horizontal; the Nova and Nebula stand on a 9x12-inch base with a taller frame.

Three machines, one decision.

  • ClassicMachined 6061 on a compact 9x9-inch base: tilting chassis, stainless ratchet tension, 1.5-inch arms. The machine that built the name.
  • Nova6061 aluminum with cross-bracing rods on the 9x12-inch base. Lighter to tilt and move, and corrosion resistant.
  • NebulaThe Nova in 3/8-inch steel. More mass, less vibration. Pick it if the grinder gets bolted down and stays there.

The Classic clears a motor up to 12 inches long when tilted to horizontal.

The Nova and Nebula stand on a 9x12-inch base with a taller frame that keeps a long motor off the bench at horizontal; the Classic runs a compact 9x9.

Values marked on the figure: 9x9-inch base; 9x12-inch base.

Every Torus tracks the same. Compare frame size, material and price.

Questions

Before you order

Which grinder should I buy?

If the machine stays bolted to one bench, buy the steel Nebula for the mass. If you tilt it constantly, move it, or work in a humid shop, buy the aluminum Nova. If your bench is tight and your motor is short, the Classic tracks exactly the same on a smaller 9x9 base for $995. The comparison chart lays all of it out.

Does the price include a motor?

No. The listed price is the chassis, fully assembled. Add a motor and VFD package on the product page, or run a motor you already own; every Torus takes a standard 56C face-mount motor.

How long until it ships?

Most orders ship in seven to ten business days from time of order. A more detailed delivery estimate will be given upon ordering your grinder. Grinders are built to order, so accessories or a custom powder coat add time.

Keep looking

Other shelves in the shop

  • 9 products

    Arms & Attachments

    Small wheels, contact wheels, platens, work rests and the quench vise.

  • 1 product

    Drive Wheels

    4-inch for torque and control, 7-inch for belt speed.

A freshly machined aluminum grinder plate, still wet with coolant, on the HAAS mill table

Not sure yet

Tell me what you grind.

Send me the blades you make and the space you have. I will tell you which machine to buy, including when the cheaper one is the right call.