Belt Grinders and Motors
Nova 2×72 Aluminum Belt Grinder
4 shop photos · swipe or pick a thumbnail
Starts at$1,295
8 built and on the shelf
Everything the Nebula does, on a fiber-laser-cut 6061 aluminum chassis: a 2×72 that is easier to tilt, move and mount all day, and corrosion resistant. Assembled, tested and shipped from Sterling, Illinois.
Build your setup
Configure your Nova
Bundle savings
- Your total
- $1,295
Shipping
Free local pickup
2-year warranty
Questions before you buy?
What sets it apart
Fiber-laser-cut 6061 aluminum chassis with 1/2-inch cross-bracing rods; tracking head machined on my HAAS
Machined billet-aluminum dual-axis tracking and a 304 stainless ratchet tensioner
90-degree tilt on a pin, standard 1.5-inch tooling arms, deep flat platen and 4-inch drive wheel included
- 5.0 combined rating on Google and Etsy (opens in a new tab)
- 49 buyer reviews (opens in a new tab)
- 350+ customers since 2020
- 7–10 business days from time of order
Google reviews
What owners say
Straight from Google, word for word. The ones about this kind of part come first.
- 5 out of 5 stars
Anyone is concerned about aluminum, do not be. This thing is more rigid and vibrates less than any grinder i’ve used.…
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.
aaron emmerich - 5 out of 5 stars
Runs super smooth and quiet with basically no vibration. Even though it's aluminum, there's zero flex or rattling - feels rock solid even when you're really putting it to work.…
Read the whole review by Eric TorrieShow the short version of Eric Torrie’s review
Got this belt grinder for our farm shop and it's been awesome. The machining quality really impressed me - everything fits tight and feels solid, you can tell they put real care into making it.
Setup took maybe 20 minutes tops and it was ready to roll. Runs super smooth and quiet with basically no vibration. Even though it's aluminum, there's zero flex or rattling - feels rock solid even when you're really putting it to work.
Love the tracking system and the ratchet belt tensioning - makes changing belts quick and painless. All the controls just make sense.
But honestly, what made this purchase special was dealing with Rich. He was incredible - answered all my questions before I bought it, made sure I got the right setup, and followed up several times after it arrived to check how everything was running. You just don't get that kind of service anymore.
First belt grinder we've owned and I'm really happy with it. Thing's built to last and performs great. Would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a solid grinder for your shop.
Keep up the fantastic work Rich!
Eric Torrie - 5 out of 5 stars
I decided to use Taurus CNC because almost everything is made from high quality aluminum. That means no rust! I’m using a misting system that gets water everywhere.…
Read the whole review by victor schmidtShow the short version of victor schmidt’s review
Super Happy for deciding to purchase my first professional quality 2 x 72 belt grinder from Torus CNC. The owner Rich Answered all my questions and fast and he stayed in contact with me assuring everything went smoothly. I decided to use Taurus CNC because almost everything is made from high quality aluminum. That means no rust! I’m using a misting system that gets water everywhere. The set up took 20 minutes literally. Everything came preassembled and very well packaged. If you’re thinking about buying a new professional belt grinder for knife making or custom fab work this is the spot you won’t be disappointed.
victor schmidt
Why this one
Maximum machine, minus the weight.
Fiber-laser-cut 6061 aluminum chassis with 1/2-inch cross-bracing rods; tracking head machined on my HAAS
Machined billet-aluminum dual-axis tracking and a 304 stainless ratchet tensioner
90-degree tilt on a pin, standard 1.5-inch tooling arms, deep flat platen and 4-inch drive wheel included
Vertical to horizontal in four moves
The Nova tilts 90 degrees on a pin, so going from a bevel to a flat horizontal pass takes four moves and no tools.
Who it's for
Built for the work you actually do
Knifemakers who tilt the grinder a dozen times a day, shops in humid climates, makers who haul a machine to shows, and anyone upgrading from a 1×30 or a welded frame who wants an aluminum chassis for corrosion resistance and repeatable alignment. If you want the full tracking system without the steel weight, build a Nova.
What’s in the box
- Fully assembled and shop-tested Nova chassis in fiber-laser-cut 6061 aluminum
- Deep flat platen attachment on a 1.5-inch tooling arm
- 4-inch machined aluminum drive wheel with 5/8-inch keyed bore
- 304 stainless ratchet belt tensioner and dual-axis tracking assembly, tracked and tested
- Motor and VFD sold separately, or add a package at checkout
Belt changes: release, swap, ratchet
I use a 304 stainless ratchet instead of a spring: each tooth of the cam holds the tracking wheel a step further out, and the pawl keeps it there.
Specs
Product specifications and dimensions
- Base price
- $1,295 before options
- Motor / VFD
- No Motor Package · 1 HP TechTop + KBAC-27D VFD (120V) · 2 HP TechTop + KBAC-27D VFD (220V)
- Add accessories
- Small wheel attachment · Small wheel starter set: attachment plus 1/2, 3/4 and 1-inch wheels · Adjustable work table 6x16 · 8-inch contact wheel attachment · Custom powder coat color (4 to 6 week lead)
- Availability
- 8 built and on the shelf
- Lead time
- Most orders ship in 7–10 business days from time of order
- Ships from
- 1741 Industrial Drive Unit #8, Sterling, Illinois
- Shop
- Torus CNC — Sterling, Illinois, USA
Tracking is one knob
Tracking is one small, repeatable adjustment at the 4-lobe knob on the machined billet-aluminum head, the same head on every Torus.
Options
Choose and compare product options
Compare motor packages, attachments and finish choices before ordering.
No motor package ($0)
The bare chassis. Choose this if you already have a 56C face-mount motor and VFD, or if you are sourcing your own from my Amazon links page.1 HP TechTop with KBAC-27D VFD, 120V (+$1,195)
A TechTop TEFC 3,600 RPM 56C face-mount motor paired with a KB Electronics KBAC-27D drive. The KBAC is a sealed NEMA-4X unit built for shop dust and grit, with the speed dial and the forward/off/reverse switch right on the face, and it arrives programmed for the motor it ships with. Runs on a standard 120V household circuit. You finish the cord and plug wiring with the supplied guide.2 HP TechTop with KBAC-27D VFD, 220V (+$1,245)
The same sealed KBAC-27D drive with twice the motor. It needs a 220V single-phase circuit. Take it for heavy stock removal, forge scale and all-day production work; the extra torque is what keeps the belt from bogging in a hard push.Custom powder coat color (+$325, 4 to 6 weeks)
Your Nova in the color of your shop. Powder coating adds four to six weeks to the build. Email me your color when you order.Small wheel attachment ($289)
Start with the arm and holder and choose the rubber wheel sizes you need.Small wheel starter set ($469 at list price)
The attachment plus 1/2, 3/4 and 1-inch rubber wheels. Eligible attachments and wheels save 5% at 2 units, 10% at 3 units, 15% at 4 units, 20% at 5+ units. A grinder counts as one unit; only eligible parts are discounted.Adjustable work table 6x16 ($275)
A tilting steel work table on its own arm for repeatable bevel angles.8-inch contact wheel attachment ($239)
For hollow grinds and profiling. Larger diameters are available on its own product page.
Before you order
Shipping, warranty and returns
Shipping and lead time
Built to order in Sterling, Illinois. Most orders ship in seven to ten business days from time of order; custom powder coat adds four to six weeks. A more detailed delivery estimate will be given upon ordering your grinder. Tracking number on the day it ships. Non-wear parts are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use; returns are case by case, within two weeks of arrival, with a 25% restocking fee. Ground shipping in the lower 48: $95 a grinder, $145 with a motor package, $75 a motor on its own, and $35 for the first accessory plus $15 each after. A grinder with a motor and any accessories is capped at $145.Warranty
I warranty the non-wear parts against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Motors and VFDs carry their manufacturer's warranty; contact me for guidance on the manufacturer's claim process.Returns
Returns are reviewed case by case and must be pre-approved within two weeks of arrival. The buyer covers insured return shipping, a 25% restocking fee applies, and original shipping is not refunded.
Straight answers
Questions I get about the Nova
What comes with the Nova package?
The $1,295 buys the grinder itself, fully assembled and shop-tested: the fiber-laser-cut 6061 aluminum chassis, a deep flat platen attachment on a 1.5-inch tooling arm, a 4-inch machined aluminum drive wheel with a 5/8-inch keyed bore, and the 304 stainless ratchet tensioner with the dual-axis tracking assembly. I track and test every one before it ships. A motor and VFD are not in that price — add a package at checkout and the VFD arrives programmed and mounted, or run your own 56C face-mount motor. Belts, work rests, small wheel sets and contact wheels are separate.
Is aluminum rigid enough for a 2×72?
Yes. The Nova chassis is cut from 6061 plate on a high-precision fiber laser and tied together with 1/2-inch cross-bracing rods, and every unit is tracked and tested under a belt before it ships. It is lighter than the Nebula, not softer.
Do I need to buy a motor separately?
The base price is the assembled chassis without a motor. Add a 1 HP, 1.5 HP or 2 HP motor and VFD package at checkout: the VFD arrives programmed and mounted, and you finish the cord and plug wiring with the supplied guide. Or supply your own 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. A custom powder coat color adds four to six weeks.
Will my existing attachments fit?
Yes, if they run on an industry-standard 1.5-inch square tooling arm. Platens, contact wheels, small wheel arms and work rests from most makers drop right in.
What if I have a problem after it arrives?
Email me at rich.linville@toruscnc.com. I warranty the non-wear parts against defects in materials and workmanship, motors and VFDs are covered by their manufacturer, and I will help you through either one.
Goes with it
The attachments that earn their keep
Each one fits all four Torus grinders, and every piece in the same order counts toward the bundle discount.
Slack Belt Deep Flat Platen Attachment with 1.5″ Aluminum Tool Bar
Four inches of throat for deep slack-belt work.
Starts at$289
ForgeBrain
Read this before you build
Free knifemaking guides from the same bench, organized by the work at the grinder.
Beginner Guides
How to Choose a 2×72 Belt Grinder: Complete Buyer’s Guide
If you’ve spent any time in knifemaking forums or subreddits, you’ve seen the question a hundred times: “what belt grinder should I buy?” The honest answer is that it depends on your budget, how much assembly you want to deal with, and what you plan to grind. This guide walks through the actual decision, feature…
Abrasives
Choosing a Motor & VFD for Your 2×72
Every Torus ships as a complete assembled chassis with the motor sold separately — which hands you the one decision that shapes the machine’s personality more than any attachment: what spins it. Here is the whole motor conversation in plain shop language. HORSEPOWER: WHAT REAL GRINDING NEEDS The working consensus for knife grinding: 1.5 HP…
One-man shop
Tell me what you're building
I answer my own email and build Torus grinders in this shop. If you are not sure which setup fits your work, ask me before you order.