I am wanting a 2x72 belt grinder. I am just a hobby smith. I have a budget of $900-1500. I am looking at OBM, Ameriblade, Pheer, and AMK. I want a turn key system. My questions are do I need a variable speed? Is 1-1 1/2 horsepower enough. I am looking for a flat patten and I want a contact wheel. I'm not sure what size wheel I should get. Any recommendations or experiences you could share would be appreciated!

Awesome op !!  

Im working on getting one too.

I cant help with reccomendations as I dont know who makes complete set ups,  im working on building mine from scratch.  Iv got a 3hp / 3500 rpm  treadmill motor I picked up at the scrapyard for $10.00 ., and going to buy a complete  chassis off ebay for around $350.00. Then buy a dc motor controller for $100.00.

I think I can build my 2x72 for about $500 bucks this way.

I have a KMG with a 2hp motor and variable speed.  I have made a few knives, but it is mostly for metal work.  I have a 10 inch wheel, flat platen, small wheel attachment and the rotary platen.  The 10 inch wheel has worked great for me, but I mostly use the flat platen to square up metal before welding.

Sometimes I wish I had a 3hp motor because I can bog mine down hogging off steel.

Since I bought mine a bunch of companies have entered the market and there are many plans and videos to make your own.  

I use mine almost daily.  

Good luck!

Took a quick pic.

Attached File

I'm going to be modifying my 2x48" in the near future to take tool arms and use 72" belts.  

My grinder is powered by a 2hp air compressor motor (I don't recommend one, it's price was right for me $0) to change speeds I have to change pulleys, which isn't too big a deal and I actually find myself using the slowest speed I have access to right now for everything and it's not too bad. I'm going to be modifying mostly because of the better belt selection/value and for the ability to use tool arms as I only have a flat platten now. The first attachment I'm going to get is a flat platten, then a small wheel kit (for profiling blades) then an 8 or 10" contact wheel.

If I was starting from scratch with the experience I have now, the order of priority I'd look for is;
At least 2hp,
A design that uses tool arms (not a grizzly or Kalamazoo),
Variable speed,
The ability to tip and run horizontal.

I bought a Northridge Tool grinder a couple of years ago. It has been an amazing tool. It goes from horizontal to vertical in 2 seconsa and runs smooth enough to sit a nickel on it sideways at full speed.

Well, I sold some stuff and have ordered an Ameribrade grinder package. I went with a 2hp vari speed, 8in contact wheel, flat platen, small wheel holder, a couple of spare arms, and I said what the hell get the stand and the new hinge to make it horizontal!  I know ya can't buy skill, but I hope having this tool will allow my skills to improve!