Why I bought a Northridge grinder

Matthew Gregory said:
My arms lock up dead solid, but I wonder if that’s one of the differences between the ratchet tensioning system and the gas strut like your’s. Perhaps there’s less force being applied to the belt because of how I’m tensioning it??

When I picked my machine up, George asked me if I wanted the standard knobs, like you have, or spring-loaded adjustable handles - I put those on my last machine, because the handles were always in the way, otherwise. Bet they’d let you apply more force, that way...
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Thanks Matt, I'll check into the spring loaded adjustable handles. :thumbsup:
 
There's not another machine being produced that compares to the precision of the Northridge.
A completely bolted together steel frame is the only way to go. Any welding is going to produce warp and aluminum gauls to easily.
One thing Northridge does is machine a "hub" on the backside of their drive wheels. This gives nearly an extra 1/2" of fit on the motor shaft...huge deal.



It's no secret that I experienced quite a few issues with my previous grinder. Nothing short of appalling customer service from that manufacturer, and that combined with having to troubleshoot and attempt to correct all the things wrong with that machine on my own, I became a rather discerning buyer for the next - and, hopefully LAST - grinder.

I did everything I could to get trigger time behind as many machines as I could, visiting shops all over hell and high water, and concluded for MY purposes, in a shop that doesn't have enough real estate (or money!) to afford multiple machines, that this is the right answer.



This likely won't help the beginner, as it's not an essay on how to save money, or do things without diving in headfirst, or nickel-and-diming every last detail to try to save expense. This machine, I'd say, already assumes you have a pretty good idea of what you're doing, or perhaps what you're looking for - or, maybe you're the type of person that has mentally committed to the craft, and doesn't want to spend their money twice (or, in my case, three times).

Lots of machines out there, right now. Some of them are pretty darn good. By my estimation, none of them are as good as this Northridge.

Hope this helps some of you in your decision making.



Northridge's website is found at: Northridge Tool[/QUOTE]

They also don't drill and tap for the set screw through the diameter of the drive wheel. This helps the drive wheel with balance issues.
Matthew Gregory said:
Just like the title says. ;)


It's no secret that I experienced quite a few issues with my previous grinder. Nothing short of appalling customer service from that manufacturer, and that combined with having to troubleshoot and attempt to correct all the things wrong with that machine on my own, I became a rather discerning buyer for the next - and, hopefully LAST - grinder.

I did everything I could to get trigger time behind as many machines as I could, visiting shops all over hell and high water, and concluded for MY purposes, in a shop that doesn't have enough real estate (or money!) to afford multiple machines, that this is the right answer.



This likely won't help the beginner, as it's not an essay on how to save money, or do things without diving in headfirst, or nickel-and-diming every last detail to try to save expense. This machine, I'd say, already assumes you have a pretty good idea of what you're doing, or perhaps what you're looking for - or, maybe you're the type of person that has mentally committed to the craft, and doesn't want to spend their money twice (or, in my case, three times).

Lots of machines out there, right now. Some of them are pretty darn good. By my estimation, none of them are as good as this Northridge.

Hope this helps some of you in your decision making.



Northridge's website is found at: Northridge Tool
Click to expand...
 
mike-E said:
There's not another machine being produced that compares to the precision of the Northridge.
A completely bolted together steel frame is the only way to go. Any welding is going to produce warp and aluminum gauls to easily.
One thing Northridge does is machine a "hub" on the backside of their drive wheels. This gives nearly an extra 1/2" of fit on the motor shaft...huge deal.


They also don't drill and tap for the set screw through the diameter of the drive wheel. This helps the drive wheel with balance issues.
Click to expand...


All points that I should have mentioned in my video. Thanks!

Fact is, I could have made the review an hour and a half long and it still wouldn’t have covered all the details and advancements of the machine.
 
i really , really cant wait to get mine...matt lets see q quick grinding video, c'mon :)
 
That's a great video highlighting a few of the most critical (and frustrating) parts that impact overall performance.

And your assessment that this wouldn't mean much to a beginner is spot on. I have a home built that I'm otherwise fairly satisfied with that has some of the issues you've pointed out that I wouldn't have ever known about until I had the problems.
 
I remember how excited I was to get my first 2x72 grinder. I live within driving distance to the maker. The same company built your previous grinder as you know. I thought it was pretty cool to pick it up in person and couldn’t wait to get it home. But like you, I had problems that I’m still working around to this day. It kind of shocked me when my tracking wheel unevenly wore the first month I owned it. I was even more surprised when the owner/operator told me to whack it with a rubber mallet until I got the belt centered (that’s not an exaggeration). I know the intention of your post isn’t to bash that company, but if people only knew.
Glad the Northridge is everything you want out of a good grinder. I’m glad George is a standup guy that makes a fantastic grinder and I can’t wait until I can buy one too.
 
tkroenlein said:
That's a great video highlighting a few of the most critical (and frustrating) parts that impact overall performance.

And your assessment that this wouldn't mean much to a beginner is spot on. I have a home built that I'm otherwise fairly satisfied with that has some of the issues you've pointed out that I wouldn't have ever known about until I had the problems.
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Well, I hope it will help you address some of those issues, then!
 
Josh Rider said:
I remember how excited I was to get my first 2x72 grinder. I live within driving distance to the maker. The same company built your previous grinder as you know. I thought it was pretty cool to pick it up in person and couldn’t wait to get it home. But like you, I had problems that I’m still working around to this day. It kind of shocked me when my tracking wheel unevenly wore the first month I owned it. I was even more surprised when the owner/operator told me to whack it with a rubber mallet until I got the belt centered (that’s not an exaggeration). I know the intention of your post isn’t to bash that company, but if people only knew.
Glad the Northridge is everything you want out of a good grinder. I’m glad George is a standup guy that makes a fantastic grinder and I can’t wait until I can buy one too.
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Heard similar stuff from way too many people.
 
Hmmm...wish I knew which grinder to avoid. I know you don’t want to call them out in a public forum, but I can’t afford the Northridge grinder. Can you send me a PM to help me avoid making a mistake?
 
Blackdirt cowboy said:
Hmmm...wish I knew which grinder to avoid. I know you don’t want to call them out in a public forum, but I can’t afford the Northridge grinder. Can you send me a PM to help me avoid making a mistake?
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The Northridge chassis is modular. You don’t HAVE to buy the Pro Pack. You can buy the basic chassis and add as you progress. The basic machines are quite reasonable.

I haven’t hidden what I was using - do a little digging. Review my post history.
 
Matthew Gregory said:
I haven’t hidden what I was using - do a little digging. Review my post history.
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This is how I discovered the culprit. I am glad I purchased from another maker. Although I do not read much about grinder problems your posts about them were the first time I heard about problems from that maker. When I started making knives in 2017 or so that brand was like the gold standard in my mind, simply because a lot of Youtube people I watched used them. And then they came out with a super deluxe model that easily turned horizontal. Glad you found one you love.
 
I’ve had a few more chances to use this machine. While a month isn’t really enough to find the holes in it, I’m still looking - and not finding any.

Absolutely no regrets on getting this machine.
 
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