Ameribrade Fastback 2 x 72 Grinder Review w Timestamps

Surprised by its speed I dig in and take a close look at Ameribrade's Fastback 2 x 72 grinder and many of its accessories. Is it worth the money? Here's my opinion after using it. *Note: I received a 10% discount on this grinder in exchange for a review.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro and Disclosure
0:33 Timelapse Assembly And Jibba Jabba
3:20 Key Features
3:40 Pedestal and Casters Likes And Dislikes
4:53 Workrest
5:27 Horizontal Tilt
5:44 Lockdown Wheels!
6:08 Tracking Test, Forward And Reverse
7:23 Platen and Ceramic Mod
8:39 Small Wheel Attachment
9:26 Motor Torque Test - Bogging?
11:35 Motor is How Fast?
14:28 Grinding Stuff
15:14 Summary: Pros and Cons (Khans)
Starbond Knife Handle Video Tutorial
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[@zirconia21]

Gotta get me one of those, and a power hammer, and a forge, an anvil... a hammer,... a life.

[@nickdemuro1858]

I’ve put this in my cart at least a dozen times over the past month but just couldn’t hit submit… I think I’m ready for the commitment. Thanks man!

[@zaken1235]

I bought this about 2 years before you did and I am in the same boat. A few nitpicks like the platen wheels and platen getting hot and the small wheel arm eating a few belts when using smaller wheels than the frame. Eric was also super helpful when I was in contact with him with my questions and concerns. Overall I love it. I've used more than a few different grinders over the years and this is by far the best value for what you pay, so many simple and elegant features built into it. I plan on getting more kit for it in the future like the surface grinder, tilting mount, and the bigger work rest. As for using the reverse feature, I've seen some makers use it for edge down grinding and sharpening.

[@travisodom4600]

Great video and very informative. Thanks for sharing, I’ve been wanting one of these for a while

[@ilmbutton]

Another fantastic video! Thanks for sharing! Cant wait to see more projects:)

[@jeffhicks8428]

GREAT video man. This is for sure one of the best reviews of anything I've seen on youtube. Ameribrade shoulda given you 20% off for this review. Great stuff.

[@russellayton6408]

I am going to try and get the Foundations package soon. The first few seconds of this video made me all giddy!! That sound has popped in to my head more than once already imagining the unboxing.

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty impressive tool, dude! Fantastic! 😃 Congrats!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@medicgator2111]

I bought this last year and i love mine. And the price is reasonable for mid level knife makers.

[@RobPollen]

looking forward to seeing projects come out of the new Grinder

[@jlforgenfab5746]

Thanks for the information I currently have a revolution generator 4 grinder. Which has been a fun and awesome build and it works fantastic. I was on the fence about other brands but I'm not anymore. Great video. And I thank you and I are related somehow LOL

[@RedBeardOps]

A phenomenal machine sir!

[@nyukknivesandleather889]

Been looking into Ameribrade for some time now. I have bought their drive, tracking, and platten wheels. Have checked out others who make similar machines. For the price Ameribrade seems to be on point. Once I get to that point in replacing my own built grinder that works but is always out of adjustment, I will probably go with one of these. I do like the horizontal ability. Can't wait to have that option.

[@mattwyeth3156]

Congrats on your new grinder

[@GreenBeetle]

🤛

[@dgundeadforge17]

I got mine recently love it. Some belts just like to wobble but not too much.

[@Pablo668]

Great run down on this machine. Love the little dance you did with it at the beginning of the vid. Doing machine/tool reviews might be another thing for you to do content wise.

[@markmatt9174]

Motor torque with 4 pole at 2X base frequency means at 100% speed (2x base) the torque is really dropping off. The VFD you should be able to adjust so 100% = 2500rpm for better torque control. Nice review with good points. Thanks SPIKER

[@wolfparty4234]

I’m glad you have it thee ol collage try, mate...! 💪🏼🔥👍🏻 Now send it back and ask for a new unused one🤣

[@martinnicolasmenamena.-]

Hello Green Beetle: I really like all your videos that you upload and publish on KZbin, very complete on your part in terms of all your explanations and clear, simple and concise steps (a clarification: to make my comment easier for you, I went to the translator from Google I wrote my comment in Spanish and I was translating it into the English language and then I copied the translated language into English and pasted it in the comment bar on KZbin and there I would send it to you in your language), I hope you have liked my comment, receive your answers as soon as possible, greetings and congratulations to you and everyone around you. From Lujan, Buenos Aires Argentina.-

[@martinnicolasmenamena.-]

Hello Green Beatle: I am very happy that you liked my comment, that you responded as soon as possible and also a hug and a strong love for you and everyone around you. From Lujan, Buenos Aires Argentina.-

[@robert17282]

My teacher whether you knew it or not you are solely responsible for my interest in metal working years ago now I haven't been around to watch the channel and for that I apologize but I hope you get a jolt of motivation or a break from life and start coming out with new blades that are even cooler then my person favorite the all American knife

[@krissteel4074]

I wasn't real sure about Reverse grinding either, but you'll find it'll be extremely handy for lateral grinding on its side, slack-belts and sharpening especially so the blade goes away from the human and into the wall instead when you screw it up. VFD's you wouldn't have much use for when you're just a shop-ape chonking off lumps of mild steel for welding- but for a knife maker I'm verging on the opinion it'll always be one of those features you work with, rather than working against heat and speeds.

[@Cowman7344]

No, the forward removes material, while running it in reverse adds material

[@krissteel4074]

@@Cowman7344 Now all I need is the reverse direction belt sander of life to fix all those things I did as a young guy, and that oopsie last week with my thumb and index finger on the 60grit

[@aarontroski2906]

Love ameribrade. Eric bailed me out 4-5 years ago with one of their original grinders. He hooked me up with a 3 horse 220 motor and it damn near takes off from the table

[@brayjones6242]

Nice video. Should be receiving the Mastery package early next week, so super excited about it. Where did you get the ceramic platen?

[@GreenBeetle]

Ebay

[@younasdar4183]

Feels like a dream machine...SIR GEE

[@JBCaudillKnives]

There are many adjustments in the KBAC 27d VFD. The manual will walk you through them. I prefer slower speed and more torque. My Baldor is set to max out at 1755

[@GreenBeetle]

I’m a lower speed guy too, that’s what I’m used to. Right now I’m running this at 65-75% which is 2500-3000 rpm. If you lean into it heats up real quick. It’s interesting how finesse and control with grinding are different at different speeds and pressure. In some cases I think things are cleaner at high speeds (like bevel lines) and in other cases I think slow speeds and pressure is better.

[@trainwon5699]

The tracking nob on motor mount will adjust the tracking in reverse

[@jonfeuerborn5859]

I know you already stated that it's not a problem now that it's correctly understood, but you wouldn't notice the motor bogging down at full speed when you're wearing your wired wireless earphones and Dieter's Raccoon Pants is on the menu. Or perhaps the theme music from Star Trek? Anyway, nice blue sander, Bean Greetle!

[@erikcourtney1834]

I love a vfd. But my old step pulley system with a 3hp motor never Boggs down. Anywhere from 8200sfpm to 1200sfpm. But it’s nicer to just be able to turn a dial instead of moving the belt to another pulley.

[@DanHelfond]

i LOVE your analytical approach! Thanks! One thing though, you're starbond link isn't working properly.

[@GreenBeetle]

Updated

[@jerod5636]

I use reverse all the time. Especially when I’m just doing sharpening. I’m always nervous to cut my belts or throw the knife at my head so reverse it is.

[@TristanPSterling]

wow i've never been this early

[@hikerJohn]

What's range of motion for the grinding table. How low will it go (wider angle) for stuff like lawn mower blades?

[@jlsteelcrafts8378]

Nice Grinder... would have been nice ! Yea I had to put together myself...a DIY

[@caryharper9190]

Mr Beetle you are a blacksmith. So fab a funnel to you're dust bucket.

[@GreenBeetle]

Have you seen me fab?

[@jasonvliet-odonataknifeworks]

I’m in the process of ordering my fastback now. Keven made me a pretty good at Blade show Texas last weekend. If you get a chance, would you mind sending me the model information for the motor you got? They can’t get VFD’s for the 3HP motor right now so I think I’m going to buy the motor and VFD separate. Just want to verify what frame and face will work. I know yours is 2HP but I can translate that to 3HP. The face and frame should be the same.

[@raktap12]

totally agree the water bucket isnt deep enough, when i bought my ameribrade grinder i didnt bother getting the water bucket

[@EeDog2]

torque drops off very quickly near a motor's max RPM so that might be why such a small VFD tweak had a large effect

[@jamespinckard4210]

You said you paid regular price for it, so how much was regular price? I would like to know because I'm trying to get the best price for what I want mine, if I get one, to do. I know they're expensive but I need to start somewhere. I would appreciate it if you would share that info. Thanks........

[@J.n.A.1993]

Kirk! Kirk, you're still alive old friend.

[@GreenBeetle]

Like a poor marksman you keep missing you’re target!

[@J.n.A.1993]

@@GreenBeetle Perhaps I no longer need to try, Admiral.

[@jb8086]

You’re gonna HAVE to come down here and get me Khan....

[@GreenBeetle]

👍

[@jasonvliet-odonataknifeworks]

Any regrets on the fastback purchase?..I’m considering the 3hp mastery package. It seems like the best bang for the buck between ameribrade, OBM, north ridge, Beaumont, black fox, etc….or building one. There’s a lot of choices…just wondering what your opinion is after having experience with the machine. Thanks!

[@GreenBeetle]

Just the casters everything else is primo

[@yamabshi]

Quick question - for general application in knife making, should the platen be in line with the lower contact wheel or the upper steel wheel?

[@GreenBeetle]

I keep it a few mm proud of both

[@yamabshi]

@@GreenBeetle you're a hero, thanks man! Made my first knife with my new 2x72 this weekend - grinding is no longer my least-favorite part of the build

[@JediOfTheRepublic]

the 1.5 and the 2 HP motor are the same motor. Just wired differently.

[@Advansite]

what was your old grinder .. i am looking to upgrade

[@GreenBeetle]

Esteem Grinder

[@mihaiscorp]

Me want one.

[@rameshkumawatemdi3459]

How much price in india

[@RiceFromHell]

dont get me wrong im glad you were able to get a discount but i feel like this was waaaay to much work for just 10%. so in that sense im disappointed that this isnt a knife making video

[@cavemanvi]

it was a VERY thorough review. 100% is more like it.

[@sithlordjeffbledsoe651]

I got damn near the same machine and I says in the book that it recommends for best performance run it at 70%. I shoulda got the stand but I found it illogical to buy something I can build. I tried it in I’m giving er all she’s got captain mode and had the same results but at the recommended she cant de stopped until I blow my dilithium crystal in my old shops crystal panel lol argh 😤

[@GreenBeetle]

👍

[@gatorcris]

haha you crack me up.

[@bananachicken8385]

Is your old grinder for sale?

[@GreenBeetle]

Sold

[@WUNDER8AR]

I envy the US grinder/knifemaker market. You got it all quality grinders, power hammers, forge presses, forges. Over here in germany theres virtually no market. Gl finding a forge press. Nobody builds and sells those same with power hammers (granted theres still quality machines on the used market en masse just no presses). As for grinders there's those flimsy ebay china imports. Only one small domestic manufacturer bothers and the versatility and sturdiness of the machines compared to US models is meh and they still cost a small fortune. Affordable quality machines you only find after extensive research as imports from neighbour states like poland. Once in a while there's homemade DYI grinders on the ebays but obviously no QA or warranties whatsoever. You'd think Germany got huge established tooling companies but they're too busy getting crappy tools built en masse overseas. Either nobody bothers despite the demand because their other trash still just sells far too well but its probably also because its a huge hassle getting tools certified on our market let alone starting your own business to make and sell tools like that.

[@Dont_Poke_The_Bear]

No bust bucket attachment for the stand?! That's a kick in the wrinkle beans.....

[@gmc1758]

Dusty in your shop?

[@sdsmtmsee]

You should always use proper PPE when using a grinder like this- face shield, paper mask....

[@garypostell5268]

💰💰💰💰?

[@wingnutbert9685]

Who ever spec's these tiny wheels must work in a lab-clean shop or the accounting dept. 3" min. 4" better so you don't get stuck on anything bigger then a spider's eye lash....

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

Steve, do you really wear a mask while working in your garage, having already had covid and being vaxed and being alone? Why?

[@cavemanvi]

couldnt help yourself huh? look for a video with his face on it loser.

[@GreenBeetle]

Dust

[@user-ii5im7zm2t]

GB has never used his channel for politics. He's always been refreshingly neutral. No need to try to force him to take sides on things unrelated to bladesmithing.

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

@@user-ii5im7zm2t He's talked extensively about covid; his thoughts on it, his bout with it and his role as a healthcare worker during it. If you were a Pateron you'd know that. And who the fuck mentioned politics??? It's ppl like you that think a pandemic is something political who are the problem. Oh and only a moron would think a YT comment could force anybody to do anything.

[@Steve_Just_Steve]

@@cavemanvi Are you trying to say he's never shown his face? Maybe you should look "loser".

[@Replacemybatteriesplease]

I also normally wear masks in my shop when doing heavy assemblies...

[@GreenBeetle]

My garage is full of dust

[@Replacemybatteriesplease]

@@GreenBeetle stay safe out there brother.

[@user-nt8be3mj9j]

You did too much work for just 10% discount!!!!

[@david4499]

Face mask?

[@thewoodcrafterioy4003]

What the hell are you doing with a mask on? Are you one of those that ware a mask in your car by yourself?

[@GreenBeetle]

Covid is everywhere be safe and MAGA

[@thewoodcrafterioy4003]

No, it is not everywhere. It comes from other people that are sick or were exposed. If you are not close to other people, you can't get it from it just floating around in the air. Use some common sense.

[@tacticalant3841]

Good grief, why are you wearing a mask in while alone in your own garage?

[@GreenBeetle]

It’s dusty and I get black boogers if I dont wear a mask.

[@tacticalant3841]

@@GreenBeetle lol, ok, I thought you were one of those virtue signaling covid mask wearers who wear it for the video.

[@frikkieschoeman7315]

Why are you wearing a mask?

[@kumadogjack]

Looks like a standard stainless steel bucket restaurants use for food prep. You may be able to find a deeper one at u.r.m, cash and carry or online of course