Avery R.
This is an awesome grinder. Doesn't slow down no matter how hard you push it. I've really enjoyed using it and just finished grinding my first sword on it. I highly recommend this grinder
Maria V.
Excellent grinder. Easy to put together, good quality and works very well!
Bob W.
I’m really happy with my new Steele 2x48” grinder! I shopped online for weeks and there is a lot of questionable stuff out there, but I’m happy to say the quality and construction of this machine FAR exceeded my expectations. It’s made of heavy gauge plate steel, quality materials throughout and with the variable speed controller you can infinitely adjust belt speed from barely moving to screaming fast with the turn of a knob. I hesitated getting this instead of a 2x72 but the motor it has plenty of power to grind a big chunk of steel without slowing down, and fits well in my limited shop space. It tracks like a dream and there are lots of attachments available. If you do need customer support or have questions, the Steele team is easily accessible.
I also got the tilting bench stand. It was a bit spendy but it’s built like a tank. Very solid mount and being able to tip the belt to horizontal makes the grinder more versatile.
If you are plugging into a GFI circuit you will need to make a simple adjustment inside the speed controller box No big deal, instructions are on the Steele site under FAQs.
I just wish I had bought this machine several years ago instead of wasting money and being frustrated with the limitations of my previous belt grinder. This will really up my game for bladesmithing!
Mark H.
I received this within about 10 days and built this stand for it. I looked for a while for this quality of a sander - sure glad I found it at Alec Steele.
Eric S.
So far, I love it. Assembly was very quick. A few bolts and you're done. One thing I hadn't considered is the stand. I didn't order the ~$200 tilting stand because I thought it was a bit expensive for what it was. That was probably a mistake. I ended up fabricating a non-tilting stand that also had to include a way to mount the VFD controller. Not a huge deal and took a few hours of my time but something to consider if you're purchasing. Another suggestion is for AS to include an installed glass platen option. I didn't see it offered but happened to have one that I installed. Other than that, the grinder is very smooth and powerful. I've done some light finish grinding so far but have not yet done any hogging. I love the small wheel design. It's a good second grinder if you have a 2x72 or primary if you don't have the funds for a larger grinder. Overall, I'm happy with the purchase and expect this grinder to see a lot of future use.
Denns E.
Everything arrived in good order and a timely fashion. Would of been a little helpful if it came with written instructions or a diagram. But not detrimental to the whole experience. What little I've used it, it seems to be a well made and thought out machine
Jason D.
This machinery has greatly reduced by production time!
jason j.
Absolutely love this grinder!
Braxton R.
Works great. Quick and easy belt and accessory change. I would highly recommend to anyone that wants a grinder with a smaller footprint than a 2x72 or does not have 220v readily available. This unit has more than enough power in 110v.
Zachary R.
Does exactly what it says. Plenty of power in a compact 110v package. Great if your short on space or power options.
Vincent B.
Went from the harbor freight 1x30 to this 2x48. Grinding on my old setup used to be a time consuming headache. This beast turned that into a time saving process. I would highly recommend this product!!
Jeremy D.
I went from a 1x30 to this beast. It has been the best decision I’ve made. Small compact size for my small shop. Very very impressed with this machine.
Timothy W.
Thank you. And thanks for making a product that the working man can afford, that isn’t absolute garbage. It will work efficiently on 110v. A VFD on 110V?!!!
The bladesmithing and blacksmithing community has been in need of this for decades. I researched belt grinders for 8months before I found out Alec Steele had made an affordable, pro-grade grinder before anyone else.
This tracks as good as any $4000 competitor’s grinder. And infinitely better than the big green machine that most knife makers get into as a first purchase.
This is the perfect set up, at the perfect price points. The attachments are on point as well. The next purchase will be the surface grinding attachment, and the tilting mount.
My grinder shipped fast, and even though it shipped in two separate packages, and with all the nonsense that’s happening with shipping… Alec Steele co was able to help complete my deliveries during a very time sensitive situation. I was able to get my grinder delivered and set up just in time for a class I was teaching. As a blacksmith this grinder has cut my time on the bench by hours. Plug and play! Set up is about as easy as it gets. Between the service, and the product….they have a customer for life.
Sean M.
Everything showed up in a timely fashion. Customer service was very helpful as well. Well built grinder
Donald S.
Glad I pulled the trigger on this. Works as expected.
Brenton T.
Amazing, versatile grinder! Customer service and response has been immediate and great! Small, compact size works well for my setup, easy to assemble, attachments are a breeze, belt swaps are simple and they track perfectly, and, the VFD is rock solid. Super happy with this purchase. Can’t wait for the stand and small wheel attachments to be back in stock. I will order them immediately.
Porter, T.
Coming from a much cheaper 72” sander this 48” variable speed was well worth the money. Wish I had started with this one first.
steven v.
Great grinder and excellent customer support!! Really looking forward to getting some additional accessories.
Jillian R.
Purchased the grinder as a Christmas present for my husband and he absolutely loves it. Beware, the box has a label on it indicating what the item is. Due to the packaging the Christmas surprise was ruined like Alexa ruined the fact that reindeers can’t fly.
Jim H.
I love this grinder. It is a high quality piece. It is indeed plug and play. Looking forward to getting lots of use out of it. The support from the Alec Steele Co is also good.
Chris W.
this is awesome. only have had a 1x30 and limited. no longer limited anymore
Patrick C.
One of my best purchases!
Jamie D.
This grinder is a huge upgrade from my last grinder. I've had it a week and already notice a huge versatility
and convenience difference.
Christopher B.
Frick! I hate how much I love this grinder! I’m a hobbyist blacksmith/bladesmith and this grinder is literally the bees knees. Everything I could have asked for in an upgrade from my last belt grinder. The only bad thing I can say and I’m sure most would disagree is there were no instructions. I know I know it’s literally already together but when I spend this much on something the last thing I want to do is forget a step or put something on wrong and ruin the item. Besides that it’s amazing I used it to make my first hand forge twist Damascus blade (the steel is also from Alec Steele co).
Tabb F.
Sooooooo awesome. My blade game went from a 2 and done got turnt up to 11. This thing is a beast and I have yet to bog it down. Highly highly recommend.
Victor W.
I live this grinder. Fully customizable and yet compact. Fantastic for a small shop like mine. The speed control it’s great and it’s very powerful.
Andrew K.
Easy to assemble, easy to use. It’s a big upgrade from a 1x30! The finish on the grinder and work rest are different from the pictures on the website.
Jerry H.
So impressed by the size and power for such a reasonable price.
isaac t.
I work with kydex and this grinder is amazing! It has a nice flat platen to help get everything perfect on sheaths, holsters and whatever else im making. My 1x30 died and I didn’t want to cheap out again, but im also limited on space. This is the perfect size. Definitely recommend this 100%
Cruz Wills W.
This machine is an absolute BEAST. Everything about it exceeds my needs. I highly recommend getting it!
Johnny C.
If you ever wondered if it was worth it, or if it really made a difference, STOP wondering!! This is a game changer. Grinding went from my least favorite part of knife making to one of the easiest things I do. Buy this grinder.
Jennifer b.
Thank you for a really good product it works out great for my shop and the price is very reasonable compared to other brand names. The time i has to wait for it was understanding and you guys did a great job communicating with me on the shipping. i have been watching your youtube channel since you had started and have been a great influence for me to start forging and being a better maker thank you again and i will enjoy your produces you supply.
Conrad B.
I love this 2x48 so much, I am very glad that I bought it. I previously bought a 2x72 grinder from Pheer grinders (a model they don’t make anymore) and this 2x48 is more versatile, more compact, cheaper, and does not have any of the issues that the pheer grinder has; issues that caused me so much lost time, frustration, and money.
This 2x48 has a rotating platen, you can easily change the angle of the platen, rotate to use one of the rollers as a small contact wheel (for shaping or striking in a fuller), or use a slack belt. The platen is easily replaceable- I cannot overstate how horrible not having this feature is. I wrote an entire page about the woes of trying to fix this problem with the pheer but you don’t need to read all that, just be grateful this grinder doesn’t have that problem.
The motor bolts directly onto this 2x48’s chassis, so you don’t have to try to mount the chassis to your work bench, then perfectly line up the motor only to have tracking problems… because you didn’t actually do it perfectly….
This 2x48 is prewired, so you’ll be up and running that much faster.
This grinder can easily be upgraded with amazing features like a carbide platen, small wheel attachments, large contact wheels, tool rests, whatever will fit in the tooling arm.
The compact size of this grinder means it is easy to fit in a small place and easy to move.
I have searched the internet (a pretty big place) watched/read so many reviews, and I don't think there is a better value:cost deal AND (this is the biggest 'and') you won't have to upgrade to a grinder that cost twice as much anytime soon, because this grinder does just about everything (or it can easily be upgraded to) that any other grinder can do.
If there is any draw back to this grinder it is belt availability. I have struggled to find 2x48" scalloped belts for handle shaping but that is it.
Aaron A.
well so far I have received the first half of the grinder. I have the motor and the speed switch. I plug them in to make sure they work everything is great looking forward to get the rest. I also bought a couple belts to go with it just so I'm ready when I receive the rest of the 2 x 48 Alec Steele grinder
Andrew C.
This thing is a monster, especially considering it's small size. I love everything about it. I cannot wait to start buying additional attachments to make it an even more versatile tool.
Chris Y.
I could not be happier. The Steele 2X48 with it's small footprint meets all my needs. From its simplicity, thanks to the Alec Steele Co pre-wiring and packaging, to the ease of installation in my home garage/workshop with only 115 electrical. The Grinder has plenty of power and options with it's numerous accessories. The Horizontal tilt feature is a must have!
Robert A.
My first hidden tang knife
Wayne C.
Great product and service. Alec and the team are fantastic and pleasure to do business with. I would recommend a setup video for new buyers to help get familiarized with setup and operation; especially tips and tricks for better operation.
Roman
The grinder is great but lack of availability of accessories for it such as the large contact wheel is frustrating.
Nate C.
The Steele 2x48 has been a quantum leap from the 1x42 I had been getting by with previously. I opted for the tilt stand and the small wheel attachment. It opened up so many new options with the flexibility of wheel size choices, flat platen, or slack belt in vertical or horizontal. I plan to add a large wheel and the adjustable table in the future. If you are currently running a smaller grinder and wondering if it is worth it to step up, it is most definitely worth it.
Clifford L.
This grinder works perfectly. Just what I needed in my shop!
Austin S.
I have never experienced customer service at this level. Truly a great product and great people.
Craig M.
Easy to set up out of the box, and I love that its wired for 110v.
joseph s.
Brilliant grinder. I highly recommend the new trizac belts the sell.
Rick M.
There are maybe 5 fancy machines in my shop that make all the difference to my work: lathe, mill, bandsaw, welder and my 2x48 belt grinder from Alec. The grinder is so accessible, so quick to swap belts on and reconfigure for different needs that it's become an effortless part of my workflow. I'd looked for years but they're really expensive so I didn't have the confidence spending so much on one without solid support. I seriously considered making one instead, but that's quite an undertaking. Once Alec started selling them it was a no brainer for me and I bought it as soon as it went on sale. I'm very happy with this machine and all the accessories and abrasives I've purchased through Alec's shop.
frank d.
not a smith but I use this all the time for the many projects I do in my gihugic workshop lol.
Nathan C.
Super easy to setup. Just overall a really great product that I hope to use for many years to come.
Jose M.
I've had my grinder for a couple of months up and running. I mainly wanted it to make knives, and I wanted one small and that's basically plug and play. This grinder checks all those marks. I've made about 15-25 knives with it so far and not once have I had a problem with it. I haven't needed to turn it up to full speed because the motor on it is already really good that it does great at 50%! I highly recommend this grinder for anyone that's looking for a small bit powerful grinder. And all the extra attachments you can get for it makes it very versatile!
Ps. I mounted mine on a IKEA cart so I can move it around my work areas and it's been doing great so far.
Gerald M.
Fantastic right out of the box: bolt on motor, attach the cables, plug it in and go to work. I am a woodworker and have found this machine to be great for contouring.
Jacob B.
Definitely worth the money to upgrade from a 1x30 that uses $8 belts to a 2x48 that uses the much larger belts that are around the same price and last so much longer!
