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Eric Valli - Bladesmith
12/15/20243 min read


The Grinder Revolutionizing Valli Forge: How the Revolution Gen 5 Powers Our Craft
At Valli Forge, craftsmanship is at the heart of everything we do. From shaping blades to crafting bespoke tools, we rely on equipment that matches our commitment to quality and precision. For over a year now, the Revolution Generation 5 Grinder from Housemade has been a cornerstone of our workshop. This 2x72 belt grinder has redefined our workflow, offering unparalleled versatility and reliability that we simply couldn’t imagine working without.
Built for Adaptability and Precision
When we first set up the Revolution Gen 5, it quickly became clear just how adaptable this grinder is. Whether it’s profiling, bevel grinding, or finishing work, this machine handles every step of the process with ease. The modular design, including a range of interchangeable tooling arms and attachments, allows us to tackle projects of all shapes and sizes without skipping a beat.
One standout feature is its multi-tool compatibility, which transforms the grinder from a standard workhorse into a multi-functional tool that can handle even the most intricate tasks. Its adaptability has made it invaluable in our blade-making process, allowing us to refine every detail with precision.
Built to Last: American-Made Quality
The Revolution Gen 5 isn’t just any grinder—it’s proudly made in America. At Valli Forge, we deeply appreciate that every part of this grinder is fabricated in Florida by Brain Housewert, the visionary behind Housemade. The steel used to craft this machine is sourced exclusively from the USA, which speaks volumes about the commitment to quality and durability that goes into each unit.
Over the past year, we’ve put the grinder through its paces, and it hasn’t let us down. From high-torque motor performance to its robust frame, the Revolution Gen 5 is built to handle heavy workloads while maintaining peak performance.
An Easy Build for Any Skill Level
When we first got our hands on the Revolution Essentials Bundle, we were impressed by how straightforward the assembly process was. With just a day of layout and welding, we had our grinder up and running. This machine is designed with the DIY enthusiast in mind—perfect for beginners with limited fabrication experience and seasoned metalworkers alike.
The included assembly instructions and video guides made the entire process seamless. Even if welding isn’t in your wheelhouse, the simplicity of the design ensures a smooth build. Once assembled, the grinder feels as solid and precise as any pre-built machine we’ve ever used.
Why We’ll Never Look Back
After a year of using the Revolution Gen 5 at Valli Forge, we can confidently say this grinder is a game-changer. Its modularity, durability, and user-friendly design have made it an essential tool in our workshop. Whether you’re a professional knife maker or a hobbyist looking to elevate your craft, the Revolution Gen 5 is a grinder worth investing in.
If you’re considering upgrading your tools or starting a new project, we couldn’t recommend the Revolution Gen 5 enough. It’s more than a grinder—it’s a gateway to precision, adaptability, and American-made excellence.
Something to consider - Power. A lot of folks are in a shop that only has 110v ac power. That's my current situation. A lot of people will run a 110v to 220v 3phase VFD to make sure they can control the speed of their grinder.
There is a better way to do this though. When you run a 110v to 220v 3phase VFD you will lose about .5 hp. This is because the VFD has limited ability to cleanly transform that from 110v to 220v with any sort of efficiency. Its convenient, BUT its not efficient.
What you will need is a 5kw step up transformer. This will take your 110v and step it up to 220v single phase. Then buy yourself a 220v single phase to 220v 3 phase VFD. This works best and will provide maximum (albeit maybe not 100%) output. You can also add a larger drive wheel (housemade has a 6 and 7" wheel). This will add inertia through mass.
Feel free to check out Housemade.us for any of your grinder needs. Tell Brian that Eric from Valli Forge sent you and you will be part of the family :).
Discover the Revolution Generation 5 Grinder at Housemade.us and see why we trust it to power our craft at Valli Forge.
Also check out facebook and search for DIY Belt Grinders - this is a group of grinder enthusiasts started by Brian Housewert for building and running belt grinders!