What belt sander to buy??!!!

L

libladeguy

Joined
Jul 6, 2016
Messages
13
Hi all,

Have been making knives for about a year now. have even sold some, (social media is cool). I have saved up and am now set to upgrade from my $50 1x3 Harbor Fright belt sander to something a bit nicer. the internet is full of to many decisions and I am the only person I know that makes knives so I come to you for advice.
I would like to upgrade to a 2x72 and have a budget of $1000. Any thoughts would be great.

THanks and Merry Christmas
 
Hello liblade, for your upgrade and to reach the budget you've listed I would probably look at an Oregon Blade Maker grinder--they have a store front on E-bay--check this video on them:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-SWLEvnRH8 I will say that getting a KBAC vfd for the price he mentions is pretty unrealistic, they typically run +/- $300--so keep that in mind. I also don't know what tool rest is included in the 'base' unit, so pay attention to that. Good luck in your endeavors!
 
May want to look into the Wilmont little buddy... no vfd but you could upgrade in a few months after you sell a few knives =) Nice thing about Wilmont is that you can buy all sorts of upgrades, including the fantastic tool rest Chris makes (I LOVE mine), not to mention there is super awesome customer support AFTER the purchase.
 
One other thing, I saw on Jose's website (Pheer) that he offers and endorses a VFD that is an $85 unit--probably worth checking out--if Jose says it's good it probably is really good.
 
Fish30114 said:
One other thing, I saw on Jose's website (Pheer) that he offers and endorses a VFD that is an $85 unit--probably worth checking out--if Jose says it's good it probably is really good.
Click to expand...

that drive is over $400. I think the $85 shown is the upgrade cost of the 1.5 HP to the 2 HP
 
Polar bear forge has some economical kits. You need to source wheels, motor, vfd etc.
 
I was in the same boat a few months back and did a ton of research and went back and forth between the OBM machine or saving and getting a northridge. When it's all said and done with expect to be in 2k for a decent vfd machine. The northridge was 1905$ total shipped and worth every penny. That's with 2hp leeson with vfd.


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I did the polar bear forge roite with extra parts from oregon blade maker. The tracking mechanism is difficult to get straight and obm makes the same sized piece already drilled.

I got a couple 1hp dc motors for free and sourced a kb drive on ebay for 130 bucks.

Well under $1000 invested

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk
 
I put together a polar bear forge with 2hp, Kb drive for about $1400 cdn. Everything is more expensive here. The Oregon machine is a good deal from what I can tell. People seem happy with it and recommend it a lot.
 
I was just in a similar situation and budget range. I did quite a bit of research and even came across a free VFD from a friend who runs a machine shop. I went with the oregon blade maker grinder and 1 hp Baldor motor from ebay. The total was $780 for the grinder plus $160 for my first order of 2x72 belts.

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Ameribrade 2x72. New guys on the block but incredibly simple and well built. Plus the owners are amazing
 
I'm in the exact boat as OP my HF 1x30 just let the smoke out and after months of planning on the OBM, I decided on Ameribrade. I have not purchased yet but have contacted them and $1650 shipped gets 110v wired VFD and the grinder with adjustable platen. Don't remember if took rest is included but will update.
As mentioned great owners and I look forward to becoming a customer soon.
 
Update: wow that was quick.

It does include both adjustable arms with table and platen which is also adjustable.
 
I have one inbound as well congrats man! It's not my first 2x72 ive built 3 and bought 2 different ones this one for raw simplicity is my favorite. They are great guys
 
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