1x30 belt not perfect but far from terrible?

J

Joopie

Joined
Jul 10, 2021
Messages
85
I found a video on Youtube from Simple Little Life, an experienced knife maker, which claims that while a 1x30 belt grinder is not ideal for making knives, it's far from being terrible and is good for beginners. What I see here is loads quicker and more accurate than using only files. Comments?

 
Last edited:
The reason 2*72 is recommended for knife maker is:
1. Usually they'll have 1 or 1 1/2 or 2 HP motor, that's the sweet spot for price-performance for knife makers
2. They have lot's of attachment, easy to modify since ther are already so many makers using them, so naturally it'll be easier to get parts for 2*72

I started off using a 2*40 (strange size, i know), it had 1 1/2 HP and it can grind any steel pre or post heat treat easily, this satisfy reason 1 above, but not reason 2, it's really hard for me to buy attachments and parts for that grinder.
 
I use a 1x30 for grinding bevels after having done my first several with just files. I think that likely the only reason a 1x30 is "better for beginners" is because it is cheap, so the cost of entry into the hobby is low-ish. Having used files for a while, a 1x30 was a very big improvement in speed and quality, but it came at a learning curve cost. The inability to slow it down is a big hindrance that takes a bit to get used to. I have never used a variable speed 2x72, but it does not take much imagination to foresee one being a vast improvement over a 1x30. That being said, a 1x30 was such a large improvement over files that I don't feel like I am in a panicked rush to get a 2x72.
 
One if the nicest knives I have ever seen was done on a 1x30 in Europe.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top