6 X 48 Craftsman

R Dockrell

R Dockrell

Joined
Mar 26, 2000
Messages
658
Are these any good? It is an older machine with a swing down 1.5 HP 110V 3400 RPM motor. Its on a metal stand and has a cast platten.
It seems to run a little slow but it looks like you can change the drive pully on the motor. Overall it looks like its in good shape, plattens flat and the disk is vurtually unused.
Anyone out there with any knowledge about these older machines, its about 12yrs old.

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Robert
Flat Land Knife Works
rdblad@telusplanet.net
http://members.tripod.com/knifeworks/index.html
 
Robert: Great Machine!! I do all my flat grinds on a 6 x 48, SEARS, an old one that my dad bought. And, leave it run slow! That's how you get the power from that 1.5 HP motor-and, working on that hard platen, that's how you keep from bouncing around. The 6 x 48 is a great machine, even if you just use the disc and only flatten handle stock on the belt-

RJ Martin
 
Robert,J.P.Moss converts those older 6x48s into a super blade grinding machine.Email me for his ph# if you are interested

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MJH
 
Hey MIHKnives, that is a hell of a grinder.

Have you seen it in action? After I came home from Jerry's place, it took me months to find that model of Craftsman sander. Once I got it, it still hasn't been put together.

I have all the components, was just waiting on some machining that was beyond my size limitations here at home.

Now I'll be really impressed if someone comes up with this kind of unit for a hollow ground blade
wink.gif


Later,
Nick
 
Nick,I have seen the Moss converted 6x48s,but never used one.I do know that people that have taken his classes & purchased one,swear by them for flat grinding.Know what you mean about hollow grinding.Bye the way,why dont you get Moss to machine that part you need,it will get him away from daytime tv and keep him sane.

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MJH
 
Anyone have pictures of one of the converted 6X48's? Or could someone provide a brief explanation of what the mods are?

Thanks,
Dan
 
Pretender-

I hate to say it, as corny as it sounds, but Moss made me promise not to show anyone the modified machine. It's strange, beings as knifemaking is one of the least secretive things you could do, but keep in mind that this sander is something JP came up with himself and it's a selling point for makers to take his one on one class.

I will say that another maker that took his class actually let Knives Illustrated print a picture of him using his....

Sorry, but the way I see it, a man is only as good as his word. And I did promise.

Hey, I know, take his class
smile.gif


Nick
 
I have no idea if the new ones are as good as the old ones but they are on sale right now for $100 off.

FWIW

Rob!
 
I grabed the darn thing to good of a deal to let go. We'll see what we can do with it. The main reason I got it was to dovetail bolsters and square wood and antler stock.

Oh by the way Rob that $100.00 of at Sears, well I got change back from my $100.00 on this purchase. Should be funtional by the weekend for you to see.

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Robert
Flat Land Knife Works
rdblad@telusplanet.net
http://members.tripod.com/knifeworks/index.html
 
Its too bad you're a gazillion miles away. I have an old one I'll let go for $75(US). If there are any takers, just come get it.

C Wilkins
 
Pardon me for asking but what is so great about a 6x48 for blade grinding. My grandpa has an older craftsman and it is awesome but everyone says get into the 2" belts for belt life and such. I currently use a 4x36 until I get another style to use with my new motor and everyone says 4x36s aren't that good for this. So how would a 6x48 be much better from a knifemakers standpoint? Wouldn't they also eat up belts quickly like my 4x36? I do agree like my grandpas, man talk about power! There is no bogging that one down! I guess here I am in shopping for a new grinder soon and I am looking at either a 2x48 or a 2x72 cause that is what people recommend as being the best and now I hear that alot of people swear by the 6x48s that I figured would not be adequate blade grinders. When I say adequate I do not mean poor performers but rather not as good of performers as thinner longer belts. I know 6x48 belts are not cheap. Cory

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" I am a shootist."
Clay Allison
" Does this mean we are bladists?"
Vaquero57
McAlpin Bladesmithing
 
2x72 has more belts available and is easier to hollow grind with because the wheel is narrower. I have a grizzly 2x72 w/1 HP motor. it is ok, but needs some modifications and adjustments to make it really perform. 6x48 is nice cuz you can grind a whole 6" blade w/o moving it across the belt. Smaller blades, just put on belt and hold it. I imagine its easier to get straight grind lines that way because the blade isn't moviing side to side.
 
The Craftsman is for sale because I just bought a used Dayton 6X48 with a 12 inch disk on the side. It has a 220VAC 1 1/2 horse motor and doesn't even slow down with heavy pressure, its very strong. I can stop the Craftsman and I really don't have to lean too hard on it. I use a 6X48 to square up stock and handle material and to take the bark off of new stock. It works great for my intended purpose. I may even decide to put a reversing switch on it so I can flat grind from the disk if I want. Of course you would take the 6X48 belt off of the machine before you did this.

I do have a 2X72 variable speed grinder (Hard Core) but the 6X48 really compliments my shop setup. Makes life a little easier...and it works well.

C Wilkins
 
Don't have one but it's on my list. I think it's Lloyd Hale who was the first I knew of who used a 6X48 -- the master (IMHO) of the big flat grind. My use would be simpler -- squaring up stock and dovetailing bolsters and scales. There's one on sale in the HF stores now for $150. Anyone have experience with it?
 
I use my Craftsman 6x48 belt sander (with no belt on it) to hold a pile of 2x72 belts. I do use the disk a lot, though, for dovetailing.

On the other hand, Ed Kalfayan (who is a master of the flat grind) uses the 6x48 almost exclusively. Different strokes for different folks.

Don Cowles
www.cowlesknives.com
 
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