6x48" belt sander - opinions?

[Mike Reilly]

I just came across a 6x48 belt sander, the owner claims it has a 2hp 16 amp 115v motor (I suspect it's actually 1 1/2HP?). Busy Bee brand, comes with a 12" disc sander. It's quite similar to the CX501 from BusyBee web site, but has no stand. Any chance I can make knives with this or is knife making strictly the realm of 2x72? I have access to a 2x72 at work for probably up to a half hour a day if I need it for hollow grinds and I don't mind taking a bit more time if this would be slower.

 

[Drew Riley]

Is it impossible to make knives with? Not necessarily. Is it ideal? No. That said, if it's a price that's too good to pass up, you might think about grabbing it. You can use a 6x48 for plenty of things knife making related or otherwise.

A 2x72 isn't necessarily the only size you can make knives with, but is the most versatile, generally speaking.

 

[TonyRV2]

You can make a knife with a rock and a piece of flint. Anything beyond that is a bonus.

 

[Mike Reilly]

Here's hoping it's better than an angle grinder and flap wheels! Worst case, it's got a decent motor to drive a 2x72 or I can sell and put the $$ toward a 2x72.