afortable belt sander?

I would like to know as well, I was looking at a Harbor Frieght one for $80. Dont think it will last long if I really lean into it though.
 
Best is subjective. I bought a 10" Wheel Coote and Love it. There are makers here who have had the grizz and the coote so maybe one can compare the two.
 
I can't complain about the one I was given. I have been hammering out very basic knives for a couple years now. I draw-filed the bevels. Last Christmas, a friend got me what she thought was a cheapy off-brand table sander. I can't even find info on the net about it. I just broke it out today to see what it can do. I didn't even have to put any weight on it and I ground the bevels on two small EDCs in thirty minutes. It is a King's-Craft 4"x36" 1/2 hp sander with a cast iron base, and it is very quiet. She spent less than $50 ( she got it on closeout as it had been $70), and I can't believe how much fun it is. I say before you spend lots of money on a KMG or Grizzly, buy a cheapy and have some fun. I still have a big dumb grin on my face.
 
If you're not going to get a 2x72" grinder, do yourself a favor and get something that takes 1 or 2" belts. I have a 4x36 and I worked on it for several years. The belts have bigger splices on them and you'll get more belt bump, but the big problem is that there's too much surface area on the belt, it will grab and easily bog down the blade.

I'd get a coote if I couldn't afford much and I needed a grinder. If I couldn't afford a coote, I'd get files and maybe build a disc grinder to start.
 
I picked up a Delta 1"x42" belt sander from Lowes for 116 bucks and it is a much better machine than the 1x30 I was going to get. It has motor with a pully set in the back that I think is 1/2 hp which is not great but better than some. I am going to be making a KMG clone based on plans soon. The biggest expense with the home made grinders are the wheels which can cost 250 - 300 dollars. I found a wheel that I should be able to use as a contact wheel for my clone and it was free. Some people have actually used casters for contact wheels!

Without knowing your budget it will be hard to suggest anything so we are assumong you are looking for a very inexpensive machine. As far as I know you cannot hollow grind with a simple grinder like my Delts because it only has a platen which sands flat. Most knifemakers that are truly pros use 2x72 inch grinders that cost anywhere from 1000to several grand. I don't have it like that so I have to rely on building one for myself. Good luck.
 
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