Approx. 15 min. on Kalamazoo

Fred.Rowe,
Looks like a Kalamazoo on steroids. Nice piece of equipment you have there. I spent quite a bit of time using a Burr King with vari-speed. I purchased two where I work and everyone enjoyed this machine. Little pricey for the average knife sharpener though. I kind of started this thread to show what kind of an edge you could get using a quality belt grinder under $250. Those starting out with a belt grinder should take note on what you mentioned about heating the edge. To add to that you should try to only sharpen with a belt in good condition as a worn one will build up much more heat and take much longer. Belt grinders are the way to go IMO. I am still trying to master freehand on all types of stones. It's coming but is so much slower then using a belt.
 
I was pleased to see this thread posted. It's easy to have hundreds, if not thousands of dollars invested in tools used to sharpen knives. Investing in a belt machine, if your serious about sharpening, is a very positive purchase. Belt machines save a lot of time and if you have some type of fixture to maintain approach angle, they are very accurate.
I take the mobile unit pictured, to shows and even set up locally, so I can give people tips on what and how a sharp edge is created. Its a complete mystery to many.
I wasn't trying to one up anyone's sharpening system with my pic, hope it was not taken that way; I do this professionally and need all the equipment I can afford to work at the pace needed to make a living.
I wouldn't advise anyone to bring one of these home and set it up in the living room; sharpening a few knives and watching the Final Four. :) It tends to make the wife a little edgy.
There's a 9" variable speed disc on this mobile unit; it has the Rod Nielson interchangeable steel disc.

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Fred.Rowe said:
Be aware of heat build up when using a moving belt to sharpen. The apex of a knife is very minute and it does not take but a moment to push the heat past critical in this area.
Cool after each pass.
I sharpen blades on this machine.
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Click to expand...

So Fred, Is your "handle maker" water cooled? Norton used to make a wet belt grinder, but I haven't seen one in years.
 
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