Beginners grinder

[RAU]

How bout this as a beginner machine? How do you all think it would measure up compared to the craftsman 2 x 42, a lot less belt length but substantially cheaper and I'm going to be passing right by the showroom this weekend. Thanks in advance!

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combo-2-Belt-Sander-6-Disc-Sander/H7761

 

[gredpe3]

The shorter belt lenghth will eat belts fast.Could'nt really make much of your link.
Eddie

 

[Jason Fry]

The shorter belt lenghth will eat belts fast.Could'nt really make much of your link.
Eddie

This, plus belt availability may be questionable. Supergrit and Trugrit both carry the 2x42 belts in knifemaking grits. You ought to check on the availability of 2x27 belts before you buy. Other than that, it looks like it will work better than the harbor freight options.

 

[Cactus Kid]

Hey RAU,
For a beginning set up it's not bad especially considering the price. The RPM's is high for knife making but it will still do the job. As mentioned by the post above, you will eat belts fairly fast, but still you have the price point to consider and that you are starting out. If you had more cash on hand, I'm sure a number of folks would recommend something else, but I'm assuming you are cash strapped right now and that's why you posted for comment.

I'd say go for it and keep it as a dedicated grinder/sander for future growth, you can always use the extra equipment in the shop.

 

[Cajun Kamikaze]

I have a 2x42 now and I don't want to imagine how much more time would be spent using anything smaller...

 

[FullyTorque]

A quick google search shows a very limited supply of belts. It looks like you'd be limited to AO belts which are not going to last for metal grinding, especially with the shorter length. Save up a little more and go with a Craftsman 2x42 so you can get some decent belts. The Craftsman is far from ideal but it's probably the best option under $200. With some minor tweaking, trimming, and a ceramic platen you can achieve some decent grinds with it.

 

[Brian.Evans]

I have a 2x42 now and I don't want to imagine how much more time would be spent using anything smaller...

Yeah.....and it still sucks. Look at price of belts for the square inches of abrasives. 2x72 are cheap compared to 2x42. 2x42 is the minimum I'd ever buy, and it still sucks to make knives I on, even with the mods.

 

[J W Bensinger]

The grizzly 2x72 with buffer was my first 2x72 grinder, and I still use it for some stuff. Tracking can be fussy, but there are tricks to fix it.