belt grinder opinion again

[beyondmyken]

First I would describe myself as a new knifemaking microhobbyist and only plan to continue to make a few (10?20?30?) knives a year for personal satisfaction or as gifts. I would like to speed up the knifemaking a bit. I am thinking of the Delta 1" belt/5"disc sander vs the 4"belt/6" disc sander. I can get the former for $80 and the latter for $109 at Lowes. Both have grits to 600. Would probably do a little stock removal but mostly doing handle work. Any thoughts about this are appreciated.

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It is better to light one candle than curse the darkness.

 

[White Knight]

I'm finishing up my shop right now. So far I have a 1" x 30" belt grinder w/disc (similar to what you mention), a 6" x 48", and a 2" x 72" Grizzly grinder. For finger grooves and tight curves, I use my drill press and a radial grinding bit. I don't use the 1" belt grinder for much. I have much better control with a 2" belt.

Yeah, the 2x72 grinder is 3 times as much money, but it's 6 times as much machine in my opinion.

 

[Rob!]

Between the two, you have a conflict. The 1 x 30 will be better for sanding handle countours.

For flats either to fit handles or for stock removal, it is essential that the platen be perfectly flat. The 1x30 will be useless in this regard. It would be fairly simple to surface the 4x36 platen with tempered glass or hardened steel to insure flatness.

I'll add my 2 cents to everyone elses. Someday, you are going to want a 2x72 variable. It is more adjustable - more versatile and more precise. All of us who have one wish we'd listened and bit the bullet long before we did.

Have fun

Rob!

 

[exsanguinate]

I am just a newbie to knife making. I to, was contemplating a low budget delta or sears sander. Instead, I bit the bullet and bought a Coote's grinder (2x72") and 1 1/2 hp motor.

I'm not looking to sell a bunch of knives, I look at it as a hobby. Guns - $300+ for a rifle, water skiing - $300/month boat payment + gas, mountain biking - $1,000+ for a good bike.

BTW, I use high carbon steels like 1095. You can then save $$ by heat treating your own blades, plus, it is less pricey than ATS34, 440c and the likes.

[This message has been edited by exsanguinate (edited 01-07-2001).]