Hi guys, I'm finally going to buy a belt sander. I have narrowed it down to either the grizzly 2x72 or a jet 2x42 they are both around 500 bucks which is my budget. I have seen good reviews on both. Or should I stay away from the 2x42? Thanks for the help!
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Belt sander help?
- Thread starter grabagear
- Start date
I like 2x72 for the wide variety of available belts...plus they last longer. I have a Grizz I used for a few years and it worked fine, but I prefer the 3 wheel sander I made (based on a kmg) and it cost me less than the Grizz. If you are able to I suggest making your own, or picking up a reputable 3 point grinder. Tracking is better and its more versatile with wheel sizes, etc.
I wouldn't go with the Jet, you're just getting a more powerful version of the craftsman, and that platen design looks like it won't hold up to heavy grinding. When it's all said and done, it's a sander, for wood. It probably does a pretty good job of that, but for the money there are a lot better choices.
I'll agree with ecos, a 2x72, particularly the kmg style machines (of whatever brand) are your best bet. A grizzly or coote would be next, with the coote seeming to get better reviews in terms of build strength and quality.
I started out with a 2x42 craftsman, I've made a fair number of knives with it. My particular situation didn't allow a better grinder if I was going to stay within budget and waiting wouldn't change that so I made the choice with eyes wide open. Lesser grinder but also a decent drill press and some other tools, was a functional solution. If at all possible though, wait until your budget will allow a kmg style machine and a decent drill press. Decent meaning able to spin slowly and with a minimum of wobble and runout in the design.
My start was $149 for the craftsman 2x42, $120 for the 12 speed harbor freight drill press and $12 for a HF angle grinder to rough cut bar stock. I already had a good vice and some other tools.
Also, update your profile to include your location, some folks may be in your area. Trying out different machines will give you an idea of what will work best for you. The way I work isn't the same as how the next guy works, which isn't the same as the next.... lol, leads to some great discussions here, and we all pick up another trick or five.
I'll agree with ecos, a 2x72, particularly the kmg style machines (of whatever brand) are your best bet. A grizzly or coote would be next, with the coote seeming to get better reviews in terms of build strength and quality.
I started out with a 2x42 craftsman, I've made a fair number of knives with it. My particular situation didn't allow a better grinder if I was going to stay within budget and waiting wouldn't change that so I made the choice with eyes wide open. Lesser grinder but also a decent drill press and some other tools, was a functional solution. If at all possible though, wait until your budget will allow a kmg style machine and a decent drill press. Decent meaning able to spin slowly and with a minimum of wobble and runout in the design.
My start was $149 for the craftsman 2x42, $120 for the 12 speed harbor freight drill press and $12 for a HF angle grinder to rough cut bar stock. I already had a good vice and some other tools.
Also, update your profile to include your location, some folks may be in your area. Trying out different machines will give you an idea of what will work best for you. The way I work isn't the same as how the next guy works, which isn't the same as the next.... lol, leads to some great discussions here, and we all pick up another trick or five.
I wish I could afford a better one. But my firearm hobbies take/took up alot of cash lately. I hjave tried a few knives with just basic tools. Even though they didn't turn to well I at least learned that I enjoy it and would like to pursue the craft more. Maybe I should test the wasters with a craftsman belt sander first,then if i want to go further I could really justify an expensive grinder and won't have much stuck into the craftsman. Whereas with the grizz I would possibly not be happy in the long run and be out 500 bucks. I have pritty much everything else I would need, drill press, bansaw, hand tools ect... thanks again and I will update profile next.