Belt sander modification question

[beamernc]

I have two vertical pedestal belt sanders, a Porter Cable and an Engelberg, that I am trying to figure out if I can convert one or both to use for knife grinding. They are about 6' tall and I believe they use a 3" x 120" belt. Has any one here ever modified one for knife making? Any ideas? Or should I just sell both and buy a knife grinder

They look just like this picture:

 

[jawilder]

Looks good to me. I'd try to put a flat platen on them and use them. If they are both the same, I'd keep one and sell the other.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The honest truth is they are a bit too beastly for knife work. If you had a knife shop, and one of these was there along with the other grinders, it would get use, but if it is going to be your only knife grinder....sell them and get a 2X72 with contact wheels and a flat platen.

 

[SBuzek]

The honest truth is they are a bit too beastly for knife work. If you had a knife shop, and one of these was there along with the other grinders, it would get use, but if it is going to be your only knife grinder....sell them and get a 2X72 with contact wheels and a flat platen.

I agree with Stacy,but it would be cool to have one of those beasts in the shop if you had the room.Kinda my grinders bigger than yours
Stan

 

[BRAINESTORM]

Ya send them ..Try out a 2 x 72 out..Be nice to have one around , but depending on what you get,, theres some real nice knife grinders to be had ,that come with the goodies..
Do some watching on demos. Good luck...