Belt sander questions

7

777zzz

Joined
Oct 31, 2008
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I want to get a belt sander from Harbor Freight for sharpening and handle making. What grit belts should I get? Are the same grits and polishing compounds used for a belt sander as with hand sharpening, or are lighter grits used with a belt sander because of its added power? Are Scotchbrite belts helpful for sharpening, polishing, or handle making? How much sharpening can be done with a belt sander? I know that some people sharpen up to a point on a belt sander and finish sharpening and polishing by hand, but I've seen others polish with a belt sander with good results. Thanks for any replies.
 
This is how I sharpen.

[youtube]wMSzx6B_iCY[/youtube]

If I'm doing a heavy reprofile, I'd start with a 120grit belt.
 
Many folk here have that one. I removed the top guard and the flat table. Yes, if you try to grind against the platen it will chatter. Still, for $40, you can't beat it. I was reprofiling an axe and a hatchet just the other day with an 80 grit belt, thinking it would be better with 40 grit. A good belt selection can be had from Lee Valley Tool.
 
The 320grit belt I got from Carbatec, it's an Aussie store and they rip you off, they charge 5bucks per 1X30 AO belt!!!! I'm going to buy from supergrit in the future, the other higher grit belts are all from Lee Valley.

EDIT: 1337 post :D:D:D
 
Leu Custom said:
I had/have this unit. Very sloppy. if you lived near by, i'd just give it to you ! The platen is kinda mickey mouse and the belt moves IMO too fast and well yeah, it's just a mess.
Click to expand...

Same. It's pretty bad. The belt runs off to the side, and the adjustment doesn't help. Supposedly I can fix it by doing something to one of the bearings... But I'm lazy and don't know how to do it.

I'd invest in a better quality sander, or maybe a bench grinder + paper wheels.
 
Roger999 said:
The 320grit belt I got from Carbatec, it's an Aussie store and they rip you off, they charge 5bucks per 1X30 AO belt!!!! I'm going to buy from supergrit in the future, the other higher grit belts are all from Lee Valley.

EDIT: 1337 post :D:D:D
Click to expand...

5 bucks a belt? Good god ! For something that little ! I only pay $4.50 a belt a Norton Norzon 40 Grit 2x72" belt !

oops, lol, didn't realize you lived in Australia !

Was there myself in the Sydney suburbs back in 1997 for a month !
 
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