Belt sander recomendation

I want to know what to get to grind knives from bar stock. Right now I have an ok 1" belt sander. If I end up making more than a few knives, I should probably get one with a 2 or 3 inch belt, and hook it up to a variac so I can adjust the speed, right?
 
Well, what will your budget be if you decide you want a bigger grinder? I don't know, personally, but that info is critical for anyone that does to help you.
 
Not all motors can be controlled by a variac and you would lose torque. Someone on here had a YouTube video of a craftsman 2x42 that they had rigged up to a bigger motor and a set of crown pulleys to give adjustable speeds.
I have used the HF 1x30" grinder and it will work. I would think the craftsman 2x42 would be better. It may be under powered which means you will have to go slow. Slow is not a bad thing when you are starting out.
Jim
 
I just saw a Sears Craftsman 1 Hp 3" Belt Sander for $40.00 posted on Craigslist today. It's an hour or two away. Is it worth it? Deal or no deal?
 
No.. Don't waste your money. If you don't have a lot to spend get a Craftsman 2x42 and spend the rest on some good belts. I hear there is a lot of tutorials out there to maximize that machine. This way you can start enjoying your hobby relatively cheap.

I didn't get a Craftsman but I had a Kalamazoo 2x42 for my first grinder. But I didn't use it long. It will get you in the game to see if you like it. Then if you want to do more you can get a 2X72 . Also 2 " belts are easy to find and I am pretty sure I have seen them in the ceramic belts. Which is also something you will find out about. Cheap belts don't last . But seriously get what you can afford now and move up from there.
 
does this look legit? I might be able to pick it up. it's a used Foley Belsaw. I'm currently finding out if it's a 1" or 2" or what. if it's a 1" I'll pass because I already have one.

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I've only got a 1x30, but I wouldn't buy that. Doesn't look like it's got a usable platen, which leaves contact wheels and slack. Slack might be okay on that but I think I'd rather have my 1x30.

I bet it uses an obscure belt length too, but can't tell for sure.
 
Foley Belsaw 1080. 1" belts. By 44/48 40 something I think.

Foley stuff is good stuff for the most part. Geared toward sharpening more than making.
 
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