Belt sander recommendations anyone?

REK Knives

REK Knives

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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Apr 3, 2011
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hey guys... i have searched this area of the forums with only a few hits that didn't really answer my questions.

i need a belt sander that can be used to grind off the "return" on kitchen knives, be used to grind convex edges, and also be used (with different grits) to remove a lot of metal fast if i want to do lawn mower blades, axes, or machetes. is it possible to find a " one fits all" approach to this?

i will say that i have the paper wheels that i can use for finishing the edge if needed.

i was considering these three, as i don't want to spend over $250. Ben Dale recommended the KBC to me to be used for the "return" on kitchen knives.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...21x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=00921513000P

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...21x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=00921514000P

http://www.kbctools.com/usa/Navigation/NavPDF.cfm?PDFPage=1057 (model 2486)

and i assume from reading other posts to either get belts from trugrit or lee valley? thanks
 
Grinders:

I recommend the Viel S5 for anyone starting out. It will do all the things you want it to do and more. You can buy it from Lee Valley, but I recommend ordering it directly from vieltools.com. Shipping takes a while from Canada, but it's worth the wait. The main advantage of this grinder is all of the attachments that you can add to it to sharpen more things easily. The grinder w/ 1/4 HP motor will set you back $190 +shipping.

I also have a Kalamazoo 1x42 and the Craftsman 2x42. Both of these have their place in my shop, but aren't nearly as versatile.


Belts:

Where you buy belts depends what belt's you're ordering. Lee Valley is expensive. Supergrit is the cheapest, but if they are out of stock on something, they'll ship your order minus that item and you won't know until it arrives. At half the price of Lee Valley, it's still worth it IMO. Now I buy most belts from Econ Abrasives. They're local for me though.
 
Thanks bro! Your info is a great help!
 
I have this unit. Bought it direct from Viel w/o the motor since I had one laying around.
I ordered my original belts from Lee Valley.
Just placed another order with Pop's Knives and Supplies.
(the 1x42" leather honing belts are about $10 less at Pops)

Only problem I have had is once the belts stretch a bit, they tend to bounce on the 2 pulley Viel system.

This system does a super fast job sharpening all my knives, machetes, axes ect.
Wish I would have known about it many years ago....
 
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