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Belt sander suggestions
- Thread starter Devil doc
- Start date
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2009
- Messages
- 1,185
Some will operate on both voltages, depends on the model.
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2009
- Messages
- 156
1st choice for me is the Viel 1 x 42.
Pro's - 42" belts are easy to come by, all kinds of sharpening attachments can be added to it, the table it comes with tilts from flat to nearly vertically.
Con's - It's a bit pricey, just under $200 with motor and attachments are extra. You're best off ordering from the manufacturer. Tracking and belt tensioning aren't the best.
2nd choice might be considered heresy by some, but I like the craftsman 2x42 model... if you mod it.
Pro's - You can get 3M Micron belts in every micron size in 2 x 42. Micron belts can be used wet (if you slow the motor down). The system can be tilted horizontally. It's only $140.
Cons - The table is nearly worthless. To do any real work with it you have to remove the table and belt enclosure. Installing a better contact drive wheel is a good idea. Better yet, forget all this and build your own.
Pro's - 42" belts are easy to come by, all kinds of sharpening attachments can be added to it, the table it comes with tilts from flat to nearly vertically.
Con's - It's a bit pricey, just under $200 with motor and attachments are extra. You're best off ordering from the manufacturer. Tracking and belt tensioning aren't the best.
2nd choice might be considered heresy by some, but I like the craftsman 2x42 model... if you mod it.
Pro's - You can get 3M Micron belts in every micron size in 2 x 42. Micron belts can be used wet (if you slow the motor down). The system can be tilted horizontally. It's only $140.
Cons - The table is nearly worthless. To do any real work with it you have to remove the table and belt enclosure. Installing a better contact drive wheel is a good idea. Better yet, forget all this and build your own.
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2006
- Messages
- 2,437
Hi D. Doc,
How do you expect to use the belt sander? Knifemaking? Sharpening?
That info will help me know what to suggest. Do you have a budget or preference?
Thanks,
Doug
How do you expect to use the belt sander? Knifemaking? Sharpening?
That info will help me know what to suggest. Do you have a budget or preference?
Thanks,
Doug
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2006
- Messages
- 907
Just for sanding, if you're in the USA get a cheap HF 1x30 belt sander. I've had mine for 1+ years and have gotten my $ out of it.
- Joined
- Jan 20, 2009
- Messages
- 1,185
Harbor Freight
- Joined
- Nov 1, 2006
- Messages
- 1,347
I would suggest the Kalamazoo 1 x 42" belt grinder,
Ease of getting belts.
Easy tracking
Baldor motor
Just a good machine.
http://www.knifekits.com/vcom/index.php?cPath=49_115_207
- Joined
- Nov 19, 2006
- Messages
- 907
If you want something that'll do just about anything a belt sander can do then build the NWGS. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=496583 I assume you're good with your hands so you should be able to build it and depending the quality of the components you buy (motor, bearings, etc.) it should last you a looong time. I bought the plans and slowly building up the needed supplies. Plenty of guys have built and using this machine so it's a tested design.
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2006
- Messages
- 2,437
This is what I would do as well. You can see this setup in action on some of Brian Andrews youtube videos while learning good sharpening habits.
http://www.youtube.com/user/AllThingsSharp#p/u/26/8v4ZxJ0rnrc
you can find more of his videos easily from here.
There are a few belt sellers like Lee Valley in the Woodworking Sharpening section, and supergrit.com, etc.
Let us know what you decide to get.
Cheers.
Doug