belt sander

M

magnum .44

Joined
Jun 12, 1999
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i've got a big problem, my little 1/4hp 1" by 30" belt sander isn't tough enough for knifemaking. so i'm looking into knifemaker's belt grinders, something single speed 1hp. what do you guys suggest, and which do you think is better the j&l vertical, or the bader III?
 
I saw John LeBlanc demo his vertical as well as the horizontal small wheel machines in Dallas. They are a little on the pricey side but if you're serious about making knives I think they would be my ultimate choice. I use a 1 1/2 horse Burr King now and would trade it in a heartbeat for a JL. They track well, run smootrh and quiet and the set up time to change applications is fantastic.

If you don't want to go all out just yet, Sears makes a 1 hp 2" X 42" belt grinder with a 9" disc on the side that is really a pretty darn nice little machine. Cost about $200.00

Hope this helps....GaryB
 
I've had a JL Grinder for about a year now and wouldn't trade it for anything. Also have an old Square Wheel (since 1983) no comparision to the JL.
 
thanks guys for the advice. i already have a little grinder, but it struggles to gring knives. maybe i'll get the JL, do you think it's worth it to spend $1000, on a grinder if your a begginer, i have about a years experience?
 
It's definately worth it..So long as we are talking about affordable expendable income. If your going to risk a house payment then no it is not worth it.

The grinder won't make better knives, that's up to you. But it WILL make things go faster and easier for you. With practice it will pay for itself eventually. After ten years I think my Burr King no longer owes me anything. "Course now I want a JL Grinder. It never ends.

Later....GaryB
 
thanks, faster and easier are what i want, i was also thinking about getting a vertical mill or milling/drilling machine, good idea?
 
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