Belt Sander

A

ANG1

Joined
Jul 12, 2002
Messages
343
I'm looking for an inexpensive Belt Sander that works. I've never sharpened knives, nor do I have the funds or space for a large one.
Jerry Hossom recommends this one.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=163-4831

Jerry states:
"We talk about those convex edges around here a lot and I'm pretty sure a great many people can't figure out what's the best way to do them. As I look around the various forums I see people spending LOTS of money, as much as $300+, on a fixed angle sharpening system. Don't! Here's what you need and with this you'll have the sharpest knives in town, all of them done in a matter of just a few minutes.
You can buy sanders like this even cheaper sometime, but this one will work, though I wish they'd given the speed so we would know what it is. Slower is better, but even a fast one works fine if you're careful about not overheating the blade. Just keep a bowl of water next to it, and dip the blade after each pass.

Get an assortment of belts. Pops has them all the way out to 600 grit which is about as far as you really have to go, and as that belt wears it will get even better. http://www.popsknifesupplies.com/

You do have to make a small modification to the sander. Get rid of the platen behind the belt. Most of them will unbolt. If not get a hacksaw. Also get rid of the table. All you really want is a slack belt. Start at 120 grit, then 320, then 600. Raise a wire edge at each grit and once you have it at 600 grit, strop it off on the back of an old belt and start shaving...

I promise, if you use this on your kitchen knives your wife will NEVER complain about the expense.

Get one, play around with it on some cheap blades, and inside a week you'll be a pro."

I also saw this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2485

Is anyone familiar with either of these or possibly recommend another one.
Any and all imput would be greatly appreciated.
 
Personally I'd recommend learning to sharpen by hand first. I think you learn the finer priciples of sharpening this way.

If you can already sharpen by hand... I didn't say nuthin'.

:confused: :)
 
go for it.....I've been recommending this for a long time. Why spend $300 on a stone system when you can spend $30 (plus belts) and get into making your own knives.

I still use my 1x42 belt sander.


A couple weeks ago, that oft-suggested HF sander was $24.99.....:eek:

Can't get much cheaper than that!
 
So, Dan, when will the next volume of the sharpening CD be ready? (not to bug you or anything)
 
Daniel Koster said:
go for it.....I've been recommending this for a long time. Why spend $300 on a stone system when you can spend $30 (plus belts) and get into making your own knives.

I still use my 1x42 belt sander.


A couple weeks ago, that oft-suggested HF sander was $24.99.....:eek:

Can't get much cheaper than that!
Click to expand...


Dan:

I assume that one of these relatively inexpensive rigs can convex blades and shape handle material (I have lots of Carbon V blanks needing scales), but is not meant for blade grinding like a Bader would do. Is that correct? Is there a belt size you would recommend like 1"x30" or 1"x42"?

Jeff
 
either one. whatever cash you got on hand, go for it.

if you can afford it, the Delta 1x42 model can be had for a little under $100.


Yes, you can do handles, put on convex edges, even make knives. ;)
 
The main thing when looking for a grinder is to not let the KMG snobs push you around ;) .

Try to find a name brand, but go with what you like best.

I have a grizzly 2x72, and it works just fine.
 
the sharpening CD is on hold...bigger fish to fry right now.

But mark my words, something equally interesting & useful is on the immediate horizon. ;)
 
^
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KMG snob.....:D


Jebadiah_Smith said:
The main thing when looking for a grinder is to not let the KMG snobs push you around....
Click to expand...


I have both actually.....wouldn't have it any other way.
 
Daniel Koster said:
the sharpening CD is on hold...bigger fish to fry right now.

But mark my words, something equally interesting & useful is on the immediate horizon. ;)
Click to expand...


Oh reeeeeeeeeeeeeally?
 
I have not been able to find a good, reasonably priced sander/grinder for sharpening my khukuries here in Australia. I particularly like the Lee Valley sander/grinder because it comes without a motor. We use different voltage motors (240 volt) to the USA and it is an advantage to be able to connect my own motor. Are there other good sander/grinder brands out there that do not come with a motor?
 
Can I ask is a x72 belt any more usefull than a x30 or x 42 ?

Thanks in advance,

Chandan Dave.
 
Is a x72 more useful?

It depends what you mean by useful. They last longer and there are many types available. But belt size isn't always the best indication of usefulness.

Most knifemakers use 2x72's.
 
The only reservation I have with the Enco machine (which might turn out to be an advantage) is that it is direct drive. I have changed the pulleys on my old Rockwell 1" belt sander to slow it way down from its original speed. Now, if the Enco machine will let you use a speed control so you can slow it way down and still have decent torque, I'd go for it in a second. Their tech support seems very helpful, so a phone call might answer all the questions above. The price is certainly right, and I have had good results dealing with them in the past.
 
2x72 = 144 sq in

1x42 = 42 sq in


144/42 = 3.4

So, logically it should last at least 3.4 times as long. But there's more than math to this equation.

You also have to figure in that a 2x72 has a larger platen to absorb heat. There's also more "time between contact" with the belt - less heat build-up. Heat destroys belts.

Also, 2x72 are more plentiful in more "specific applications", grits, etc. So, use the right belt for the right task - last longer.

Lastly, they're made of better materials to stay sharp longer and work harder.
 
I've had a Harbor Freight 1 X 30 $29.95 backordered for over 1 month. I bought some belts for it but no sander has shown up yet. I spent much more on belts than on the sander!

I figure it will work for awhile (thanks Dan for encouraging me in this pursuit of Yet Another Way To Spend Money :D ) and I'll be able to convex some blades. I haven't the patience or time to do it manually.
 
Daniel Koster said:
go for it.....I've been recommending this for a long time. Why spend $300 on a stone system when you can spend $30 (plus belts) and get into making your own knives.

I still use my 1x42 belt sander.


A couple weeks ago, that oft-suggested HF sander was $24.99.....:eek:

Can't get much cheaper than that!
Click to expand...
WOW! I had no idea it could be done so cheaply! In what area are you living?
How did you learn about this? Did you have a mentor? Knives has always intrigued me and I do have more than my share!
Thanks,
iBear
 
Daniel Koster said:
2x72 = 144 sq in

1x42 = 42 sq in


144/42 = 3.4


Also, 2x72 are more plentiful in more "specific applications", grits, etc. So, use the right belt for the right task - last longer.

Lastly, they're made of better materials to stay sharp longer and work harder.
Click to expand...

If I decide to go with the Harbor Freight 1 X 30,which comes with 1 belt,or even a different sander, what other belts do you recommend that I purchase for it (grits,etc.)?
 
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