Belt sander...

[namaarie]

I know this has been addressed before, but the "search forum" feature won't work, so I'll ask again.

What grits should one use when sharpening with a belt sander? Also, how does one knock off the burr? Do you just slice 2x4s a few times? This will be my first attempt, so tips and wisdom are welcome! I just can't resist this anymore. These videos of shaving with khuks and cutting paper are way too cool to ignore.

Who knows, with practice, maybe I can even graduate to cutting hardened 1/2 inch leather strips held in place with 1/2 inch masking tape!

Thanks,

Nam

 

[Daniel Koster]

There's no one right answer, and it really should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

That said, you can't go wrong with the following:

1. start at 180 grit - make a few passes each side until you can visibly see a burr forming evenly across the entire edge, on both sides (it will flip back and forth).

2. go to 400 grit - repeat

3. put on a 9micron belt silicon carbide (or similar ~ 800-1000 grit) - repeat

4. load a leather or felt belt with stropping compound


After each step I remove the burr by "slicing" across a piece of wood. Just like you would a loaf of bread.

There ya go.

 

[namaarie]

Thanks Dan!

Nam

 

[ferguson]

Dan's the man!

If you don't have a felt or leather belt, you can turn one of your worn out belts inside out. Load the fabric backing up with green or white polishing compound and strop away!

Steve

 

[Roadrunner]

A good source of 3M micron belts (which kick @ss BTW): http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=48040&cat=1,43072

A great source of other belts: http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=48040&cat=1,43072

For sharpening, what Dan said. He's very accomplished in that area. Best of luck.

 

[BruiseLeee]

After each step I remove the burr by "slicing" across a piece of wood. Just like you would a loaf of bread.

Do you slice with the grain of the wood or against the grain of the wood? Soft or hardwood? Are you shaving bits of wood off or are you just sawing the edge on the top of a piece of wood? If the latter, how much pressure do you use?

I gots to know.

 

[Dave K]

Hmm.

I have always been removing the burr with sharpening stones.

Will have to try the wood method.

 

[Daniel Koster]

here ya go!


http://www.kosterknives.com/sharpening1.htm

 

[Bamboo]

Another shameless plug for Dan's website. :yawn:

 

[namaarie]

Wow, Dan, that's a great site! Bookmarked for sure. Thanks!


Nam

 

[Daniel Koster]

hey...I made that page this morning just for BruiseLeee....

 

[wildmanh]

Nam, I think you will be very pleased with the results from sharping on a Belt Sander. Doesn't take very long at all to get a nice edge on a Khukuri with one. Dan sure has some cool info.

Heber