Belt sanders

The Tiger

The Tiger

Joined
May 31, 2006
Messages
8
Hi Everyone,
I am just starting knife making as a hobby. I am in the matrket for a belt sander.... on a budget.
Right now, I'm looking at 2:
Craftsman VS Central Machinery (Harbor Freight)
Below are the specs on each.
Does anyone have a reccomendation? Thanks..... Sal

CRAFTSMAN:
•Craftsman 1/3 hp bench top disc sander uses a 4 x 36 In. belt and 6 in. disc
•Belt operates at 1100 FPM
•Disc rotates at 2200 RPM
•45 degree tilting worktable delivers accurate sanding
•Universal cast aluminum worktable works with belt or disc
•Single sawdust collection chute with a 2-½ in. port connects with common shop vacs (not included)
•Easy to use belt tension controls for fast belt change on the go
•Belt and disc design gives you an extremely versatile sander
•Includes miter gauge for precise angle cuts
•Belt work stop for horizontal sanding
•Removable paddle switch provides added safety and security

CENTRAL MACHINERY:
  • 4 in. x 36 in. Belt / 6 in. Disc Sander
  • Amperage (amps) 3.5
  • Belt platform tilt (deg) 60 deg.
  • Belt speed (ft./min.) 1150
  • Compatible with 6 in.
  • Horsepower (hp) 3/4
  • Maximum speed (rpm) 1819 RPM (disc)/1185 FPM (belt)
  • Table tilt (deg) 60 deg.
  • Voltage (volts) 120 Voltage type VAC
  • Belt width 4 in.
  • Accessories Included Miter gauge, sanding belt and sanding disc
 
Last edited:
Agree with Eddie you probably want a 2 X 72 inch sander. When I started I bought the 1 X 30 Harbor Freight sander. I also own the 4 X 36 from Harbor Freight and it is ok for sanding flats but I use the 1 X 30 more.
 
The 2x42 Craftsman is one of the best small grinders available for knife work. You don't want wider ones, it just gets in the way. The belt selection in 2x42 isn't as good as 2x72, and the grinders themselves are not generally as powerful and properly designed for our needs, but compared to the 4x models and most 1x models they are far superior.
 
I own a craftsmen 2x42 and it works ok. I removed the disc sander and added a pulley in its place so i can use a more powerful motor and have some speed control. It definitely works better but its still no where near what a 2x72 is. You are very limited with the 2x42, especially with the 1/3hp motor. It bogs down and runs too fast. If i could go back and do it again i would have just used files until i could afford a higher end belt grinder designed for knifemakers. If you really want a decent beginner belt grinder check out the grizzly "knife maker" model. Its around $500 and uses 2x72 belts.
 
I started off with a Craftsman 2 x 42 and it worked well for a while but I soon grew out of it. Belt selection was limited as far as my knowledge at the time (I understand there is a good selection at truegrit.com). It did work pretty good for my first few knives but I finally got the No Weld Grinder plans from USAKnife Makers. I probably have about $400.00 in the grinder and it is far better than the 2 x 42. Just my two cents but I would get a cheap Harbor Freight 1 x 30 and save up for something better like the No Weld Grinder (NWG), Grinder In A Box (GIB), or even a Grizzly or Kalamazoo. That is unless you have about $2000.00 to spend on KMG, Burr King or other really professional 2 x 72 knife grinder.
 
The 1x30 has worked well for me for awhile now, i use a 2x72 now though. just invest in some good belts, thats the most important thing
 
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