Belt Sanders

D

dgc1

Joined
Nov 16, 2007
Messages
41
Who makes a inexpensive belt sander? Also what rpm do you want to sharpen knives?
 
if you are using just for sharpening than the 1x30 will work great
i use one with a fine grit belt for edge shape and i have a leather strop belt that can make scary sharp
 
Amazon has the Delta SA180 on sale for $90. HERE

I've read that it's a MUCH better option than the Harbor Freight. Some folks over at KnifeForums have also figured out a way to make a poor-mans variable speed option on it by way of stepped pulleys.
 
StretchNM said:
I have a Delta SA180 and couldn't be happier (unless, of course, it were Made in the USA).
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+1 on the Delta. I have one that I use for sharpening and I'm very happy with it's performance....although one of those leather belts would be really nice to have:D
 
My Delta has a 5" disc sander on the side that is handy.Mine came from the pawn shop.$25.00 out the door.I sharpen with fine grits and polish with a felt belt.Fast and easy.
 
Yes,you need to use a coolant,(it's like a wax),And it's smart to start off a new wheel with a butter knife or junk steel.I use belt grinders now,but i could get them maybe even sharper with the wheels.
 
This is the info I have been looking for, now that I'm in the market. Any objections to the Craftsman: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921514000P ?

This will be my first belt sander, and I am very unsure of what features I will 1) need, 2) want, 3) would like to have.

Price, Quality and made in the USA are priorities for me. I KNOW I need to do much more research...

It looks like the Delta belt sander doesn't have a solid plate behind the belt, or can I not see it in the picture? How important is it to have a plate there?
 
The Delta DOES have a plate, called a "platen". It is important for it to be there when you want to use it. It allows you to add pressure to the job and prevents the belt from flexing out of the way. Delta's platen extends upward about half the height of the available "belt work surface", so there is plenty of room to work without the platen when you need to.
 
Treebutcher, I'd go with the Delta. It's made in China, but so is the Sears model. Also, 1 X 42 belt sizes on the Delta = better selection of grits required for grinding steel.
 
TreeButcher said:
This is the info I have been looking for, now that I'm in the market. Any objections to the Craftsman: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921514000P ?

This will be my first belt sander, and I am very unsure of what features I will 1) need, 2) want, 3) would like to have.

Price, Quality and made in the USA are priorities for me. I KNOW I need to do much more research...

It looks like the Delta belt sander doesn't have a solid plate behind the belt, or can I not see it in the picture? How important is it to have a plate there?
Click to expand...

Don't get this! It's near useless for knives.Get the 1 x 30.Delta or others are fine.
 
get a 1x42 or 1x30. It makes sharpening recurves much easier, the 4 inch will be next to useless for it. More importantly the belt selection for 1x42 and 1x30 is second only to the professional 2x72 belts. You can get almost any grit and quality of belt online. Sears has a 2x42 that can use 1x42 belts, I have one but don't recommend it for sharpening. It does work but the thinner platen on the 1 inch grinders lends itself to sharpening better, and there's usually more room for slack belt sharpening (for a convex edge).
 
Who knows where to get good 1x30 leather belts? I've got most of the grits I need but I like to strop, too. Thanks.
 
nevertoomany said:
Who knows where to get good 1x30 leather belts? I've got most of the grits I need but I like to strop, too. Thanks.
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Lee Valley, right here!

Leather belts are item "E". They are pricey, but valuable for honing. I have three: one each with black, green and white compound. Awesome! :thumbup:
 
Thanks for the info guys! I'll try to see who might have one around town. If I don't find one locally by Sunday night, I'll order online.
 
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