Belt Sanders

oeser said:
SirSteve, right on brother!!

Kevin, at the end of this year when the mower gets stored away for the winter I plan on doing just that.:thumbup::cool:
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Thank bro! It was without a doubt one of the best purchases I've ever made :thumbup:
 
++1 on the Kalamazoo 1x42...once I tried it, never looked back at any other sharpening method. Here is a Boss Jack that has been worked on the Kalamazoo, 200 grit belt, then to a 600 grit belt, finish with a white compound loaded leather belt. My higher end folders even get convex edges now, it is somewhat addictive :

Here is my setup in my garage...

DSC01093.jpg


Pics I am trying to capture the convex edge best I can...

DSC01120.jpg


DSC01121.jpg
 
Bapple said:
++1 on the Kalamazoo 1x42...once I tried it, never looked back at any other sharpening method. Here is a Boss Jack that has been worked on the Kalamazoo, 200 grit belt, then to a 600 grit belt, finish with a white compound loaded leather belt. My higher end folders even get convex edges now, it is somewhat addictive :

Here is my setup in my garage...

DSC01093.jpg


Pics I am trying to capture the convex edge best I can...

DSC01120.jpg


DSC01121.jpg
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Ah man is that an GNX!? Love Regal's, reminds me of my Grandmother's collection.
 
Nice Bapple. I like how you've utilized the packaging the Kalamazoo came in as a work bench and your Taylormade to store your belts.:eek::D;)

Nice work on that edge BTW. :cool:
 
Ah man is that an GNX!? Love Regal's, reminds me of my Grandmother's collection.
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Not to hijack, but good eye Alpha Mike. Not a GNX but close, just a plain ole Grand National :D

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Awesome set up Bapple! :thumbup:

Sharpening with these truly is addicting... I've sharpened at least 3 dozen blades/axes/tools so far with my sander. Some days I find myself scouring the garage for something else to put a razor edge on... at this point, a shovel may have to do... :D
 
Thanks guys :thumbup:

Nice Bapple. I like how you've utilized the packaging the Kalamazoo came in as a work bench and your Taylormade to store your belts.

Nice work on that edge BTW.
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I guess I like to be creative :D
 
I have used one of the cheap HF 1x30 combo disk sanders for a few years now.

Sure makes re-profiling so much quicker. The bonus about the cheapo grinder is that the disk is also very handy for shaping leather. Great for taking bulk off the welts when they are too wide.

I would like to get a better grinder with a lower speed for more precise edge work, but I can get hair popping sharp with the 1x30. I need to order some higher grit belts for sure!!

Right now, I set the bevel with a 200 grit, then clean it up and polish by hand on sandpaper and loaded strop.
 
Bigfattyt said:
I have used one of the cheap HF 1x30 combo disk sanders for a few years now.

Sure makes re-profiling so much quicker. The bonus about the cheapo grinder is that the disk is also very handy for shaping leather. Great for taking bulk off the welts when they are too wide.

I would like to get a better grinder with a lower speed for more precise edge work, but I can get hair popping sharp with the 1x30. I need to order some higher grit belts for sure!!

Right now, I set the bevel with a 200 grit, then clean it up and polish by hand on sandpaper and loaded strop.
Click to expand...

Awesome! The added bonus of the disk is what I like as well, but the HF cheapo doesn't have a disk. Does it? I'm trying to upgrade my over all shop capabilities and options with this sander purchase, so the disk/belt combo makes sense. Otherwise, the kalamazoo would be my "just a belt" option. Seems like everyone loves it.

Now if I could just find a disk/belt/drill press/reloading machine... that would be awesome! :D
 
Just stay up late and watch infomercials J your bound to find a great one! It might even wash your car for you too :)
 
adrock1978 said:
Awesome! The added bonus of the disk is what I like as well, but the HF cheapo doesn't have a disk. Does it? I'm trying to upgrade my over all shop capabilities and options with this sander purchase, so the disk/belt combo makes sense. Otherwise, the kalamazoo would be my "just a belt" option. Seems like everyone loves it.

Now if I could just find a disk/belt/drill press/reloading machine... that would be awesome! :D
Click to expand...


My HF was the combo 5 inch disk and 1x30 belt sander. If I remember correctly I paid $30 for it!!!!! I have been using it for several years now!

I have never really been able to use the belt sander with the platen. Just way too much chatter on steel!!!!!!

I just use it for slack belt sharpening. It does run fast!!!!!!!!!

Frequently, I will use well worn belts to slow down the cutting action (make sure you don't overheat!!!!!).

The bigger belt sander will be much better for just sharpening, but I sure as heck have gotten my use out of my 1x30 combo 5inch disk grinder for the price!
 
BigfattyT - I got my use out of my HF 1x30 also. Then the bottom pulley fell off. Having used the 1x30, I have to tell you that the Kalamazoo is a completely different animal. When I first moved up I couldn't believe it. The main differences being the tensioner. Really helps with leather belts. And IMO using the leather belt to follow the abrasive belts is how you get the most impressive results with a belt sander. Add to that it runs quiet and you can concentrate more easily. It is just so smooth running and makes a world of difference IMO. I have nothing against the HF's, but they do not compare in any way.

I think you would be in heaven with the Kalamazoo, cuz you really only have to reprofile once if even that and where the Kalamazoo shines is with the leather belts.

Just food for thought,

Kevin
 
How Does the belt sander of Lee Harvey compare to the kalamazoo? (apart from the fact that you have get your own electric motor...)
 
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