Bench Grinder vs. 2x72 Belt Sander/grinder?

T

TheCivilman

Joined
Oct 1, 2007
Messages
37
Is there a reason why one should grind their knife blank to shape with the belt sander instead of the bench grinder. After cutting the rough shape with an angle grinder c/w cutting discs, it seems to me to be quicker using the bench grinder to rough out the shape and then use the 2X72 to bring it to scribed line. Is it because of over heating issues or is/are there other reasons? does it matter at all? Thank you, from the grinding ignorant.
 
As far as roughing out the shape of the blade I see no problem is using a bench grinder and have done so myself quite a few times. I would do the last little bit with the belt grinder b/c it will probably give you more even lines around your blade blank. If you are talking about grinding the bevels with it though that is a completely different story, and I can't say that I would recommend it.
 
Get a Grizzly if you're on a budget. It'll make a hell of a difference over a bench grinder.
 
I do have both pcs of equipment...
I have fabricated a knock off type KMG style grinder. (2x72) Works well and I definately use this for hollw grinding the bevels. (well trying anyway, lol:)) I was just wondering about the actual shaping of the blank. It seems everyone uses the belt grinder for shaping and I was wondering if there was a reason to not use the bench grinder. Thx again.
 
There is no real reason you cannot use the bench grinder,although the stones will tend to get the steel hotter,quicker and cause blue spots. IMHO the reason most folks go directly to the 2X72 is for speed and smoother grind around the edges.
 
With a good 2x72 setup, you can actually remove material faster with a 2x72 over a bench grinder
 
As I recall, TaiGoo profiles on a bench grinder. I see no reason to not use one if that's how you prefer to work.
 
Depends on the bench grinder, A big bench grinder with good stones might be able to keep up with a machine like a KMG with a 2hp motor and 36 grit ceramic belts. At work we have several 2hp "bench" grinders with big wheels about 2" wide. Plus a couple of burr kings, Several Jets with a 6" wide belts and a 12" disks, plus a 16" disk machine. Lots of 4 1/2" Dewalts. Metal skills shop for a refinery. welders, fitters. Etc. Not knives, but, cleaning edges, beveling for welds, rounding corners etc on stuff from gauge metal to 2" thick. The belts and disks are constantly working. There is usually a layer of dust on the wheel grinders. Same thing in the machine shop. But less machines. I have a stack of grinder wheels laying in the corner, 6" and 8" some brand new that I got the motors for buffers etc. Will give away for shipping costs.
 
I have a stack of grinder wheels laying in the corner, 6" and 8" some brand new that I got the motors for buffers etc. Will give away for shipping costs.
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Thanks much -ib2v4u, I do have an 8" bench grinder but I get stones through work.
 
I just spent time at Ariel's website and it seems as if he uses a bench grinder and some kind of sanding wheel. I did not see any belt sander which surprised the hell out of me! his knives are just awesome. I really want to find out what that sanding wheel is all about, it is on the other side of the bench grinder and looks like you simply slip on a circular sanding belt??
 
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