Best Value Belt Sander?

Status
Not open for further replies.
You're going to get the same answers no matter how many times you post the same thread, my man. A little bit of searching would reveal that the Craftsman 2x42 is pretty much unanimously selected as the entry-level grinder of choice, as there is really nothing else in it's price range with similar specs.
 
Just know what you're getting. It runs, very, very fast for this particular application. And make sure you look for an older, more powerful version (most likely at a lower price to boot) for sale locally before you buy a new one. The current model is 1/3 hp, but there are some out there with 1/2 or 3/4 hp motors. There's also a 3 wheel version, though I don't think they're very common. If you see one at a good price, I would snap it up. They're supposed to have better belt tracking.
 
IMO 2x42 is the best budget grinder. But IMO best value is really relative to how much you are willing to spend.

Out of the box its not the greatest for knife grinding. I recommend taking a look at a few threads about modding it. Cut back the shrouds, add a knob for the tension, and modify the platen attachment.
 
I just need it to last untill spring. I'm getting a job at Medieval times as a bugler then, and will be able to afford better equipment.
 
Harbor fright 1x30 ;) that's what I use and it's holding me off surprisingly well until I can build my own grinder
 
If you just need it to last still spring,buy once and cry once.Make a couple of simple knives by hand and save your money till spring and get a KMG or build a Grinder in a box.

Stan
 
Thanks for asking this question Conne, i would also like to know. I have a 1 x 42 but just seem to be able to make a decent convex grind. I know belts matter also so if someone can help us with something that isn't over a $,1.000 dollars, please do. And if you don't have anything nice to say please go to another topic and don't waste both our times. Just a thought because we are all not snot nosed kids on here. Thanks for the help gentlemen. 99.9% OF YOU ARE AWESOME, AND PUT IN A LOT OF YOUR OWN PERSONNEL TIME AND IT IS MUCH APPRECIATED REALLY.
 
claymoore said:
Thanks for asking this question Conne, i would also like to know. I have a 1 x 42 but just seem to be able to make a decent convex grind. I know belts matter also so if someone can help us with something that isn't over a $,1.000 dollars, please do. And if you don't have anything nice to say please go to another topic and don't waste both our times. Just a thought because we are all not snot nosed kids on here. Thanks for the help gentlemen. 99.9% OF YOU ARE AWESOME, AND PUT IN A LOT OF YOUR OWN PERSONNEL TIME AND IT IS MUCH APPRECIATED REALLY.
Click to expand...

Agreed, man.
 
today there are three Burr King 960 Burr King Grinders in my shop, 2 of them variable speeds. I would not trade one for any grinder on the market and today if I wanted to sell one I could easily make money over what I paid for it. Just consider it an investment that will serve you a long time and if you are reasonably lucky you will be able to sell it for what you paid for it and maybe more.
 
If you want something decent under $1000 then go with a Pheer Grinder. I doubt you will find anything better in that price range.
 
$200 price range - Craftsman 2x42 (I have one and used it for several years before upgrading)
$500 price range - Coyote grinder
$1000 price range - Pheer or Grinder in a box (I have one and love it)
$2000 price range - Burr King or KMG
$3000 price range - Wertz grinder

All these will make wonderful knives. Any skilled knifemker can use the cheapest machine (or even files and sandpaper) to make a beautiful functional knife. At the same time, just because you have a TW90, that doesn't mean you can make anything other than sparks.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top