Can I grind blades on a 6X48?

R

R.H.Clark

Joined
Aug 23, 2007
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I need to purchase a sander.I"m pretty much into traditional selfbows.The Grizzly 6X48 sander would be ideal for grinding bamboo backing for selfbows.

I would also like to play around and grind a few knives.I know the width and speed of the 6X48 would not be ideal but could I still make do and grind a few blades on it without purchasing two sanders?
 
Yes you can, but it will be hard to find good quality belts. I started on a sears 6x48 and moved up to a 2x60 and now i have a 2x72. The better the belt, the better the final product will be before you need to hand sand. You will need 60grit belts up to at least 220. good luck!
 
I also found that the greater surface area of the belts makes it slower to remove stock. That may sound counter-intuitive but with that much surface touching the blade, you have to remove stock slower or have a lot more HP.
 
Trugrit has a modest selection of belts, but do you want to pay $17 a belt for a single Norton ceramic belt?
 
If you need the 6x48 for other projects, go ahead and try it. It's not ideal but you can do it if you're patient and careful.

Could you use a 2x42 for your bowmaking projects? It's a lot less expensive and with a few simple mods, pretty easy to work on for making knives.
 
Can it be done,Yes.You can use a 3X21 Belt sander also,I have. will it be easy or the best way No.If you like making bows and it would work for you get it, and if the knife bug takes over it will still work for other wood working chores in the shop.You can't have to many tools.:D
Stan
 
I have an old book with picture of Lloyd Hale grinding a big bowie on a 6X48. If Lloyd Hale can do it, you can too. :D
 
Thanks everyone! I really need at least a 4" to sand the bamboo.The strips must be sanded very flat and are 2"-4" wide.The 6X48 is ideal for bow making just wasn't sure if it would work for a knife.I probably will only do a few knives for myself.If knife making becomes more serious I'll get something designed for blade grinding.

I really appreciate the help.
Randy
 
ddavelarsen said:
I have an old book with picture of Lloyd Hale grinding a big bowie on a 6X48. If Lloyd Hale can do it, you can too. :D
Click to expand...

D. E. Henry also used one to make his superior Bowies......

Tools make the job easier/faster - it's the operator whose skill decides the end quality..........limitations are IMO far too often self imposed, sometimes by necessity such as an injury, but far too often I have seen folks not even begin a craft or project - because of the perceived notion that they do not have the "right" tool.......learn to adapt........
 
I use a 6x48 belt sander to grind most of my knives. In some regards, it works better than the 1x42. It is a bit slower, but sometimes that is a good thing. I find the 6x48 to be excellent for sharpening knives as well. To do so, I just use a 220 grit belt and run the edge down the front idler wheel. The knife should be pointed in the direction the belt travels. Because only a small part of the blade makes contact with the belt (the edge held at a angle against the wheel) at all times, and the belt moves slower to begin with, there is no worry of the edge over-heating. Works like a charm.
 
Nothing wrong with a 6X48. I use one a lot for certain jobs.The belts can be purchased from Klingspor in any grit and type that is made for 2X72. You pay the same price per square inch either way.A 6X48 costs exactly twice what a 2X72 costs. They also last at least twice as long or more. Call John Williams at Klningspor to order belts.1-800-645-5555.

Stacy
 
Buy the type that has a solid cast and machined deck, and a raised lip on the edges of the deck where you can sand into your plunge cut. Blacky Collins used a 6x48 to make his early blades also. I would suggest at least a one horse motor and increase the speed a bit with pulleys. Every knife I make ends up finished on one of these. I would hate to be without it. They are great for handle work too. Finishing and truing tangs, tapered tangs, and flat grinding. Excellent for most any flat work, and you can do a great saber grind with them. Mine is a Craftsman made in the 50's, or 60's. I have had to replace the bearings a couple of times, but it is still going strong.
 
6x48's are definitely good machines for knifemakers. I got mine originally because I was having trouble finding a 2x72 up here in Canada. They are less expensive too. However, I think I might try and order some of the blue Zirconia belts from Klingspor for working the steel.
 
I just bought one for $150 off Craig'slist to replace the 4"X36" sander I just burned up (only had it for 2 months). I got the Grizzly you were talking about. It's really sturdy and the 9" disk is a plus. I was only able to get about 4 grits on the small sander, but I can get grits from 30 up to 800 for the 6"x48". Get it. You'll find a use for it.
 
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