Considering buying a belt sander...

Dexter Ewing

Dexter Ewing

Joined
Oct 3, 1998
Messages
4,670
What are some good brands to look at? So far the only one I have checked out is the one made by Delta - 1" with the disk sander atttachment. Does Jet make a 1" sander? And what about prices? TIA for the help.
 
Hey Dexter! Do I see another knifemaker in the works? :D
A 1x42 belt sander can be useful as long as the goal isn't grinding a lot of steel fast. My first two knives were made on Alan Folts' 1x42 belt grinder. I have an older 1x42 Craftsman grinder that has been resigned to establishing edges. It does a real good job in this regard. The current machines from Craftman are not as well built. I've looked at the Delta machine with the disk sander a number of times at woodworking stores and it seems to be a well built machine. The nice thing is you get two sanding tools in a small package.

So now, what's your plan?
 
That kit knife created a monster! Hey Dex, why mess around? Just dig in and buy that Variable Speed Bader BIII and you're all set. :)
 
Dex, save your money & buy something good. I have the Delta 1X30. Tried grinding a couple of neck knives yesterday. It is too fast. 1095 heated up as quick as Ti. Also, the platens are TINY.
The KMG-1 seems to be on everyone's "to get list", plus it is reputedly built like a rather nice tank.@$700-$1000
Coote grinders seem to come in at second,@$250-$450 and the Grizzly Knife makers grinder at third.$275-$350. Jet does make a multi tool that converts a bench top grinder to a 2" by umm 36" grinder with platen, contact wheel, and either a 6" or 8" disc. For about $150.
I've decided to use my 1X30 until I have a coniption fit and shell out the $700 for a Frink KMG-1.
You live in Winston, go mooch grinder time from Tim Britton, or Walter Brend.;) LOL
You thought collecting was addictive? Welcome to junky world!
You know, crackheads and knifemakers tend to get thumb blisters in the exact same place.:D
 
Howdy There Dexter....!
First advice RUN.....! Don't Do It.. we want ever get anymore of those good articles after you get a grinder, ya'll be hooked...! No, I agree with Andrew what are you wanting to do with the grinder. If you really want to make knives go for the full deal 2" x 72" belt grinder. It will be worth it in the long run. Wished I would have known you were looking just sold one a 2x72 this weekend. Good Luck ...!

Later "Possum":cool:
 
I can recommend Delta's 4X36 belt/6" disc sander. Costs about a hundred bucks. The belt speed is just about perfect for all around use from grinding blades to shaping handles. Belts are a breeze to change, flip a lever, slip the belt into place, flip the lever again.
It will do pretty much everything you need for a kit knife. And is a cheap way to get you started into stock removal if you ever decide to try it.
 
the 2x72 coote was my first real one! it and i still use it for handle shaping and sharpening. great machine, then i purchased the hardcore. it's a real caddy! smoooooth!
 
Fellas - thank you for your responses and recommendations. You makers have nothing to worry about :D I just would like to get a belt sander to help put together some knife kits! For my budget, I think the 1" Delta sander fits me good. It's priced right for me and Delta's a good name. Thanks again.
 
Hey Dex. If you will e-mail me and let me know if you want it, I have a Delta 1" machine I no longer use that you are welcome to. I'll bring it to the Fairground show if you like. Mark
 
Originally posted by mchazen
Hey Dex. If you will e-mail me and let me know if you want it, I have a Delta 1" machine I no longer use that you are welcome to. I'll bring it to the Fairground show if you like. Mark
Click to expand...

SWEET!! Mail sent...thanx Mark :)
 
If you cannot afford even the bottom of the line 2x72" (Grizzly or something), you should consider getting a 4x36 like Matt Shade suggested. Even if you have that 1x30 or 1x42, it will be nearly impossible to flatten tangs on the little platen and narrow belt. I'm starting to like tapering tangs, and it would be nearly impossible to do it on a 1x42. I'll bet you can flatten tangs and doing tang tapering real easy on a 4x36. I should consider getting one as well, even though I already have a 2x72".
 
If you can afford it I would totally recommend getting a grizzly 2x72. It is cheap and the one I have works great!!! It is the best piece of shop equipment I have ever had.

Chuck
 
Matt: As far as I know, Grizzly only makes one 2x72" grinder, the model G1015. I have one and it works great.
 
I may look into getting one of those eventually. I live in a townhouse (condo) now and only have the back porch to use as a work area. My wife might not like a big grinder in the house...

--Matt
 
Matt, when I ordered the machine, I didn't think it was big, but this machine is pretty big. It's about 3-1/2" feet tall, and about 2-1/2" feet across. It weighs more than 100 pounds, and when grinding metal, your neighbors might complain about the noise if they are really close.
 
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