Craftsman 2X42 Leather Belt Problem

[C.I.TR3]

I am really trying to figure out this knife sharpening thing. Read a lot of posts but cannot seem to get a really sharp edge. I thought I would give my 2X42 belt sander a try so I picked up a leather belt from trugrit and some white compound. When I put the belt on, the whole machine vibrates like crazy. I have done all the usual mods to it including cutting the guard away so the belts clear. I know the Craftsman is too fast, but I have read of others using the machine for this purpose. Any advice?

Also, another rookie question, how much compound do you put on the belt and do you typically use the rough or smooth side.

Thanks!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Frankly, a leather belt on a 2X42 will be a very bad choice. The machine runs too fast, and there is no way to get the just right tension needed for a leather belt. What it will do on a 2X42 is ruin the edge in about 500 milliseconds. Don't try and run one fast or bad things will happen.

Leather stropping belts on grinders are only for VS grinders that run dead slow. 1-3FPS is about what you want. All leather belts must be very lightly tensioned, and will wobble to some degree. They are of some use to people who sharpen lots of knives in batches, but are not an entry level tool.

Frankly, mine hangs on the wall almost all the time. I took a good size piece off my left palm using one about ten years ago.....and it was running pretty slow, but still too fast.

 

[C.I.TR3]

OK, Thanks Stacy. I will go back to the drawing board and do some more reading. I appreciate the help.