disk sander?

Barry Clodfelter

Barry Clodfelter

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
May 29, 2007
Messages
579
It seems like the belt grinder is the glamor tool and gets the most discussion of all the shop tools. But I have noticed in a lot of shop pics there is usually a disk sander sitting proudly on a workbench, be it a small 6" or a larger one. What do you use your disk sander for in making a knife? I have 2 tools that both have a disk on the side but in my very limited knowledge of making a knife I don't see a step where using a disk sander would be the better tool to use.
 
yes its true, most makers have a disk grinder. you can do most everything on a disk sander but its harder to do radius areas like on handles. what most people use there disk grinder for is to do handle work. it makes a very nice flat grinds which is a must when fitting scales to the tang. also some makers use it to grind there edge bevels, I know Richard J does his edge bevels on a disk grinder. Thy are very handy and yes thy have there limitations but at some things thy really shine and cant be beat. I have One, its home made and around 2.5HP :D
 
I have a homemade with 1/2 thick steel discs. No vibration and I use it for everything. Flatening steel and handle slabs. Flat grinding. I taper tangs then finish it up to get a true flat. Belts grinding is never flat go to the disc to flatten everything. Guard fronts. Just unlimited. if you get one you will use it for everything. Mike
 
Cool! Never thought about using one to get a dead flat surface or doing a flat grind. Now I can't wait to get back to the shop and play with my disk grinder a little while.

Jarod, did you get the email I send you a week or two ago?
 
madness522, i do about 95% of my grinding on a disk sander and finish cleaning up on a belt sander. today my buddy art summers who lives in concord is stopping by to learn how i grind on a disk sander. maybe you can pay him a visit sometime and pick up a few pointers. i use a 9" disk which allow me to grind larger blades easier.
 
Good thread. I've had the same question about disc grinders. Any advice on size, brands, rpm, etc.?
 
Yep, the disk grinder is another one of those "Goto" tools. While you may not know exactly what you use it for. You'll find that you constantly "Goto" it. It's one of those tools that you may not really appreciate until you have to do without it.

...then one morning, you'll be standing in the middle of the shop floor scratching your head and wondering how you going to get along without it until UPS delivers an order of more sandpaper that afternnoon.

-Rob
 
If you put a reverse switch on your disc grinder you can grind edge up on both sides for a full flat grind. Works really well.
 
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