Economy Convex Maintenance

[steelnut]

Here is the link:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2485

If it doesn't work go there and search "belt" and go a couple pages in...

 

[Lil' Foo]

Here is the link:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2485

If it doesn't work go there and search "belt" and go a couple pages in...

Thanks!!! My search was for belt grinder... so I guess grinder threw the search off.

 

[WhitleyStu]

thanks!

Have you done any large blades, or just the GW? How long would a typical belt last --- would you go through many belts polishing the edge of a FBM?

I took an 18" machete with a 30° bevel to a convex edge and the belt hardly show any wear. I guess it also depends on how hard you "hog off" the material. I go fairly slow so as to not build up heat and I am sure it saves the best life too. I have not been using this setup long enough to say how many touch ups you can do on your FBM before needing a new belt, but I would guess at least 20 or more. There are some nice belt grinders that are just a little bigger than the one I use http://www.grizzly.com/products/G1013 . These might be better for more agressive stock removal.

 

[on_the_edge]

For anyone that knows, is that $30 Harbor Freight sander just a waste of money? Is it worth it to spend 5 times the price for the Grizzly? I'm just a hobbyist. I don't sharpen things for a living, don't make knives, etc. etc. I am all for saving $, but not for throwing it away. Anyone?

 

[Ironballs]

I have the same setup, but use mine standing up.. do you find a difference laying her down?

 

[thombrogan]

Keep one set up for sharpening and the other for stropping.

Sometimes the leather belt can get stretched out if left under constant tension.

For anyone that knows, is that $30 Harbor Freight sander just a waste of money?

If you're just sharpening knives; for fun or profit; it'll get the job done, done right, and done fast. My preferred method (coarse diamond benchstones and fine grit waterstones) is slower and way more expensive.

If you just want sharp, go with the HF belt sander. If you just want spooky sharp, go with the HF belt sander and the progression of aluminum oxide belts and the leather belt and compound from Lee Valley. If you want spooky sharp without needing safety glasses and a dust mask or spooky sharp at 11PM without waking your family, I'll see at waterstone alley.