"Entry-level" grinder?

[defaultuser]

Hi all,

First things first, let me thank everyone here for all the great expert information provided here; this area of bladeforums is a gold mine!!!

I found a little belt sander today; they market it as a "Power Sharpener"; I'd like to get your input: could this be a good "entry-level" knife making belt sander?

In the demo movies, they say it runs at approx 1300/1400 RPM, which seems to be a good "slow" speed, right?...Also, what about the motion of the belt that "turns away from the operator"...? Is that desirable?

Thanks all!

 

[Keith_H]

I dont think that it would be well suited to removing metal, look for something with at least 1 hp, try the coote, grizzly and craftsman, higher up look at the kmg, the bader, bee, dozier, burrking and the wilton. It would sharpen well with a 700 grit belt, but look for something a bit beefier.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

I'll second that.

1/4 HP may be fine for sharpening, but it isn't going to work for metal removal. Most consider 1 HP a minimum and prefer 2 HP.

 

[Fred.Rowe]

The Pro-Cut is a good entry level machine, with a one horse motor, or more.
It was my first machine using a one horse variable speed. It has been in use since 1999.

Good luck, Fred.