first grinder recommendation

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Billbo66

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Nov 19, 2008
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I have noticed that the Harbor Freight 1x30" grinder is a popular first step. Is there a reason to avoid a 4" grinder? I found one used that is affordable, and it seems like that might have more potential for a few woodworking projects as well. Will keeping the belt at 1" make smaller blades easier to sharpen, or is it the availability of the belts and grits? Thanks.
 
Billbo66 said:
Will keeping the belt at 1" make smaller blades easier to sharpen, or is it the availability of the belts and grits? Thanks.
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A little of both. I started out with a 4x36 and bought a 2x48 when it burned out. I wish I had started with the 2" because it's just easier to work with. And there are more/better belts available.

If you have the budget, it would probably be better to go ahead and get a 2x72 like the pros use. Just the fact that the belts last longer will be worth it over time. Plus there's a bewildering array of belt choices in that size.

If you can, save up and get a variable-speed grinder. The small hobby ones like mine run mighty fast and that's not good for finishing grits and working on handle materials.
 
Craftsman 2x48 is $130 and looks much better than the 1x30. It's what I'm thinking about getting as I don't have several hundred for a grinder either. I was using a 3x21 belt sander mounted horizontal in a vise and I made a few knives that way but, I wouldn't recommend it. I would think 4" would be too wide for most blades.
 
Is the disk sander that is integrated into the cheaper models a good option, or is it a useless add-on? And thanks for the advise, guys.
 
The disk sander on my 2x48 runs more true than the one on my 4x36 did. It certainly doesn't hurt anything to have it there. Just buy a small machinist's square to make sure the table is set right and it's helpful for flattening/squaring things up. Later down the road you can upgrade to a nice disk sander. (that's my plan)
 
I use a Craftsman 2 x 42. It work okay for a first grinder, and I use the disc sander on the other side for my handles.
 
I have the Craftsman 2 x 42, and I'm just learning and it looks to me that good belts is the key....as everyone says, it's pretty fast but you just have to learn how to work with that.
Also, I talked with a knifemaker just yesterday who sells a lot of nice knives and it's all he uses...he actually has two of them and has them set up a bit differently.
 
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