For those in the know.

[gga357]

Thinking about getting a sander for hobby knife sharpening and such. Please comment on which is the better or more useful platform. The combo 1"x 42" with disk or the vertical. Does having the shorter vertical section on the combo hamper it's usefulness?

 

[230grains]

I don't need the combo, i'd go for a 1x42 vertical grinder, variable speed would be awesome but it usually costs quite a bit more $.

Right now I just have a 1x30, but i'm upgrading soon.

 

[gga357]

So what are the advatages of the vertical over the combo?

 

[230grains]

I don't see any advantages really, i'm coming from the point of view that I don't specifically need the combo sander. I just prefer a 1x42 sander. If you need the combo, get the combo, it could come in handy.

 

[resinguy]

Based on using my HF 1x30, I think that the longer vertical space will be better for convexing a blade.

 

[gga357]

That is what I was a little worried about, convexing an edge. I would appreciate comments from anyone who has done that on a similar machine with a shorter "slack" area.

I would use it on a standard machette (24") down to a 3" blade for sharpening. Maybe strip a BWM on a month or 2 (satin and convex).

 

[230grains]

I just take the platen off my 1x30 and it's enough room to convex pretty much any edge. The 1x42 would still be nice though. I just prefer variable speed to be honest.

 

[gga357]

What about 2"x42" vs 1"x42" belts?