good belt sanders

T

ThirdTooth

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Mar 21, 2012
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I'm sure this is asked all the time, but what would I look for in a good belt sander? what should I expect to spend? Do i need one that has a clamp system? and what do I need to know for putting a good grind on a knife. and what about the belts themselves? where do I get good belts?

thanks!
 
There are lots of threads on the subject, as OzarkMatt points out, the search can be very helpful.
A short answer is most people recommend the KMG belt grinders as a worthy investment that won't hold you back and keep their resale value if you decide knifemaking isn't for you. They run around $900-1500+ depending on options and motors etc.
http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/ for more info on those.

Also I just noticed you're a Canadian as well. Rob @ Knifemaker.ca (Sundre, AB) sells BEE Industrial 2x72 grinders. I use one and MS Wally Hayes uses one as well, they're well made machines. The only downside I've found is most addons people make are for the Baders and KMGs. But they're worth a look for sure.
 
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You need to do some reaserch. I would recommend going to google and searching "best belt grinder site:bladeforums.com", "best belts site:bladeforums.com", and "better grinds site:bladeforums.com"

As far as price goes, the most recommended grinder is about 1500 all told, but you can go from 150 to 3500.
 
Check out the TW90 by Travis Wuertz. They are $3400. but you get two machines in one. Swings 90 Degrees so you have a horizontal grinder as well. Includes 8" wheel, 2" wheel and 1/2" wheel on a quick change. Flat platen as well. He is a knifemaker and engineer, so he thought this out very well. Exceptional construction. He demonstrates it on you tube. If you can afford it, it's worth it.
 
People start out on the Craftsman 2x42 machine, and on the Grizzly and Coote 2x72 machines. These are all two wheel designs and single speed, or 3 speed pulley as in the Coote. Prices range from $150ish to $550ish. The least desirable group of grinders, but adequate if you need something to get started with on the cheap. Very nice knives can be made with them.

The next step up is building a grinder, such as a KMG clone (free plans available) a G.I.B. (parts kit for frame available by mail) or one of the Pheer grinders (complete low price variable grinders, some assembly required.) Prices will range from $400-plus-scrounged-parts-and-steel, to $1000. This is arguably the best value group- the Pheers work well and have good features, and a build-your-own grinder can come out great with some time and care. There are many people out there that have finished great machines out of the GIB kit and are quite happy with them.

Above that, is a solid and venerable body of grinders such as the KMG, the Bader BIII, the Square Wheel (older ones, new ones not so much) and the Burr King 972. These are the workhorses of the custom knife industry. Prices will range from 1100-ish to 2800-ish. These grinders have proven themselves and world class knives have been built on them for many years, and continue to be every day. As a dedicated pro or serious amateur, you will eventually own at least one grinder of this class, and probably more.

Above that you get some newer and more versatile designs that have built upon the concepts of the earlier industry standard grinders. These include the TW90, and the Wilmont TAG-whatever. Prices will exceed $2900. If you have a fat wallet, and want the cutting edge of what's out there- these machines get rave reviews from owners and those who have used them generally seem to end up needing one. For a one-grinder shop with a high equipment budget, these are the most versatile and smoothest machines available.

Have you seen my guide to grinders? There is a lot more about them there, as well as lots of stuff about grinding and belts in general.

https://www.prometheanknives.com/shop-techniques-3/grinders

I'll conclude by recommending Trugrit.com for variety of grinding belts, and pop's knife supply (also online) for best prices on grinding belts. I think the most well rounded full-spectrum knife supplier online may be USAKnifemaker.com, good service and decent prices on most stuff.
 
My favorite is the Burr King 2 x 72 variable speed with the knife makers attachment as an accessory.

Variable speed becoms a necessity once you have worked on one.

I talked to the representatives from Burr King at Blade Show, they explained what for and why while explaining their design. I was amazed at how much I did not know, even though I have used a Burr King for over 25 years.
 
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