grinder/belt sander

[bjr]

Gentlemen- I'm pretty small time as far as knifemaking goes, but I'm still working my way through my first folder. I have done everything by hand so far, but I'm in the market for some power now. Does anyone have or know of a good quality grinder that has both a disk grinder and a belt rig? Can a 2 disk bench top model be modified? Do they sell a kit to mod this set up? Thanks for your help.

 

[Whoever Wherever]

Sears and Home Deopt both sell combination sanders with belts and discs. They do OK for flat grinds and maybe convex. For hollow grinding and eventually anyways you will want a belt "grinder" probably in 2x72. Check into Coote and KMG. I just got a coote with step pulleys and love it. The sanders you speak of lack a contact wheel to grind against and will eat belts faster. They will get you started and work great for handle materials though. A dual disc sander and a belt grinder would be a great setup (gona add the coote disc sander to mine soon).

 

[mrd74]

If you're planning on doing hollow grinds you'll need a grinder with a contact wheel $$$. If it's just flat or convex grinding on a small scale then a 1x30 belt grinder with the disc sander on the side from Delta should fill a beginners needs for about $60.00.

 

[cddc]

i bought my first grinder from sears, it was a 2" x 42" it worked great a starter set up. it worked quite, however i needed to modify it a bit and add a flat platten out of stainless.

i recently upgraded to a KMG with a variable speed 110 motor, rarely do i feel i got more than i paid for but this thing is awesome, i recommend it highly!!