Grinder question.

A

aarya

Joined
Jun 21, 2006
Messages
514
Howdy all, and merry christmas too!

Now, that i`ve done away with all the pleasantries, it`s time to put my foot in my mouth :foot: , and ask a question i`ve been pondering on for quite a while.

Why does it seem that a standardized grinder-size is 2" x 72" or thereabouts?
I got a small grinder as a present this christmas, (a combo bench-grinder/belt-grinder thingy) and the belt on it is 3" x 30", and i`ve tried looking around online for a supplier for some belts. But alot of places that has the "standardized" size. What is with that?
Is there something that makes the 2" by 72" grinder and belt size better than a 3" by 30" belt size?

And what is it with all the different sizes of belts? I mean.. C'mon!! :foot:

(I`m asking, cause i`ve been toying with the idea of assembling my own grinder, but now that i`ve got one, i`d need some more incentive other than my grinder being a non-standard size. IE. A bigger size not being prone to binding, the belt lasting longer, belts easier to come by, etc. I hope i can get some help!)

Thanks for the time guys, and before i forget, Happy new year to all!
 
I don't know why the 2" X 72" happened in the first place, but there are more different types of that belt available here in the States. They also last longer as they are longer. Never heard of a 3" wide belt, but what do I know? 2" X 48" is pretty common here also. Cheaper but don't last as long and not as many different belts as 2" x 72". Get Tracy Mickleys plans fpr the 2" x 72" and build one. That's next on my list.
 
No idea why 2" x 72" became the standard "knifemaking" belt. I suppose if the belt was too wide, it would make grinding some designs a bit more difficult as the excess width of the belt might be cutting into the blank in which you don't want it to do so. I have never personally heard of 3" x 30".

I would sell that machine off (if possible) and buy one in the 2" x 72" size or build one if you're mechanically capable :)

belts that are made for metal would be zirconia or silicon carbide. Aluminum oxide will work as well, but not for long as it's mainly meant for wood. tons and tons of places to get 2 x 72" belts including www.trugrit.com or pops knifemaking supplies, etc, midwest knifemakers supplies. Just google those words.

econabrasives can make you 3" x 30" belts....but they are probably gonna cost ya as they aren't standard. Or maybe they'll be cheap!

Good luck
 
Having more commercially available belt sizes is a great help. As far as a 2x72 grinder is concerned, there are alot of belts available for them, and with it being a "standard" size, belts are usually a little bit cheaper. Another factor is that alot of 2x72 grinders have considerably more power than off the shelf grinder setups. 1/2 horse compared to 1 1/2 horse is a real noticable difference.That comes into play with hogging out rough grinds and also can help with finish grinds and polishing. I for one would definatly suggest that you make a 2x72, if for nothing more than experience and the pride of creating stuff with a tool you made.
 
Contact John Williams at klingspor, www.klingspor.com , or call him at 1-800-645-5555. He will be able to sell you any size, belt type, or grit you want. It may take two days to make up the order if they are backed up (They are FAST). It's OK if you mention my name, He might still deal with you anyway.

Now as to that machine you have.
Those combo units aren't powered to take metal grinding use. They will stall,overheat, and not last very long. Go light while grinding and it will last long enough for you to bank the $$$ for a KMG or Bader.

2X72 became the standard size due to the industrial use of it on commercial machines. It was long enough to avoid heat build up, wide enough to hold up against breakage, and the distance from drive/idler/contact wheel to was short enough to avoid wasted space in the shop. It is the shortest length that allows contact wheels from 1" to 16" as interchangeable units.
Stacy
 
Since I have changed from a non-standard size the cost of knife making has decreased greatly, time required to grind has decreased and quality has increased. The selection of grits available for the 2 x 72 is fantastic. There are alot of people supporting the 2 x 72 market. Great question I learned alot from the responces.
 
I got a 2"x42" with a 6" disc for christmas. I might have to order the belts from craftsman, but today I fired it up with the 1"x42" belts the Depot had and it works great. I make small folders, I doubt the belt life will be as much of a factor as the guys making bigger blades. I think the issue is the width. 2" seems perfect for bevel grinding because that's about all I can worry about at one time. When you really get into it, that metal starts disappearing awful fast.
 
Not sure why you would want to build a 3" wide belt grinder, but go ahead your contact wheels if you could find someone to make them would cost about 4 to 500 a pop that would be for the smaller ones. Lots of folks get started with a 1x30/2x42 and do fine until its time to upgrade to a 2x72 which is the industry standard "that is whats up with that".

Some designs I have made require or it makes it easier by using 1x72 belts once again the popular 2x72 combined with a belt splitter save the day. Grinding bevels on a 3" wide belt would suck you would always be working on the edge to avoid messing up your forward area of the grind.

If you decide to build your own grinder in a odd size like 3"x whatever be prepared to spend god knows how much.

Lots of interesting designs for grinders out there for the mechanically inclined, good luck

Spencer
 
bjr give this a try for 2x42 belts They run 1.25 each unless you order more than ten. Grits run from 80-400 AO
B. Snyder Abrasives http://barbkat.com/ or email(barbkat62@yahoo.com) she is real easy to deal with and orders are quick
 
bjr ...you can also get belts from tru-grit in Ca. That little sears grinder a work horse I ran mine for 2 years before I got my KMG. First thing though,get a ceramic platen linerand put on it,then make sure the platen is flat with the belt.
 
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