Grinder, what do you think about this???

If you can swing the extra $20, I'd go with the Craftsman from Sears on sale for $119, easier to find belts, 2X42. Just my opinion, I have no experience with the Grizzly but I've had my Craftsman for a year and still use it even though I have a KMG too.
 
That might be a decent grinder, however, I don't think it would work very well for knives. The belt doesn't go all the way to the platen's edge. The motor is only 1/3 hp so it will heat up quickly. And you won't be able to hollow grind on it. But I don't have any experience with that exact grinder.
 
For $20 more DEFINATELY go with the 2x42 Craftsman. For what shipping costs there is the Craftsman! Plus you will have access to a larger assortment of belts.
 
those grinders were discontinued a long time ago weren't they?

You'll see one on the bay every once in awhile.
 
psycho78 said:
those grinders were discontinued a long time ago weren't they?

You'll see one on the bay every once in awhile.
Click to expand...

No. Just keep checking they do go on sale if you do not want to spend the $140. Still well worth it for an entry grinder.
 
haha just bought one!

Went to the sears site and bam. When i was looking for one about 2 years ago, they had been discontinued.

It's on its way now. Cant wait to play with it!
 
I agree about the craftsman 2X42. I got lucky right before Christmas and picked mine up for $99.00 on sale.
So far, it has been a great first sander.
Make sure you check out Barbkat on ebay for belts. I've dealt with her several times and it has always been a pleasure as well as a great price.
http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZbarbkat Best of luck on your decision.
Congrats Psycho, I think you'll like it. :)
 
You might be better off using hand files until you can afford something better like a coote($450-500) or a KMG. There is a huge difference in how the cheap belt sanders grind, and how 2x72 grinders grind.
 
I'm new to making as well. I have the craftsman. I'd get a 2" wide ceramic platen liner and JB weld it to the factory one. That way you can track the belt off to one side or another. Check the factory platen too, as mine was nowhere near flat when I got it. I've been able to do some decent flat/slack grinding on mine.
 
For your money, the best bang for the buck out there is the Grizzly 2 x 72. I'd save up a little longer so you can afford one.
 
I'd get a 1x42 until I could afford a coote.

Not I find anything inherently wrong with the 2x42, but a 1x42 is going to be useful after you get a coot or kmg......
 
For what it is worth, I bought my first grinder a month ago. 4X36 with a 6 inch wheel for $100. It will work for the first project I had in mind, but I can see why most recomend a narrower and longer belt! It's all about learning, right?
P.S. (bigger motor would be cool too!)
 
Well, this is the most recomended of the small sanders. I've never used this one, but a lot of guys have started on it and then moved on to a 2x72". I'd go with good sharp files and save up for a Coote.

One of the big problems you encounter with smaller sanders is the cost of belts. Cheap belts for 2x72" run under 2 bucks and even decent belts are 4-6 dollars. If you buy belts in town for the smaller sanders, they'll run you 6 or more for short lasting AO belts. The "good" belts for the small sanders cost just as much as the 2x72's and they don't last as long.

A file should easily last through your whole knife and if you buy decent files from a reputable outfit, you might even be able to get the replaced when they wear out.
 
I'm just dreading the idea of filing away on W2!!! The railroad spike was not the most funnest thing to file on and I doubt W2 will be any more entertaining.

I'm just really not sure what route to take. Do you think I could get away with filing on W2??
I'll try it out and see how it goes!
Any advice?

Thanks,
 
If the steel is annealed, it shouldn't matter what it is. The cut of the file and the way you're filing might be the issue if you're having a lot of trouble with the knife. The size of the blade could also be a concern. It's not going to be easy to file out a bowie knife, but a cheap grinder isn't going to be fast at something that size either.

Are you using a single-cut bastard and draw filing? A double-cut file will work, but it won't be nearly as aggressive. On soft steel, you should be able stock remove faster than a sander.
 
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