HF 1x30 bummer

[Damatinc]

Started using a HF 1x30 today with a piece of 1095. I cut the piece to the size i wanted and since I used a cheap hacksaw I was hoping to try out the sander to clean up the cut. It kept making a slapping noise as I tried to work with it. I was hoping to use it to shape the metal edges of cuts I make with hacksaws for now as I'm a complete beginner.I wish I went with a grinder instead.

 

[Bill Siegle]

If you were using Harbor Freight belts, they will do that. You need to source out better quality belts and you'll get way better results. Try some of the knifemaker supply places. Look for ceramic belts for metal removal.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Ceramic belts are wasted on a 1X30. The small motors not have the power to use them right. Get AO or blue Zirc belts for a 1X30.

 

[Damatinc]

I will look into those.

 

[Salolan]

I have had decent results with the Diablo brand red zirc belts from Home Depot. They come in a variety pack with 1 each 50, 80 and 120 grit.

Chris

 

[viral]

Started using a HF 1x30 today with a piece of 1095. I cut the piece to the size i wanted and since I used a cheap hacksaw I was hoping to try out the sander to clean up the cut. It kept making a slapping noise as I tried to work with it. I was hoping to use it to shape the metal edges of cuts I make with hacksaws for now as I'm a complete beginner.I wish I went with a grinder instead.

I always use the blue ones from harbor freight. The aluminum zirc belts don't fit my machine right and flap around, the blue ones are always tight.

 

[JPA88]

Blue belts from HF are mostly what I use as well. 40 grit are used for pretty much all shaping and grinding. They actually have a pretty good life on annealed steel. If a belt is a too tight or loose you can adjust the rear pully, you will see a bolt back there to release it. Move it where you want and re-tighten. Good luck.

 

[saltyveins]

I always use the blue ones from harbor freight. The aluminum zirc belts don't fit my machine right and flap around, the blue ones are always tight.

Blue belts from HF are mostly what I use as well. 40 grit are used for pretty much all shaping and grinding. They actually have a pretty good life on annealed steel. If a belt is a too tight or loose you can adjust the rear pully, you will see a bolt back there to release it. Move it where you want and re-tighten. Good luck.

Yep, the AO HF 1x30 are kind of OK for handle shaping but that is about it. Terrible on metal. The zircs from HF are pretty decent on profiling and hogging.

You can get decent belts from supergrit, Pops, trugrit are generally the go to for 1x30s.

 

[Renorattler]

Ceramic belts are wasted on a 1X30. The small motors not have the power to use them right. Get AO or blue Zirc belts for a 1X30.

Is it the speed? I was going to pick some up from supergrit, waste of time? I havent used the 1x30 for a blade yet, was planning on using a combination of filing and the grinder for my bevels. Stick with zircs?