Hobby Sander???

gga357

gga357

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2007
Messages
2,338
I have read some of the threads here and have an additional question that requires pictures so here it is.

Looking at the combo sander vs the vertical sander. The combo saves on already limited bench space but is the platen/slack area too short for convexing? I sharpen machetes to small knives and would also like to make some kit knives.

Thanks,
Greg

attachment.php


attachment.php
 
Last edited:
Not stuck on brands (realize from previous thread that the Delta is no longer made) but the question is about the 2 basic designs. Also any advice about 1x42 vs 2x42 vs ..... 1x60 vs.... 2x72.

Thanks,
Greg
 
For hobby sharpening a 1X30 or 1X42 is fine, IMO you don't need the 2X72 unless you're going to be grinding out blades. The longer belts last longer before you need to change to a new belt, I would suggest the 1X42 for just sharpening and the occasional grinding(there are a wide range of 1X42 belts).

I sharpen on a 1X30 similar to the Delta and it works fine for hatchets and 10" kitchen knives, if you take off the platen you would get more convexing space.
 
Thanks Rodger, just wanted to make sure I did not over limit myself in an attemt to save bench space. The disk sander would be handy to have for wood work also.
 
I just ordered the Kalamazoo 1SM you have pictured. For me it was the belt speed that brought me to that. I've read that a 3400 RPM can ruin a blade quickly and there's a really big learning curve. Lot's of guys use them with success but there are also a lot of guys with rounded tip knives now. Plus from what I gather from all the machine guys I've spoken to... Kalamazoo is top notch gear, and delta ain't really delta anymore. It took me a long time to settle on the Kal 1SM but from all the reading and ressearch I've done... it's the one to get for putting an edge on blades. Now, if you're wanting to step up to removing metal from bar stock and making knives from scratch you're gonna want one of the bog boys. Also I've read 1" belts are ideal for sharpening as they have some sway to them and you can do recurves and such. You couldn't do that as easy with a 2" 3" or wider belt. The wider the belt the harder it is to do various edge shapes.
 
Infi-del said:
I just ordered the Kalamazoo 1SM you have pictured. For me it was the belt speed that brought me to that. I've read that a 3400 RPM can ruin a blade quickly and there's a really big learning curve. Lot's of guys use them with success but there are also a lot of guys with rounded tip knives now. Plus from what I gather from all the machine guys I've spoken to... Kalamazoo is top notch gear, and delta ain't really delta anymore. It took me a long time to settle on the Kal 1SM but from all the reading and ressearch I've done... it's the one to get for putting an edge on blades. Now, if you're wanting to step up to removing metal from bar stock and making knives from scratch you're gonna want one of the bog boys. Also I've read 1" belts are ideal for sharpening as they have some sway to them and you can do recurves and such. You couldn't do that as easy with a 2" 3" or wider belt. The wider the belt the harder it is to do various edge shapes.
Click to expand...
My belt sander runs at 3000RPM and I've never burnt or overhead or rounded any of my tips(well I've burnt metal that I was shaping, but that was from 6+seconds of pushing the metal into the belt hard and keeping it in the same spot), I've actually put the tips back on the knife from too much sharpening on crocksticks.
 
Roger999 said:
My belt sander runs at 3000RPM and I've never burnt or overhead or rounded any of my tips(well I've burnt metal that I was shaping, but that was from 6+seconds of pushing the metal into the belt hard and keeping it in the same spot), I've actually put the tips back on the knife from too much sharpening on crocksticks.
Click to expand...


Like I said, some guys have used them well, some have rounded tips LOL. I wanted the slower speed for more control and slower heat build up.
 
Thanks guys. I like this forum for all the great info and advice.
 
I bought a 2x42 craftsman for $100 online to use as a backup.Im finding now it's my go to grinder even flat grinding blades.For the money,i dont think it can be beat.
 
Just got mine yesterday. It's wonderful. Nice slow speed, lot's of control. And it's more quiet while running than I thought it would be which is nice. I only have an 80 grit belt right now so I've been rough profiling some machetes and old beat up axe heads for practice. But even that grit puts a wonderful toothie working edge. And it creates a nice coarse satin finish.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top