how to get into round spaces with a belt sander

[zaco519]

I am making a knife from heat treated HSS ( oh btw how hot do you have to get it for it to loose hardness)
and tried using a dremmel attachment to sand a round part of the handle but it taking forever
I have a 2X42 belt sander and a bench grinder
do you think if you put a round tube behind the belt you can sand round parts

any suggesting

 

[Hesparus]

I use the corner of my grinder platen to rough out a curve, but I use a sanding drum on my dremel or drill press to finish it.
Basically, as long as your steel is not changing color due to heat, you're fine. Keep a container of water next to your grinder and dunk often.

- Chris

 

[Brian Avila]

I use the corner of my grinder platen to rough out a curve, but I use a sanding drum on my dremel or drill press to finish it.
Basically, as long as your steel is not changing color due to heat, you're fine. Keep a container of water next to your grinder and dunk often.

- Chris

I use a dremel, a sanding drum that is 3/4" diameter in the drill press, and the edge of my platen.

As far as how hot it is getting, I grind without any gloves so I can feel the steel in my hands. If it is hot and warm it is to hot and you just have to dunk it to cool it off more often.

Now that has been said I think you should start off with a different steel for a knife other than the already heat treated HSS. Try a file or get a piece from Aldo and try some better methods. Take your time and when you get to the heat treating part, send it out, ask for help, or create some way of doing it appropriately. I think you will be happier with the results and it will be an easier process, which will lead to better knives and more fun for you.

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