Inexpensive Grinder For Flattening Barstock, Etc.

[redsquid2]

Sometimes my barstock gets bent as a result of clamping or whatever, while I am making my blades. So I am looking for a belt sander/grinder that is suitable for sanding it flat, as well as flattening wood, bone, or buffalo horn. I am aware of the Craftsman 4X36 belt/disk jobber, and also the similar item at Harbor Freight. I just don't if those are precise enough. I am afraid to use my 2X42 it spins so fast, and the platen is only like 6 or 8 inches long.

Just an idea: This Porter Cable in the picture below. What do you think?

Model #PCB420SA. I think Lowe's is asking $180. I recall it has a FPM speed of 2200 or thereabouts, but cannot find that information right now. Here is a blurb from a retailer's Web page:


"PORTER-CABLE 5-amp benchtop sander comes with a miter gauge, 4-in x 36-in sanding belt, 8-in sanding disc and dust bag
Induction ball-bearing 3/4-HP motor provides power for small or large sanding operations on various materials
Separate aluminum work tables for the sanding disc and belt provide a flat surface for accurate operation and both tilt to 45�
Easy-to-use belt tension control lever provides fast belt changes
Single-knob belt tracking adjustments maintain proper alignment
Cast-iron base reduces vibration and helps keep the sander stable during use
Dust collection system with bag and adjustable port keeps your work area clean
Sanding belt tilts up to 90� vertical, and the unsupported underside allows for sanding of curved work pieces
3-year warranty gives you peace of mind."

Also, I don't have $1700+ lying around for a Pheer or other decent 2X72.

Thank you for your feedback.

--Andy/redsquid2

 

[Frank Niro]

None of those will do a good job but will start to get you there. Using a plate plate of glass , granite or so on with sandpaper taped on will work but it goes slow there too. A surface grinder is the real answer. A milling machine with a fly cutter can also work well.
Frank

 

[Busto]

These belt sanders are ok for handle materials (the cheap harbor freight would save save you money)but the down side is they fall short on their ability to flatten steel blanks.
Frank is right on the surface grinder or milling machine both pricey. You can purchase precision ground steel that will eliminate some of the surface flattening issues.

 

[redsquid2]

Thanks for the feedback. I can get my blanks fairly straight by putting them in the vise and bending them back, but they still have odd little bends in them. I guess I am just concerned about handle scales staying put on the tangs, and the best thing for that is some kind of chainring/corby or whatever kind of bolt.

OTOH, there might be a "maker space" in Chicago with one of the machines you guys are mentioning.

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

I'd consider the makers space! I bet they have a surface grinder...

You might be able to do just as good on your current grinder but you mentioned the platen is small... something like the grinder you posted will be a good start. For fixed blades this will do the trick alone I bet. (but maybe better to save up for something better) If you really need it flat then use a granite surface plate (30$ range) with sandpaper. You can use double sided carpet tape to attach the knife to a block and really use a lot of pressure this way.

 

[sjstill]

I was looking at those Porter Cable sanders and did quite a bit of research. They're not made by P-C, and trying to get anything fixed under warranty is a nightmare. YMMV, of course.

 

[Josh Rider]

Building a disc grinder will be less than a 2x72. A disc will get things flat. Then you could finish up on a granite plate to make it dead flat.

 

[redsquid2]

I really like the idea of the double-sided carpet tape. I might try that for making a tapered tang also.

 

[Jesse Smith]

I bought a 9" disk and built a horizontal disk grinder. It works well for flattening if you don't have a ton to take off. You just adjust where you put pressure to control where you want to thin out.