Intro grinder questions

Z

z537z

Joined
Apr 14, 2004
Messages
336
I want a less than 200$ grinder that will handle A2 steel.

I've seen references to belt sanders being used as grinders...how well does this work out?

I've looked at a few things, but need to narrow it down:

option 1: 4" sander
option 2: grinder with belt on one side
option 3: 1" sander with or without disc
option 4: 2" sander with or without disc

Any thoughts? I've been looking at Kalamazoo... Quality worth the price?

Thanks for any help!
Keep in mind I want to use this for mostly non-knife endeavors...ie sanding wood time to time, and automotive work, misc. metal work.

_z
 
I did a lot of work on a 4x36 belt grinder before I got my kmg. Frankly, with patience any of those will work, I would probably shy away from 1" belts, but some people will tell you that they have made plenty of knives with them. The general consensus that you will probably get here on this forum is to save your money and get a KMG. unless you are testing out this hobby and are not sure if you want to do the knife thing long term, you will save yourself headaches and money in the long run. We know it is expensive, but belts are easier to find and cheaper, and you will probably get one sooner or later. We all went through the same thing, buy cheap now, and then buy the kmg or something similar anyways.

just submitted this thing, and read the last line of your post, :footinmou so I feel like an idiot. For non knife endeavors, any of those should work. Next time I will read a bit more thouroughly.
 
No problem.

I am really liking the Kalamazoo option, I can get one for not TOO much money. I'll be looking around, and figure out what I need soon. Depends on how much I want to spend, pretty much.

_z
 
i just got this Grizzly yesterday, it's pretty fun. If you upgrade in the future it's always great for handles and intricate work. If you can get something better then go for it ;)
 
My very first belt grinder was a 2 x 42 craftsman that I got at Sears. Belt selection is limited but it worked.
 
:( I have the 4" sander made by delta :( and you work your self to death trying to get a good flat gind on it, the platform that the belt runs on is not flat and you cant see what your doing. I'm fixing to invest in a 2 belt grinder just not sure which one yet. I make knives for a hobby and i cant afford custom knives so I learned to make them on my own so dont want to spend a whole lot for one. I would love to have a KMG but cant see investing that kind of money for maybe 1 knife a month.
 
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