Is this a decent belt grinder?

I can tell you from experience that you will stop the motor trying to do stock removal on steel. There is not enough HP. I still have the grinder which is similar to the one in question, but only use it for handle material. If you are looking for an inexpensive grinder with power, check some other posts for advice. There is one posted from a few days ago under the title containing "Uncle Al's Grinder. It has information on the grinder I have now, which is the Grizzly.

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None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. -Goethe

[This message has been edited by Kaos (edited 26 December 1999).]
 
Burke, for another $50 you can buy a great 6 by 48 belt with a 9" disc from harbor freight. I bought one 3 months ago, and it is great for flat grinding. Goes nice and slow at 1750 fpm, so you won't make bad mistakes. They ship for free too. Pass on their belts though, the joint is lousey. Just go to www.harborfreight.com and click on search. Then type belt sander in the find window. Take care! Michael

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"Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!"

 
That is the exact sander I am currently using.I've found that so far there is adaquate power so long as you don't plan on really leaning into your work. I have never stopped mine.The disc is good for profiling and really cuts fast with a 40 or 60 grit disc.I'm still trying to figure out what to do about the belt. It doesn't overhang the edge of the platen so you will have trouble getting a good plunge where the bevel stops and the tang begins. It is also hard to find good belts for grinding steel on it because it is made for woodworking. The coarsest I have found are 60 but they weren't silicon carbide or anything so they didn't last.I need to go find more.It is a good tool for the money and has excelent tracking,and quality.They are definitely built to last.I would look for them at lowes because you canget them for the same price or cheaper and not have to pay shipping.

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Fix it right the first time, use Baling Wire !
 
I have a 2" X 42" belt/8" Disc Craftsman sander that works great. I paid under $200 on sale for mine but I think the price has went up since then. Go to www.sears.com and look under their Craftsman tool section.

Also, a good place to get belts, is from Industrial Abrasives. I'm not sure if they have a web site but their address is:
Industrial Abrasives Co.
642 N. 8th St.
P.O. Box 14955
Reading, PA 19612
telephone # 1-800-428-2222

They don't carry the 2 X 42 size in stock, but they will special make them for you. You may have to be on their wholesale program in order to buy special made belts. I'm not sure. But the price is REALLY RESONIBLE! I can buy 2x72" belts for less than $2 apiece and the special ordered 2x42 for less than $3. They also sell all kinds of more belts and papers and disc, etc.

Check them out!

Craig Blankenship
Blankenship Knives

[This message has been edited by knifemaker3 (edited 27 December 1999).]
 
Hello,

Grizzly,,,,,grizzly,,,,,grizzly,,!!!!!

get a 2x72 Grizzly,,,,,,,they work great with alittle Set-up tweaking ,and only cost 295.00

Allen
 
I had a 4x36 belt/disc sander and I made my first knives on it.It did work pretty good and I never stopped the motor.In order to get that plunge and a good shoulder you must modify the platen.I took a piece of 1/4" thick mild steel cut to 2"x4" and installed it behind the tool rest.I used 1/4-20 bolts and nuts,countersinking the heads of course.Be sure to place the bolt holes in an area that won't be in the way of grinding because those areas can show up and leave marks on your grind.Also be sure to bevel the peice of steel so the belt can ramp up onto the new platen.There was enough free slack on mine so the extra tension from the added steel was never a problem. The other thing is that good belts are not really available for grinding steel.Some outfits will make them but I never tried them.Good luck.
scott w
 
Supergrit (www.supergrit.com) sells the 2x42 belt for that Craftsman sander at a pretty reasonable price.
 
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