Is this a good belt + disk sander to make my first knife out of?

K

kaizo

Joined
Oct 17, 2014
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798
Hi everyone I've recently made a start on making sheaths and knife handles and I am starting to think about moving on to making blades. I am thinking of using the one below to profile and finish the billets into a blade but I just wanted a bit of advice on if the belt + disk sander would suffice for the job.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007JC99...rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=569136327&pf_rd_i=B006YLZ3Q0

I know its as budget as it could get but since I don't have a garage it has to be quite small as well as being cash strapped unfortunately...

I am also thinking of getting a small disk grinder but with these two do you think it would be enough to attempt a simple first knife?

I'm thinking of outsourcing the heat treatment as it seems like an entire different kettle of fish.

My current plan is to:

1) Grind the tang into a stick tang using the disk grinder (ideally I would like to use the disk sander as it has a platform that will let me sand straight but would this work? Alternatively freehand the general tang shape then straighten the tang using the disk sander).
2) Grind the corners off using the disk grinder where the edge will be.
3) Profile the edge into a convex edge using the belt sander.
4) Send off for heat treat.
5) Give the blade a satin finish using the belt sander.
6) Make handle.

I do apologise for the elementary questions I'm just starting out and I don't know my left from my right at the moment.

Thank you very much for your help :)
 
Since you're from London, England
Ask the same question on BritishBlades forum

They will know the best on local sources of materials and equipment

The Craftsman 2x42" belt is the usual recommended starter grinder.

I'd want a 2 inch width belt, but they call that 50mm

Then the belt size will be different and you have to make sure you can buy belts for what you have without high postage and VAT.
 
Last edited:
Kaizo - I started out with a 1x30 grinder and used it for several years. Although it has its limitations(power!!) it made some fine blades.

-Peter
 
i made knives with a bench grinder and a 3x18 belt sander for over 10 years before i even got a third hand 2 x 42. better tools don't make knifemaking possible, they only make knifemaking easier.
 
Thanks very much everyone! I think I would get it and get the ball rolling in that case :)
 
I would look in to getting the craftsman mentioned, but a cheap 1x30 has been the entryway for plenty of makers, myself included. I still use it for lots of little stuff, super handy tools for fiddly little tasks.
 
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