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GRapp

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If I'm looking to make a knife/s, should I ask questions here, or another sub-forum I haven't stumbled upon? As you can see I'm new here and don't want to barge in and make a fool of myself.
 
Welcome GRapp.
Ask your questions her about anything knifemaking related.
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I have a HF 1x30 belt sander and like all HF tools, I got what I paid for. I see these 1x30 grinders on Amazon for about $300 and I'm wondering, are they a total waste of money, or good enough for a guy that probably won't make a lot of knives and almost certainly won't make any pretty ones. Any firsthand experience with one?
 
the HF will work to start you out, it has a small platen and work rest but I made a lot of knives with one. Once you feel you have out grown it save for a nice grinder I went cheap and regret it I wasted money and time. I said I would only make a few but if you make more then you want a 2x72 it makes life so much easier. But use that 1x30 till you feel comfortable.
GRapp said:
I have a HF 1x30 belt sander and like all HF tools, I got what I paid for. I see these 1x30 grinders on Amazon for about $300 and I'm wondering, are they a total waste of money, or good enough for a guy that probably won't make a lot of knives and almost certainly won't make any pretty ones. Any firsthand experience with one?
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Welcome!
I started on a 1x30. It's possible to make knives with one it just takes longer than a 2x72.
I've seen a 1x30 on amazon that looked interesting, maybe the same one you saw. It had an variable speed, adjustable platen, rest,, and contact wheel. I can't speak about the quality, and of course it would have it's limitations, but if it includes all the parts shown it would a versatile machine.
 
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I started with a 2x42 craftsman from Sears and made a few modifications to it, like a better platen. Used it to make quite a few knives and saved for a 2x72 Pheer. I do not consider a tool a waste of money, especially if you are just getting into knifemaking as a hobby, and don't know if it is something you want to do long term. Make dust, nail down your skills, be patient and don't expect your first knife (or ten) to be works of art.
 
I saw something online where Grizzly has a new 2x42 or 2x48 belt sander for around 300 that is variable speed, 3/4 hp motor. It looks like a smaller 2x72 with the 3 wheels, vertical platen, etc. Can't find it on their website yet though.
 
I'd also recommend some good files and looking up the "Gough Jig" which is simple jig you can build yourself to help file at a fixed angle. I'd save the 1x30 for later after rough bevels are filed in and for use on handles. 1x30 belts wear out fast.
 
Taz said:
I saw something online where Grizzly has a new 2x42 or 2x48 belt sander for around 300 that is variable speed, 3/4 hp motor. It looks like a smaller 2x72 with the 3 wheels, vertical platen, etc. Can't find it on their website yet though.
Click to expand...

Thanks Taz. I think I'll upgrade to this. It cost the same as the questionable 1x30's I saw on amazon, and comes from a supplier with a reputation.
 
Now I want one and I have 2x72 already😀

On a small machine quality belts are even more important. Ceramic for the steel and AO or zyrconium for everything else.
 
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