Just planning on getting started

O

Oldnamvet

Joined
Sep 8, 2005
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9
I have yet to make a first knife but am working on it. It will probably be a yard work knife when I finish since I have a lot of learning to do. My silly question of the day is :confused: "What is the difference between a stationary belt sander and a belt grinder"? I do a lot of woodworking and hope some of the tools can do double duty. Already found that my scroll saw will (with the proper blade) cut out a knife profile from 1/8" steel (not hardened). Can I put a different belt on my belt sander and have a belt grinder?
 
what kind of belt sander do you have?
I made my first one on a 36"x4" sander. Worked pretty good! :thumbup:
 
Actually, I have a 4" x 36" Delta belt sander as well as a Delta 1" x 36". Only other grinder thing I have is my Tormek sharpener for all my chisels, plane blades, etc.
 
A 4X36 with metal working belts does a fine job.Makes great flat grinds.Yopu can get good belts from Pop's knife supplies (or others).Get a couple each of 50,120,220,400 grit.PS: blow out all the sanding dust from the wood before grinding steel!
 
Good tip about blowing out the wood dust first Bladsmith :D
A question though, what about the section where the grind ends just before the handle, the grinding forms a step and I cannot "hang" the blade over beyond the belt because the body of the platten is in the way?
 
You might be able to track the belt right up to the edge of the platen. Otherwise, many people use a round file with a safe side ground on it to put the plunges in. Then sand them smooth.
 
2 good tips.
I will have to take a file to my sander on the ends to allow the belt to run over the edge a bit more but it is a good idea. Why be normal!? :D
The safe side on the file is a good one too. Had some bad experiences with files WITHOUT a safe side!
thanks ddavelarsen
 
Do a search for " friction cutting " with a wood band saw. Rember to wear a mask when grinding. Metal dust just does not have the same apeal as oak dust. :barf:
Cheers Ron
 
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