Looking for a good 1" belt sander for knife sharpening for under $300

G

Gnarlin

Joined
May 6, 2014
Messages
9
Talking about a bench mount, not one of the hand held ones. Is there anything worth buying that's less than $300?
 
I have bad great recent success with a Kalamazoo 1x42. You should be under budget with a bunch on nice belts included.

I will never go back to traditional knife sharpening with stones or units such as Wicked Edge / Edge Pro. They certainly have their place but the time investment is extreme for me.
 
Ditto on the Kalamazoo 1SM 1x42. Check out ENCO for sales, coupon codes and free shipping offers. I learned about them from other bladeforums members and saved a bunch on mine.
 
I have the HF 1x30, It works well but it is fast! It is easy to mess up a blade. If you can find a variable speed at a good price, seriously consider it. Also, there is a sticky on paper wheels on the maintenance sub forum. That is an alternative that I might consider in the future.
 
Check out the Ken Onion version of the work sharp. I've got a harbor Freight 1 too but I prefer the work sharp.
 
Viel Tools model S5 1x42. I suggest buying the frame and fitting a 1/2 hp motor to it. That will be very cost effective and you will end up with a grinder that will not only sharpen well but actually can grind blades with some power. Lots of sharpeners like this grinder.
Lee Valley Tools sells them, but look around to compare prices...
Then, buy belts from trugrit, not Lee Valley.
 
bravodelta said:
Is a high quality little machine. I easily reversed direction so I can see what I am doing when sharpening.
Click to expand...

Got instructions on how you did that?

Another vote for the Kalamazoo. Great little unit, and as Bisket mentioned Enco has the best price on it. Look real hard and you might even find a free shipping coupon.
 
I'm surprised that no one suggested (yet that is) that you checkout Craigslist. This requires some patience sometimes though. I've seen the old, heavy duty, Craftsman 1" X 42" go for $75 on there in Chicago with belts thrown is too.

Just my 2 cents..........
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
Got instructions on how you did that?

Another vote for the Kalamazoo. Great little unit, and as Bisket mentioned Enco has the best price on it. Look real hard and you might even find a free shipping coupon.
Click to expand...

On the front plate of the motor casings is a little wiring diagram that states the way to change direction. Literally took two mins by opening the 4 screws on the switchbox and making a wire swap. I don't remember the wire #'s but it is right on front ( colored and numbered wires).

I couldn't imagine sharpening with the belt going down. I sharpen edge up and have had stellar results with a short learning curve.
 
I've sharpened both ways, but now sharpen with the edge down. You can see how far the spine is off the belt that way, makes it easier at least for me to keep a consistent angle.

I grind blades edge up, of course.
 
I found my craftsman 2x42 on CL along with a craftsman 1x30 and bench drill press. All for a steal

I had a bunch of free 1x42 belts so I made an additional platen with a 1 inch ceramic tile on it (2 tile on the other) so I just change platens to use the 1 inch or 2 inch
 
Whatever you buy, if at all possible slow it down greatly for sharpening. Converting a $75 grinder to VS by installing a 3PH 1/2HP motor and a cheap VFD would be my choice for a dedicated sharpener. Everything should cost $300 or less.
 
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