Looking for an affordable beginner belt grinder!

F

FlyingBlades

Joined
Aug 13, 2013
Messages
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So I want to start knifemaking as a hobby, and as a teenager, I don't have the money to buy a 1500$ grinder. I want a grinder that is around or under 150$ and I think I found the perfect one: http://www.grizzly.com/products/Combo-Belt-Sander-Grinder/H7760 It's a 2x27'' with a flat surface, a tool rest and a dust tray. This looks perfect for me and my budget, what's great too is that me and my stepfather decided to pay it together since he needs the stone wheel and he'll use the belt occasionally so it's basically 60$ from my point of view. I was wondering if you guys think this will do the job or you have other recommendations for me.
 
I would ask in the knifemakers section but I would look more towards a craftsman 2x48 or 42. The problem with that grinder is that it will be a bit underpowered, but the main issue is belt availability. Unless you constantly go through grizzly, you will be hard pressed to find belts anywhere, and you will not have much selection for grits and different belt types. The craftsman uses belts that are far more readily available and varied in grit and type.
 
Craftsman 2x42.. it's what I use. A few simple mods make it much better. Toss the side cover. Go to hardware store and get a piece of steel plate and drill/screw it to the existing table. Then order a piece of glass for the platten from a very popular knife supply vendor. All I did and does pretty well.

I would say the biggest problem is the speed.. it's FAST!! Because of the speed it will require you to also move fast. This can be a good thing once you master it. Moving to a professional quality machine will make things a breeze if you can work with the Craftsman.
Second would be the lack of power, but I have no problem hogging out 1/4 blade profiles with it. You'll find a good pressure to do the job w/o bogging it down.
 
I would ask in the knifemakers section but I would look more towards a craftsman 2x48 or 42. The problem with that grinder is that it will be a bit underpowered, but the main issue is belt availability. Unless you constantly go through grizzly, you will be hard pressed to find belts anywhere, and you will not have much selection for grits and different belt types. The craftsman uses belts that are far more readily available and varied in grit and type.
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You're right, they're a little bit more expansive but I think the belt availability will pay off because as a canadian, I can't buy any product without 5-10$ shipping even though I'm just 45 minutes from the border. 5$ shipping on 10$ items hurts alot! And for the price I don't really have choice in power anyway. Thank you!
 
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