Low-cost grinder recommedations

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black mariah

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I've carved out a few wood test knives and have come to the conclusion that the 4x36 belt sander I have, while good for some stuff, is inadequate for a lot of things including the blade. Anyone have a specific grinder to recommend to a beginner? I'd prefer somewhere in the $100 range, give or take $50. Thanks for any help.
 
Sure. I ground my first nine blades with a $40 or $50 1 X 30 grinder from Harbor Freight. They have a web site. Do a search. You may even have a HF near you. Its a inexpensive way to get started.

Roger
 
Thanks for the pointer to Harbor Freight. I'd looked at a couple of hardware store websites and came up with nothing. Their little 1x30 seems more than adequate.

Another quick question, if I may. What kind of belts and what grit would you recommend as a starting point?
 
If you can spring for it, the Sear's belt grinder @ $130 is way better:

http://www.sears.com/sr/product/sum...OOL&fromAuto=YES&bidsite=null&pid=00921542000

It's 2x42. You can get all sorts of belts for it from supergrit.com.

They used to have a 1hp model. I still have mine - it's a work horse! They don't have it on their website - I got mine in a store. I keep it right next to my KMG. The 2x42 has a 36 grit ziconia hogger on it. Use that setup for all kinds of tasks.

Steve
 
I can't say the best place to buy belts but I get mine from Pop Knives (706)678-5408 (4pm to 8pm EST). He'll stay right there on the phone and help you decide the grits and type belts you should start with. Gets them out fast to you too.

RL
 
Thanks a lot for all the help, guys. I think for now I'll go with the smaller one and see how it works out. There's a Harbor Freight right down the road from where my father works so I'll have him go pick one up on his lunch break or something. :D Thanks again.
 
What I use is a Sears 2x42 belt sander. However, the platen is like 2 1/2" wide, so I can only grind one side of the blade because the belt drifts all the way over to the left until it hangs over the edge of the platen. Not really meant for knifemaking.

While using it the other day, I heard something pop and this disgusting smelling smoke started coming out of the motor. The motor casing was red hot too. I let it cool down and it seems okay for now. But be warned, don't let it run for long periods of time!
 
I made a whole armory of Klingon weapons with my little 1x30 belt sander.

I worked that poor little thing to death!...It actually caught fire a few times, and I have had to rewire the switch a few times to keep it running.

The 1x30 was the only thing I had to make things on, but it also became the only source of knifemaking headaches too.

The 1x30 still comes into play even now , for it helps me sand the tight spots.

I think that the 1x40 sander would be easyer on the belts,,,,I seemed to go through belts with my little 1x30 very fast.

check out my 1x30 in action-
http://daqotahforge.tripod.com/klingonblades/id59.html
(see photos 6 and 7)
 
I started with a 1 x 30 Delta and still use it for finishing handles. My friend Joe used a 2 X 42 with no problems and you can put 1 X 42 belts on it for handle work. We reinforced the platen for better plunge cuts.
 
I learned to flat grind on my Sears 4" X 36" belt grinder. I gave $20 for it almost 4 years ago and I still use it for every knife I flat grind. It's about wore out now but as long as I keep the oil to it I'm able to limp it along. What I like best about it is the rounded platen. I use it horizontal but it will also stand up vertically. Once I worked out the difficulties of grinding one side of the blade edge first and the other side spine first it was pretty easy. I still get good, consistent results with that old Sears grinder. And it only has a 1/5 horsepower motor! Go figure. Since you're just getting started I'd give that Sears grinder a go before you spend any money. Even, light steady pressure and fresh belts is the key. I can always tell when I'm putting too much pressure on the belt because that old thing goes to moaning and groaning like an old sow with a litter of piglets. He he. Have fun, whatever you decide.
 
The belt sander will still see use, especially the disc, but a grinder is definitely in the near future. It would find far more uses than just knives. :D
 
I have been using a Delta 1x30 with a 5 inch disc I think it cost $70 with shipping. It works good. I buy belts from a company in ohio called discount abrasives. I found them on ebay. They have A/O belts 36 through 400 grit for about $12 a dozen. Email me if you want their url

Drew
 
I started with the same 1x30 Roger mentioned. In fact that's what I was using when I did my first show 3 years ago. Then I moved up to the Grizzly for $275.00. Still use the Grizzly.

I also get my belts from Pop's. One of the nicest guys around and good prices.
 
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