Making a belt sander?

T

ThirdEdge97

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Feb 8, 2013
Messages
105
Hey blade forum, first post here
I just started making knifes about week and a half ago and I'm already addicted!

I've been making the out of saw blades, the two knives I have made where made out of a drag saw blade.
They turned out rather well for not knowing much about making knives (I have shop experience with other things so that helped a lot)

I have the David boye Step By Step knife making book, I just started reading it last night.
Basically, why I'm posting up here is because I need a belt sander, I don't know anyone who has a lot of experience with knife making so that's why I'm reaching out to you guys.
I found 2 designs that look rather easy to make, I have a lot of tools at my disposal and not hundreds of dollars to buy one already made.
I can't seem to add photos on my forum app ill try going to the webpage to post the pictures I found.

What I want to know about making a belt sander is;
What width and length of belt is ideal?

What should I use for the wheels?

What type of motor should I use?
 
grinder_iso.gif
 
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You can build the nwg that Tracy sells the plans for on USA knife maker. I went that route. I now use a kmg. If you have the money buy the kmg. Welcome to the knife making world!
 
Welcome to the forums and the addiction. 2x72 is sort of the industry standard. Where bouts do you live. Might be able to steer you in the direction of a maker or 2.
 
Well, plenty of good makers up your way! List what city and you might just be up the road from one.

Motor, 1hp is about the reasonable minimum, and TEFC (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) is a must. Frame type usually is 56C, but that isn't a huge deal. Check out USAKnifemaker.com for wheels, also check the sticky threads above for other suppliers.

You say you have lots of tool, but a good drill press is paramount. I bought a drill press first, I use it the most.


-Xander
 
A tool bar style is a grinder built around a socket where many different wheels and attachments can be mounted on steel bars and slid in and out for a large number of different options. Check out the KMG. That is pretty much the basic recommended one. Also, here is a link to a bunch of belt grinder pictures that should give you some ideas.
http://gonza-rytec.rajce.idnes.cz/brusky/#
 
Dave Lisch is at Studio 4 in Seattle. He has regular knife making classes.

http://davidlisch.com/

Honestly, take a class from Dave. He is a rockstar when it comes to all things metal. :D

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/knifeworld/2007statebystate.pdf

Here's a list of knifemakers state by state. There's a few okay knifemakers like Rocco Chicarili, Nick Wheeler, Dave Lisch not on the list for Washington. :o

The grinder you posted is very limited in options.
 
thegeek574 said:
A tool bar style is a grinder built around a socket where many different wheels and attachments can be mounted on steel bars and slid in and out for a large number of different options. Check out the KMG. That is pretty much the basic recommended one. Also, here is a link to a bunch of belt grinder pictures that should give you some ideas.
http://gonza-rytec.rajce.idnes.cz/brusky/#
Click to expand...

Thanks very much!
 
Look at the plans available online for what is called a EERF grinder ( FREE spelled backward) or a NWG ( no weld grinder). They can be build in a simple home shop and kits are available with all parts cut to size and drilled. If you have a welder, you can weld up a lot of the parts to make it even stronger.

All these units, and most all popular knife grinders have a hollow square box in them that receives a solid steel arm. A solid steel bar slides into the tube. This bar is called a tool arm. These arms can have various wheels and platens on them, and can be interchanged. The wheels can be changed on the arms,too.

Some grinders have a second socket for arms with work rests and grinding jigs.

A final note - The arm size varies a good bit from one plan or kit to another. It is best to have a heavier arm. 1.5X1.5" is a good size.

EERF plans:
http://www.wilmontgrinders.com/Pages/EERFGrinder.aspx
NWG plans:
http://usaknifemaker.com/plans-for-the-no-weld-grinder-sander-nearly-50-pages.html
 
Have you thought about starting with a 9" disk grinder. There is alot that can be done with one for minimum expense.
 
Brett, i tried that with my shopsmith.
The most course sand paper I have is 100 grit.
I wasn't super impressed with the performance of it, that could be the paper though.
 
A dedicated 9" disc grinder properly utilized and set up will make great knives.

Using a 9" disc allows you to get sandpaper anywhere.

Once you figure out how much adhesive and heat you need you'll be able to change sandpaper quickly.

If a person has limited funds I'd steer them to a disc. Its easy to scrounge $5 for paper at a hardware store vs ordering $200 in belts for a $150 Craftsman 2"x42"....
Plus, the disc could be used to build a 2"x72".
 
grinder paint.jpg Looks like you have bearings here, a 1/2" bolt would work instead. For the belts look at USA knifemaker's site. My experience with belts is the cheaper belts end up costing more in the long run
 
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