Need belt sander recommendations w/ adjustable tension...

[REK Knives]

Hey guys. I know i posted a similar post a while back, but I have decided more specifically what I want now.

I am pretty sold on the 2" wide belt sander (48 or 72 in doesn't really matter to me) as it has been recommended to me by two people i trust who have been sharpening knives for years.

this belt sander will be for multi purposes (i.e. convexing edges, grinding down returns on knives, fixing broken knife tips, reprofiling edges on machette's or axes, etc).

what i really need is one with adjustable tension on the belt, and this is for two purposes. 1. i need it a little looser so i can grind the primary convex angle. 2. as my leather belts (http://www.usaknifemaker.com/leather-belt-surgi-sharp-2x48-p-2010.html) loosen up, i will need to increase the tension on it.

i have scoured the internet for a belt sander with an adjustable tension, but can't find one unless i wanna spend $1500+. i would even get a different width belt if you guys can suggest one w/ adjustable tension.

the two i'm considering for the time being are the kbc 2x48 (http://kbctoolsandmachinery.com/product/show/6-150-002) or the kalamazoo 2x48 (http://kbctoolsandmachinery.com/product/show/2-002-2FSM), but since i don't have any experience with either i don't know if either it is adjustable, or if i can take it to a local welder and tinker w/ it to make it adjustable.

thanks for all your guys suggestions in advance!

 

[Ben Dover]

I too have sought such a machine. Unfortunately, unless you are equiupped to modify a machine, I fear there is nothing available in a reasonable price range.

Bader and Burr King make such machines, but they are, unfortunately well beyond the price that I am willing to pay.

Wouldn't it be a sharpener's dream come true if Kalamazoo and/or Grizzly would make a smaller, non-professional machine with adjustable tensioning and variable speed? Ah well, we can dream, can't we?

 

[REK Knives]

no joke! why doesn't someone make one for a reasonable price? if i can't get one, i think i'll get the kbc tools one and try to modify it... i'll keep you guys posted if i have any luck =D

 

[Ben Dover]

no joke! why doesn't someone make one for a reasonable price? if i can't get one, i think i'll get the kbc tools one and try to modify it... i'll keep you guys posted if i have any luck =D

I would certainly be interested in your results should you choose the modification route!:thumbup::thumbup:

 

[changeofseasons]

Just curious, why not get a Craftsman 2x42 and mod it? It's much cheaper and can be modified to fit 2x72 belts along with the 2x42 and 1x42 belts that it already accepts. BTW I strongly agree w/ everyone here so far. I don't understand why I can't buy a small versatile grinder that I don't have to mod.