Need Help choosing power tool

[crippledhobo]

Howdy,

I've finally decided I want to get into knife making and wanted some help on selecting which power tool would be better. Found a table top belt sander and also a 6 inch table top grinder for good price. I can get use outta both for other things around the house but don't have alot of space so it's either one or the other. One is a Mastercraft 1-in. Belt/Disc Sander for $69.99 and the other is a RYOBI 6 In. Bench Grinder for $49.95. I've done alot of reading over the past month on here and other resources and I've seen both being used just not sure which would be the best.

thanks!

 

[sunshadow]

I would go with the belt/disc combo. stone wheel bench grinders are in my opinion close to useless
belts can be changed, giving you different grits the disc can be used with caution for flats, I would imaging there is some sort of platen for flats with with the belt.
Work safely,ask questions! Have fun!

YMMV

-Page

 

[silver_pilate]

Here's a second on the belt/disc combo. I've tried profiling knives on a bench top stone grinder, and my friend, it is a pain in your posterior. Incredibly loud, makes gobs of heat, little flecks of stone flying off the wheel on occasion, lots of vibrations....just a pain.

It is so much easier to grind on a belt...even with a small belt you can get a lot of work done. And you can use the disc for some light shaping and flattening work. Everyone will tell you that you'll want a 2x72" grinder for knife making, and it sure does make things easier, but we all have to start somewhere.

Get the belt/disc combo and a decent set of files, maybe a small drill press later on, and you can make some really nice knives with practice.

--nathan

 

[crippledhobo]

Thanks for the quick replies guys! Yeah after I posted I was leaning towards the belt sander as I started to remember how much I hate using grinders

I've tried to find a 2inch belt sander but no luck all I can seem to find are the 1 inchers which I guess is fine for me as I'll only be making small knives maybe 5.5inch OAL.

Thanks again for the help guys!