New belt sander

For that price you are better off getting a 1x30 made by either harbor freight, or Delta. There is a better selection of belts available for 1x30 grinders.
 
No, that won't really work. You want a 2X36" belt and a 1/2HP motor as a minimum. a 2X48" is even better.

Many start with a Sears 2X36" belt sander.
 
I started on a harbor freight 1x30. It can work. Definitely not ideal. Beats a hand file in my opinion. I have a feeling that once I have my 2x72 running, I'll be glad I learned on a 1x30. Takes a steady hand to get good results from that little belt zipping along. I'm sure I'll keep it around for sharpening and grinding kydex.
 
I started on the Craftsman 2"x42" that I think Stacy was referring to. Last I saw you can purchase it online shipped to you for $169.00. It will be fast, but there is quite a good belt selection available for it an many nice knives have been produced with the Craftsman.
 
Trevor, quite a few Canadians come here looking for cheap grinder advise and I've yet to see anyone suggest a good option for them. I guess you have to get what you can afford. I think a 2" belt would work better for you than a 1".
 
Trevor51 said:
I'm also in Canada where there is no harbour freight and the Sears belt grinder would be quit expensive with the dollar the way it is right now. What are some other good options out there? What about this http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/combination-belt-and-disc-sander/A-p8532293e
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Yep that's a 1x30.

If you just want to try out the knife making hobby, then this might be an option for you. I started with a similar belt sander, but have upgraded along the way.
 
You will end up will a terrible problem for belts. I bet they don't have more than a couple of sizes available and not many at that. What will you do order say 20 and hope to get 5? Without 5 or 6 grit sizes that machine won't work worth a darn and with summer a long ways off you can't use it for a boat anchor. Frank
 
S.Alexander said:
BTW, where in Canada are you?
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I live in Kelowna British Columbia. I think I'm just going to go the cheapest one I can find. I'm only trying to make knifes for myself out of some old files and sawmill planner blades. I'm into forging but I'm going to try something new with stock removal methods thanks every one for there help
 
Check out the knife making supply sites to see which belt size has the most options. I would bet the 1x30 is the one.
 
Like i said before, 1x30 has better belt selections for knife making. The AO belts that you can buy locally are no good for steel. They wear out really quickly.

You'll have to order better belts from eBay or online retailers. If you search the shoptalk subforum here, there have been many discussions on which belts to use.
 
Yes the 1 X 30 are more available so? By the way I don't believe the planert blades will forge very well.
Trevor I'm not all that far away by email. If you think I can help, I would enjoy that. Please use frankniro2@gmail.com
If you are coming up to Kamloops and have time please give me a call and stop in at 250-372-8332. I'll bet I have one of the smallest shops with the most fitted in equipment in North America. I certainly enjoy other makers be they new or old to making knives.
Frank
 
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