New Grinder

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GaryPogueCustomKnife

Joined
Oct 8, 2013
Messages
188
Tomorrow, I will be picking up the harbor freight 1x30 belt grinder. I have to stay below $100 for my budget. It is an upgrade from my hf 4x36. The two main reasons I am getting it are its better for grinding knives, and two, belt selection. If anyone can chime in on where to get good/affordable belts rangeing from 36 grit to 1000 grit it would be very appreciated :). It ain't no kmg by any means at all, but it is what I can afford.

Gary

(Sorry if this sounds a bit choppy, I posted from my phone)
 
Try Trugrit and Jantz they both have a good selection of 1X30 belts. They even have ceramics for 1X30.
 
Harbor Freights zirc belts are actually pretty decent, although I don't have much to compare them to. :D

They come in 2 packs in 40 and 80 grit. Decent joint that doesn't bump. Both are used a lot. I think you can do better, but for a few measly bucks they'll get you started. If you're waiting on anything you need just order better, but if you're otherwise good to go I recommend buying a pack of each. Btw, since the grinder is so fast and low grit zirc or ceramic is a good idea. Don't buy any of the AlumOx belts for your blade there though, I believe they are wood specific. They'd be fine for micarta and wood, but you already have the 4x36.

Other items at HF worth looking at, the half mask respirator. They don't sell the cartridges, but they are available online. A welding magnet, but don't go with a powerful one. Even the 120lb is too powerful. Their pana-vise knock off is pretty decent and useful. A loupe would be a good idea, but don't get the cheap black plastic set. Clamps! They have good clamps at very good prices. Buy a few. I think that that's about it, but I'll think on it.

Don't forget to take coupons. If you don't already have some laying around, check the back of magazines. Most motorcycle magazines have the ubiquitous 20% off coupon plus coupons for free flashlights, or better, the cheap (but useful) voltage tester.
 
Check out pops and I believe supergrit has relatively cheap ceramic belts. The HF belts are good for profiling and handle work for sure.
 
Im not sure If you guys have Lee Valley Tools in the US but thats where I get all my 1x42 belts. I still use mine everyday for stropping and sharpening all of my knives.
 
Just a suggestion but I would not go below a 50 or 60 grit belt on a machine that small except for wood. They just don't seem to have the power to really rip off steel. In my experience a 36 grit just takes to big of "bites" for the power the motor has.
 
Grayzer86 said:
Just a suggestion but I would not go below a 50 or 60 grit belt on a machine that small except for wood. They just don't seem to have the power to really rip off steel. In my experience a 36 grit just takes to big of "bites" for the power the motor has.
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Interesting. Which steels did/do you have trouble with? I always forget that I have a Delta, not the HF. I can't imagine that the HF is less powerful, but I don't know. I really like the 40 grit belts and don't have any problems bogging the motor but I have a pretty light touch. I've only used 1084 and 1095, no high alloy stainless or anything.
 
Strigamort said:
Interesting. Which steels did/do you have trouble with? I always forget that I have a Delta, not the HF. I can't imagine that the HF is less powerful, but I don't know. I really like the 40 grit belts and don't have any problems bogging the motor but I have a pretty light touch. I've only used 1084 and 1095, no high alloy stainless or anything.
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I had a master raft brand, before switching to my 2x72. I also don't have a light touch when hogging and find that even my 1hp is not enough. It may just be my grinding style. I believe my 1x30 was 1/3 hp. Your mileage may vary.
 
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