New sander/ grinder question

E

etuc

Joined
Dec 8, 2010
Messages
14
I'm needing a start up grinder and some other shop tools.I'm on a very limited budget at the time and want to spend wisley. Never made a knife but would like to try. I can always use a sander for sharpening tools, and using on small wood crafts.
I have set a budget of around $150.00 give or take for this one tool. Looking online I have choices from $82 to $175 range. They are;

Harbor F. #34951 1" x 30" / 5" disc. (local, out the door cost $82)
Grizzly H6070 1" x 30" / 5" disc. Order-Amazon w/ ship $175
Grizzly H8192 1" x 42" / 8" disc. Order- Amazon w/ ship $105
Sears Craftsman 21513 2" x 42" /6" disc (will use 1" x 42" belts also) local store, out the door cost $135
Any quick advise on is appreaciated. (majority rules) Would like to make up mind this afternoon. Thanks in advance!
E. Tuc
 
I have found some very high quality used tools for pennies on the dollar.
Refurbished tools are often a very good deal, too.

me - tool freak
 
I didn't like my HF 1x30 much - had troubles with parts breaking on it to where it was unusable within a few months.
 
I think I'm going with the Craftsman 2 x 42. Trugrit appears to have every kind of belt I would ever need for it. Thanks for your help.
 
I recommend buying quality files or doing a DIY grinder from plans. You'll be into for more than 150 if you go DIY. With properly annealed steel and sharp files you can carve out a knife in a day without a problem.
 
AcridSaint said:
I recommend buying quality files or doing a DIY grinder from plans. You'll be into for more than 150 if you go DIY. With properly annealed steel and sharp files you can carve out a knife in a day without a problem.
Click to expand...

where you been Cap ?
 
You haven't put your location into your profile yet - if you are in SoCal, it's fun to visit TruGrit in person and get a feel for the different grits.
 
Switched jobs a little over six months ago, moved out of my place and been busy with life. MrPurple is forcing me to come back to the knife world, slowly.
 
i bought the nwg grinder plans from tracy at usaknifemaker.com i ended up with about 300. total for building materials,wheels and motor. it out preforms any of the machines you have listed. and 2 by 72 belts come in a greater variety and since i was biulding it myself i was able to buy the pieces as i could afford them. and the plans are easy to understand. ithink if iit was me i would start with good files instead of a machine i would quickly become unsatisfied with. that way u could still make knives while i was working on building my grinder. when your done you will still be happy with the files and not have spent the money on a sander that just took up space and collected dust.
 
Also know that 2x72 belts running on a proper grinder at a decent speed will last longer and be far cheaper. Shorter belts tend to heat up faster and break down quicker. Additionally, we have many more high quality belts available to us in the 2x72 size because it's just where industrial machines get started.
 
sorry about the poor grammer and typing i had to step away when i was typing and i forgot to proof read it before i posted it
 
IMO you can't go wrong with the Sears 2X42.If you find knifemaking isn't for you it still comes in handy around the house.If you decide later to build or buy a better grinder the little sears still comes in handy.
Stan
 
I have a 2x72 and still use my sears all the time for handle shaping and everything else.I cut the top guard back so i could grind on the smaller wheel.Its a tough azz little grinder.I got mine for $99. and free shipping.Watch for the sale.Also,i hit pawn shops and find great tools for cheap.That where my 1x30 came from like 10 yrs ago and still going strong.Good luck!
 
I picked up my new Craftsman 2 x 42 belt/disc sander. It's way more better quality built than any of the other 1" ones from Harbor, Northern, WTT or any at the Big Box stores I looked at. I got it for $125 plus tax.
WT Tool has many other options on belts, and I have a branch local here in Charlotte NC. The have others elsewhere, may want to check the Inernet.
If I dont make even my first blade, I feel I'll be satisfied with it for other projects.
Anyone know if these Craftsman motors can be modified with a variable speed control, I have one on my Porta Cable Grinder?
 
etuc said:
I picked up my new Craftsman 2 x 42 belt/disc sander. It's way more better quality built than any of the other 1" ones from Harbor, Northern, WTT or any at the Big Box stores I looked at. I got it for $125 plus tax.
WT Tool has many other options on belts, and I have a branch local here in Charlotte NC. The have others elsewhere, may want to check the Inernet.
If I dont make even my first blade, I feel I'll be satisfied with it for other projects.
Anyone know if these Craftsman motors can be modified with a variable speed control, I have one on my Porta Cable Grinder?
Click to expand...

You'll like it.If it had speed control it would really rock!Let me know if you figure something out.A rubber coated lower and upper wheel would be awesome also.
 
I'd convert that Craftsman 2x42 to a 2x72 belt size. There's an easy tutorial on how to do this if you search for it here. Better belt economy and selection.
 
Seals said:
You'll like it.If it had speed control it would really rock!Let me know if you figure something out.A rubber coated lower and upper wheel would be awesome also.
Click to expand...

There is no low budget way to make this a variable speed. I asked on a thread not too long ago. The spped of this grinder is its biggest drawback. No other grinder comes close to it for the price, just wish it ran a heck of a lot slower!
 
The 2X42 runs like a bat out of hell! I still use it to hog handle materials sometimes. You will surely make knives faster and its better than a 1X30 any day! I think 90% of makers have one on their bench from starting out.
 
Thanks for this post. I too have been doing a lot of research to start making knives and have also settled on the craftsman 2by42. You can't go wrong with the price.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top