Newbie looking for inexpensive grinder

[Aiko555]

I am just getting into knifemaking. I have a band saw, a drill press, a good dremel tool and lots of hand tools (files etc). Belt grinders are very expensive! I am hoping you can help me with some solutions which will not break the bank. I saw a RYOBI belt sander (obviously for the home woodworker) in Home Depot tonight (4"x36") and was wondering if I could get belts somewhere that would be OK for grinding steel. I have some D2 and a nice blank of Raindrop damascus. I do understand I'll need to get the blades heat treated - and am not quite that ambitious yet. I'll send them out for that.

Any help would be greatly appreciated - Donations of Burr Kings accepted!

Thanks,

PJG

 

[DaQo'tah Forge]

The lowest amount of money that you can spend for a real 2X72 grinder is about $275.00 for the Grizzly

here is my page where I talk about setting up mine

http://eastof29.tripod.com/daqotahforge2/id7.html

 

[indian george]

A few members of NECKA who are just starting, use a 2 X 42 Sears belt sander. I made up precision ground hardened O-1 platens and attached it to the platen that came with it and this made thier plunge cuts dead nuts. The cost of the grinder is under $200. You also can run 1 X 42 belts on it for handle work.