Simple Grinder

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beta_medic88

Joined
Nov 11, 2008
Messages
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So, seeing as how I've been working a file on my blank for, oh, 6 days now and I see little to no progress being made (and I know I'm doing it right, the draw method with a brand new file), I think I'm going to buy an inexpensive belt sander to help put the bevels in. I know some of you are going to say go all the way and make or buy a 2x72 or something of the sorts, but I'm not a big time maker, more of just a hobby to make knives for myself and friends. So I've been looking at Craftsman and Grizzly 1x30 or 1x42 sanders, and I was wondering if anyone had words of wisdom or advice on what makes a good sander.

http://www.grizzlyindustrial.com/products/1-X-8-Belt-Disc-Sander/H8192

Here is a 1x42 with a disc sander, pretty affordable too. Anyone have one/use one? It is only 1/3 HP motor, which isn't too strong, but again, I would be using it lightly and just to put bevels on. Is this a decent idea? Any other advice/suggestions would be really appreciated.
 
Do you live right down in Chicago? I live in Waukegan, and have a 1x42 and a couple 2x72s.
 
I live just on the south side, a small town called Palos Heights. It's maybe 20 minutes south of downtown.
 
That would put you about 75-90 minutes from me. You could come up some time and see the shop, if you haven't been in a knifemaker's shop before. It's a bit dusty from lack of use, but everything works.
 
wow, that would be awesome. i've been trying to find somewhere that I could check out a real shop, but I'm out of high school and living in the subarbs like I do, not many people have workshops on their property. I would love to come visit and check it out. Maybe get some pointers on my first knife too haha. Which looks like crap, by the way. lol
 
get the 2x42 crafts man cheap and has a disc on the side for 139 bucks
1 inch is to narrow ok for handled but i just found out how har this is with a one inch . Also soulds like you put the temper back in your steel . Im disabled and did one in 3 hours well i took about 6 breaks too so in 2 hours done 30 min hand sanding and its ready for heat treat. kellyw
 
Email me fitzo1 (at) ameritech dot net. We can set up a phone chat and a day for you to visit. I'll email you tomorrow. I'm about 15 minutes east off I-294 and not difficult to get to. You could play with a couple of the grinders and see the differences. Since you're an EMT, you can fix yourself if you screw up. ;)
 
wow. I would love to be able to do that in such a short amount of time. I started working on this one on Tuesday. I don't even have a bevel put on it by now. The longest part has been working with a file. So the 2x42 craftsman is pretty decent you say?
 
HAHA yeah very true. Speaking of fixing myself, just today I was playing with my angle grinder (first mistake, playing with a power tool) and took a nice chunk out of my left index finger. Luckily it was so hot the wound cauterized itself so it didn't even bleed. I just kind of pulled the pieces of work glove that had stuck to my finger and ran it under cold water. No big deal. I swear I'm not that clumsy around power tools :D. And yeah, shoot me an email and we can set up a good day and time. I can't wait to see a real shop! haha
 
fitzo said:
It's a bit dusty from lack of use, but everything works.
Click to expand...

It's dusty from lack of use? I'll be darned, mine is dusty too, but for the exact opposite reason...
 
The Craftsman 2x42 seems to be the way to go. There are several recent threads on it. Try searching google with "craftsman site:bladeforums.com"
 
Mike's a good guy but he'll get you spoiled with all of his fancy equipment. ;)

For what it's worth, something is not right if it takes 6 days to draw file the blade. You either need different files or different technique.
 
Nathan the Machinist said:
It's dusty from lack of use? I'll be darned, mine is dusty too, but for the exact opposite reason...
Click to expand...

Would that mine were that way,too, once again. As you well know, I'm sure, we don't always get to make our own choices in life, but instead have to hold the hand we're dealt.
 
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