Smallest belt sander/grinder

B

Burningcort

Joined
Dec 10, 2006
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For non-commercial use...

For the hobbyist of knife makers what belt sander do you suggest that does not cost $800.00+
 
Do a search for "Craftsman 2 x 42" on this forum and read all about it...About $140,....... less when on sale.
 
The craftsman will work. and even if you get a better machine later on this is a handy machine to have for small odd jobs.
 
There are a dozen good craftsman threads including some good mods to make as soon as you get it home.
 
I got a Craftsman 2x42, can't beat it for the price.

Might want to check out the Grizzly 2x72. Theres quite a few threads on that too. I think it runs around $600.
 
Well if you want the smallest knife grinder, there is the Wolf 1X10.
It is not what you want, but it sure is great for what it does.
 

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I love my Coote. You can get that machine for under 500, and find a good 1.5 hp motor for under $100. Mine is set up very roughly on a tool table, but it took me just a couple of hours to set everything up. I am not the handiest of guys either. it's not really "plug and play" friendly, but if I can put it together, anyone can.

I started with a craftsman 2x42. It's too fast in my opinion. Blazing fast. Will eat up whatever you're working on in a second if you're not careful. After I modded mine with a glass platen and a better tool rest, it was better, but still super fast. Ruined alot of promising knife blades on that machine. I still use it for odd jobs, sanding edges on sheaths, and some handle work. The motor seems to get in the way of everything too.

My grinds have improved significantly with the Coote. You can use step pullies to slow the machine down, and it has way better control. 2x72 belts last longer than the Craftsman belts, and you get a better variety in the 2x72 size.

take a look at the Coote. I love mine to death.
 
I have seen some grinding done on the Harbour Freight 1x30 and was actually impressed. I have never used one and wouldn't want to do a lot of removal with one because they are slow but it looked like it did a great job.

I'm not one to recommend something I haven't personally used but for the price I think it would be worth looking in to.

Look on you-tube for videos on grinding, that is where I have seen them in action.

They are really inexpensive too!
 
No, it is a straight 1X10. It has a vacuum port, and tilts to any angle. Run by the flex-shaft, it is VS and foot controlled. Belts come from 80 grit to 8000 diamond.
 
bladsmth said:
Well if you want the smallest knife grinder, there is the Wolfe 1X10.
It is not what you want, but it sure is great for what it does.
Click to expand...

Sweet! Love the bench. We have a few just like that in the studio part of our shop. Love the lil sander!
 
bladsmth said:
No, it is a straight 1X10. It has a vacuum port, and tilts to any angle. Run by the flex-shaft, it is VS and foot controlled. Belts come from 80 grit to 8000 diamond.
Click to expand...

Stacy,

Nice bench, my wife and have been getting our silversmithing setup together over the last couple of years. I need a bench like that, real bench pins and a sweeps drawer!

Are you using all diamond on the mini-grinder? For steel? (mini swords I bet :D )

I'm am curious because I have loads of lapidary equipment and some of it might convert over well.
 
that lil sander is awesome! any chance of a more up close pic of it? did you build it?
thanks
bryan

edit... oops, now I see its a wolf,,, a close up of your setup would still be much appreciated, sir
 
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I have a HF 1 X 30 and was looking for the "next" larger size....thank all of you for the great information
 
Daniel,
A lot of lapidary equipment can get a second life in the blade shop. Diamond cutting laps can shape carbide tools easily, and some things can be ground wet on lapidary sanders that would get too hot on a KMG.

I use the CZ belts for most things on the Wolf, and yes, it is mainly for minis. I use the diamond belts only occasionally.

Stuller sells the Wolf belt sander and the GRS mounting post. They have just recently discontinued carrying the belts, but those can be ordered from several sources.

I wish you chaps that wanted a nice bench were closer. I have three complete shop packages with bench, buffer, steamer,torches, flexshaft, and every hand tool you could need that I am going to offer for sale.
 
bladsmth said:
Daniel,
A lot of lapidary equipment can get a second life in the blade shop. Diamond cutting laps can shape carbide tools easily, and some things can be ground wet on lapidary sanders that would get too hot on a KMG.

I use the CZ belts for most things on the Wolf, and yes, it is mainly for minis. I use the diamond belts only occasionally.

Stuller sells the Wolf belt sander and the GRS mounting post. They have just recently discontinued carrying the belts, but those can be ordered from several sources.

I wish you chaps that wanted a nice bench were closer. I have three complete shop packages with bench, buffer, steamer,torches, flexshaft, and every hand tool you could need that I am going to offer for sale.
Click to expand...

Thanks Stacy, that answers a lot of questions for me! I used to have an account with Stuller, they are great.

I'm going to combine my hobbies and try to make some nice "art" knives one of these days, need to get my basics down perfect first.
 
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