Starter Belt Grinder

With your budget you could by two of one, and one of the other... ;)

In all honesty, I'm not personally a big fan of either, though I know of quite a few makers who started with one. Personally, I'd save up a little more cash and either build a NWGS, or look at one of the SLING kits from Polar Bear Forge. That, or maybe get a craftsman 2x42, although they do run a little fast.
 
I really like the 1x30 for some of the smaller tasks in my shop, but it's woefully underpowered for any type of serious grinding.

With a leather belt, it's a wicked sharpener though.

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I'm using a 1x30 HF grinder like the second one you mentioned. It's slow & very under-powered, but it works. Remember, the cost of the belts will be more than the grinder in a short amount of time. If you get the 1x30, plan on some good ceramic belts (40-60-80-120) & don't go above the 120. The reason is the belt speed is just too fast for fine polishing & it will heat at the speed it runs. The finish will be done by hand with progressively finer grits & a hard rubber, block or a leather-backed block.

That being said, I just sent 2-18" choppers off to Peters for heat treat. They were done on the 1x30, but it seemed like an exercise in masochism. If you're doing small blades, it will be fine with a good belt & some patience. For the $200 budget you have, you can get started with some good belts, a little steel & plenty of time.

Here's the grinder & a chopper being worked on
Blocks_zpsyo8riudg.jpg


The tip, partially finished
Tips_zpslx2gcls5.jpg
 
I am also on the 1x30 and I agree, do not take over 120grit because heat is a major issue. Gets hot FAST. I also noticed the platen on mine isn't flat so I basically put off grinding until my 1x5 glass platen arrives. I really want a grinder upgrade but budget is an issue, mainly because my teacher taught me on a variable speed 2x72 so I know what I'm missing out on haha. Part of me wants to grab a grizzly grinder now just to get off this thing but I know I should just wait for a variable speed.
Either way you can make knives on the 1x30, due to heat I'd suggest smaller blades and getting a glass platen. Also I'd prefer to grind bevels post heat treat but haven't tried it on this grinder yet. I get them as close to finished as possible before heat treat.
Also don't be afraid to take a hard backer and hand sand after you take it off the grinder, sometimes it may look flat but a good hand sanding will show flaws, if any.
 
The main reason I really want one is cause, I've been working on a small 8 inch knife with only a couple of hand files, which is a bit time consuming.
 
I started on the Harbor Freight 1x30 and made 6 knives with it before I was sure I wanted to do this long term and built a 2x72. I still use it for some things, sharpening and kydex shaping mostly. It will certainly help you learn patience and dipping your blade every pass or two. Here is the last knife I made on it.

63962086a7547bebd766a096ebda05ee.jpg
 
I second the viel its a 1x42 and made for metal not wood. if you already have a motor then you will have about 100 left for belts. I started on one and still use it for folder blades and sharpening. I have 3 2x72's a polar bear forge combo sling, a kmg and wilton. the viel is the only 1x42 but it works fine for sharpening as well.
 
I am in the school of it's better to start with this than just files, but you definitely want to save and plan towards a 2x72--I recommend the Rikon: https://www.amazon.com/RIKON-Power-...4884&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=Rikonl+belt+sander
It gives you a small disc sander to boot, I started with a 1x42 Burr King and I am trying to get it slowed down now--I've kept it for assorted tasks even though I now have 2 2x72 machines! Good luck in getting going--spend the extra on a good selection of belts.
 
I made knives on a 1x30 for a long time, and honestly you can do just about anything on a 1x30 that you can do on a 2x72, just slower. When I had my 1x30, I never had used a 2x72 so I didnt know what I was missing and it didnt bother me.
 
Can't believe this thread got this far without anyone mentioning the Craftsman 2x42. Much better grinder than anything from HF. Runs a 2" wide belt like the "big" knife grinders. Premium belt selection at Trugrit and Supergrit. Priced under $200. By far the Craftsman is the way to go. Search it, there are tons of threads on bladeforums.
 
I was wondering, when you buy the sling they send the frame and the bolts to assemble it? Which means I have to buy the motor, wheels and belts right?
 
The sling is just the frame, platen, handle. You supply nuts, bolts, wheels, axel bolts, machine washers for the wheels and motor. You also need to tap some holes.
 
Here's a link to a youtube video I did. Check the comments. There are links to the parts list. [youtube]FWe3qxx6S-g[/youtube]
 
Just a thought. This might show how much of a noob I am though.
Can grinding wax/lube be helpful with short belts?
 
Are you talking about putting that on the back of the belt to reduce friction? When i only had a 1x30, I put a ceramic platen liner on it. It made a world of difference, but the belts still get hot so you need to be dunking in water pretty frequently.
 
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