Starting belt Sander/Grinder.

S

Silver-Woolf

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Oct 9, 2013
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Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and knife making.

I was recently browsing a few youtube videos and found some knife making videos and it seems quite interesting.

I've decided to start small.. I have most basic tools, I'm actually looking for a Bench top belt sander/grinder. I found some 1" x 30" sanders, namely the Harbor Freight and the Delta model 31 - 050.

My question is, are these worth buying? Or should i be buying something bigger?

As a beginner, im gona be cutting out the shape of the blade with an angle grinder, and the just shaping it and making the bevel on belt sander/grinder. And then sharpening on an oil stone.

Thanks guys.
Woolf
 
Also, if you decide not to stay with knife making you will find a hundred uses for a good belt sander for jobs around the house. But I would say once you finish your first knife you'll be pretty stoked to make another and another.
 
Thanks for the speedy reply guys.

The reason im asking is becuz ive been offered quite a good deal on the delta model, and if its powerful enough to get the job done, keeping in mind im a beginner (slower might be better). I dont wana pass up the opportunity.
 
The Craftsman 2x42 is a much better starter grinder than the 1" grinders. Runs $150 regular price, but is often on sale. Do a search, tons of information on this forum on the 2x42.
 
I don't mind spending up to $150 on the grinder. How would i measure which grinder is better though? What is it thats important, other than belt size/length. The RPM? Why is the Craftsman 2x42 is better than the Delta 1x30?
 
2" belts are easier to grind on and the belts will last longer because you have twice the surface area. Even with a 2x42 expect to go through belts hogging off material. I really like the blaze belts for the 2x42. They have consistently performed best for me. All of the grinders you're looking at are running faster then you really want. That's my biggest complaint about my 2x42 and the biggest reason why I finally just broke down and purchased a 2x72.
 
I also you go to the top of the stickies and read the information there. It's lots but all stuff the you can use. I too recommend the best grinder you can afford. Frank
 
Agree, better belt selection in the 2" and twice as much abrasive to grind with.
 
If you're handy, you can build a grinder. Here is a video of the one I built but there are many home-build versions and plans available for the nicer ones.

[video=youtube;40oBU5oboag]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40oBU5oboag[/video]
 
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What i have is a hf 4x36 and for how cheap it is, it works great. it is a very nice starting grinder, i have had it since last christmas, it was a LOT better than using just hand files and sandpaper. it can go to 90 degrees, and you can put the table on it when it in the 90 degree position (I hope this makes sense what im saying :)). I just got done grinding a bevel on a 6 inch long bushcraft knife today in about half an hour to 40 mins. Both sides are even and symmetrical. If you purchase any grinder make sure to make a jig (free handing sucks in my opinion for many reasons). I made mine out of angle iron. Its so simple to make, all you need is a 12 inch long peice of angle iron ( i cut it off of a old mattress frame, and take 2 mini c clamps and attach them to the handle of the knife and c clamp. Good smithing :thumbup:
 
I use a 2x36 Multi tool attachment grinder, that attaches to my bench grinder (which is variable speed). I got it from Trick Tools. The only problem I have is the platen which is located on top and can take some practice to use it right. It works really good for the price $200 and I can still use the stone grinder on the other side which helps save space on my workbench. I would say that I am saving up for a more purpose built grinder.
 
GaryPogueCustomKnife said:
What i have is a hf 4x36 and for how cheap it is, it works great. it is a very nice starting grinder, i have had it since last christmas, it was a LOT better than using just hand files and sandpaper. it can go to 90 degrees, and you can put the table on it when it in the 90 degree position (I hope this makes sense what im saying :)). I just got done grinding a bevel on a 6 inch long bushcraft knife today in about half an hour to 40 mins. Both sides are even and symmetrical. If you purchase any grinder make sure to make a jig (free handing sucks in my opinion for many reasons). I made mine out of angle iron. Its so simple to make, all you need is a 12 inch long peice of angle iron ( i cut it off of a old mattress frame, and take 2 mini c clamps and attach them to the handle of the knife and c clamp. Good smithing :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I have one of those. Never even considered grinding steel on it. :o

I use it for wood/micarta scales and roughing out wood pieces for carving.

That's pretty cool that you are able to use it like you are. I'd love to see pics of your work. :)
 
If you use a 4x36" make sure to get appropriate belts! Most you will find locally are only good for wood/micarta etc. I made my first 15 knives on one. It works, and using the disc helps, but the 2" models take metal off better. Due to cheap finds on Kijiji I have a 4x36" and a 1x42" now, but am also a couple of parts away from a no weld 2x72". Can't wait for the bigger motor- make sure to not push the little guys too hard if you want them to last.
 
I think a 1x30 discourages knife making in that its just not the right tool.
If I were to have to decide on how I would make a knife with a $150 budget I would invest in files.
As long as you use a easier to machine steel I would make that choice.
Now I am pretty new to this and my opinion is what it is
 
As a beginner, and remember that making tools is half the fun, I highly recommend the 4x36 with a slight modification. You're only a single wheel away from using 2x72 on it.
SANY0018.jpg
 
The 4x36 lacks power, and tracking is awful, so you'll have a tough time grinding anything that looks good on it. Same deal with the HF 1x30. I went through 3 of them. I started out on a Rikon 1x30 after the HF ones failed me, and that had much better tracking, but still, wasn't ideal. The minimum I'd suggest starting with is the Craftsman 2x48, although if you get hooked, you'll end up with a real grinder at some point. Shoot me a PM with your contact info, and I may be able to help you out. Also, fill out your profile.
 
The 4x36 isn't ideal, and it has only one speed which we lovingly call "Holy Shit Speed!" However, by wrapping electrical tape on the top 8" wheel, the tracking is rock solid. Don't rely on the built-in tracking. The brand matters. Mine is a PerformaX 6 amp sander and while it isn't as powerful as my 1HP clone that I use now, it's much more powerful than my neighbor's Craftsman sander. Having the ability to use 2x72 belts is so much nicer than 2x48 that I thinks it's worth it.

Here's the WIP I did 3 years ago for this grinder conversion
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-grinder-conversion?highlight=4x36+conversion


As far as not grinding anything good on it, that's nonsense. It's a poor craftsman who blames his tools. Here's a full flat grind on a 2" wide santoku made on this grinder, that was before I didn't know what I was doing.
 

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