Used Craftsman 2 x 42 Belt Sander - What to look for?

Delkancott

Delkancott

Joined
Dec 30, 2010
Messages
615
I'm not sure if this has been posted before, if it has, I apologize.

So, I've been thinking about trying my hand at knife making for a while now, and finally with my own workspace (new house (to me) basement) I'm able to attempt it. So of course, before I have any steel, fasteners or handle material I started looking for tools I don't need and had my eye initially on a HF 1 x 30, but after reading a lot of commentary decided to spend more and go with the Craftsman 2 x 42. Well, looking for a used one on Craigslist I found an ad from early November and emailed the guy because he may still by chance have it. Well, he does, and it seems like a steal. He says it's only been used a handful of times and wants only $40 for it. My question to the forum is, is there anything in particular I should look for when buying a used model that will have no warranty? Should I bring a piece of wood/metal to test it? And, if all goes well, what belts would you recommend for it?

Thank you and sorry for the long first post.
 
Put a belt on it,and turn it on.If it doesn't start by it self,pass.If it starts right up and runs smooth grab it.
Stan
 
If it doesn't start, it's likely just the start capacitor on the motor. Easy fix. Buy it unless it's your last $40 especially if it is in decent shape.
 
Like the others have said, if it starts, get it. At the worse you'll have blown $40. Trust me, you'll blow more than that in the long run if you hand around knife making!

As for belts, I buy nearly all of mine from TruGrit. If I were just starting out, I'd get the Norton blaze 2x42 in both the 60 and 120 grit. These will be for hogging metal off of your blade. You can then go into hand sanding. I'd then get some Klingspor aluminum oxide belts (CS310X) in 50, 120 and 220 for handles. I personally like the Gator belts with my 2x42, but they're kinda a specialty belt and you can ruin them if you're not careful.

By the way, if you get into making more than a few knives, you'll probably want to modify that 2x42. There are several good video's on YouTube for modifying it. Here's the first one you should watch IMHO. The $500 KnifeShop

Good Luck and be sure to show us some of your work with that 2x42!
 
So, like most of craigslist, it was a let down. I drove a few towns over to look at it and the guy hands me a 3 x 21 belt sander. Me, um, I asked you in the email if it was a 2 x 42 and you said it was. Him, oh, I have that, my dad was using it...

Now we'll see if he brings it by my work as promised...
 
Before you go, make sure there is a belt on it, so you can listen to all the pulleys run. I bought mine with a broken belt, and motor ran, but when I bought a belt and turned it on, I found the drive pulley slipped on the shaft, and another idler pulley squealed like a stuck pig! Turn it on for a few minutes and watch the pulleys and listen to the pulleys. I had to buy a drive pulley, and then had to modify it slightly to make it fit. I bought a 1x42 and no regrets, for it is for sharpening. Let it run for a few minutes, and wait for lack of squeal. Still worth checking into. No pain no gain.
 
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