what belts do i need for belt sander???

O

ouporblowup

Joined
Feb 6, 2011
Messages
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new to knife making and i was gonna throw on a little craftsman belt sander just to help pump them out a little faster

but wasnt sure what types of belts would be best for 1084 ( if it matters )

ooo
 
Here's a tutorial on the topic.

http://www.usaknifemaker.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=94_42&products_id=1393

I have a 1x30 Delta. It is 1/3 hp and I find it nearly useless for stock removal. You simply cant put any pressure on it with the platen without bogging down.
On the other hand, It's great for sharpening without the platen if you desire a convex edge, and also good for handle work.

That being said, I would start with an assortment of aluminum oxide from 60 to 400 grit and some micron grit (Norax) from 100x to 5x.
 
Are you asking for sharpening or stock removal?

If sharpening, I can't help you.

I'm assuming you mean a 2x42 grinder.
If stock removal, first look up $500 knifeshop on YouTube. Good stuff there.

I was advised to get Norton Blaze belts for roughing and Norton Gator belts for finishing. I'm happy with them both.
 
I use the same grinder. I start with the 36 grit zirconia belts, then 60 and 120 grit ceramics (gonna be trying the blaze that are now available in this size) and the full spread of "gator" belts from the A300 through A30. Essentially I do almost all metal removal with 36 grit, fine tune it with 60 grit ceramic, then the gators to pretty it up. I also use the Klingspor 309J belts in 120 and 500, mostly for plunge lines and some handle work and such. The J weight belts are extremely flexible and will wrap around the edge of the platen for getting into corners but they wear out fast, I just use them to clean up those details. The 120 grit ceramic is primarily for handle work, I use the gators for metal past 60 grit but that's mostly because the joint on the ceramics "hop" a bit so if the Blaze belts don't do that I may start using them through 120.

Speaking of platens, if you haven't already, go to USAknifemaker.com and get the tempered glass platen, 2x6 or something like that, and follow the instructions there for mounting it. You don't want to use just the steel one the grinder has by default. Just make sure you mount it in the right place. Get your belts going, tracking properly, then stop the grinder and mark the platen where the edges of the belt are. You want to keep the glass lined up with the belt.

+1 for tru grit, they're my source for belts and seem to have the best and most easily shopped selection of 2x42 belts.
 
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