Which do you get more use out of?

L

Lo/Rez

Joined
Feb 10, 2013
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As a knife maker do you get more use out of a 4x32 belt sander or out of a disc sander? I was looking at buying a combo unit (which it only has a 6" disc) but then thought I might as well ask. I already have a 2x72 grinder.
 
Lo/Rez, I would recommend that you acquire a 9 inch disc sander with variable speed. Just buy a 1 hp three phase motor and a VFD and mount the motor and drive to piece of good plywood and add a reverse switch to the drive. A good drive and motor plus cable glands and cable ,and plywood can be done for about $600. It will be one of the best investments you have ever made in knife making in my opinion. The disc will flatten your knife and finish the blade to a fine degree and you can also blend your edge with your flat grind not to mention making perfectly flat and tight fitting bolsters. Just my opinion. Larry
 
I agree with Larry. You will get much more use from the 9 inch disc grinder. I recommend the Neilson interchangeable disc grinder that Wayne Coe sells. I keep 120 grit paper on one disc and 400 grit on another. I also have both flat discs and the 1 degree taper disc and it is very helpful to be able to switch between them.
 
Thanks for the replys. I found a 12" sander for a pretty good price. Is there any reason to get a 9" version instead of the 12" one?
 
i hae a 12 and only use it for taperign the fronts of my handles. the 9 inch wins because of the ability use std. size sheets of paper opening up many more options for uses
im goingto make a work rest for my KMG to do the angles i am after and i think i will be sellin gmy 12 inch (i dont have a 9" ether )
 
Like butcher _ block said the reason for 9" over 12" is that you can use standard sheets of sandpaper. I use rynowet red paper from supergrit.com. You can use spray adhesive but 3M feathering adhesive works better because you can pull the paper off later without tearing it up.
 
Good info, thanks. The 12" sander is a good deal so I will check to see what the shaft size is and see if I can find a 9" disc to put on it.
 
Lo/Rez, If the shaft size is 5/8" you can buy a nice 9" disc from Beaumont Metal Works. There may be discs available for different shaft sizes. Someone on this site will know when you find out the size. Larry
 
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