Which HF sander?

L

longhorn294

Joined
Feb 8, 2010
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2
Hey everyone. I'm new to this site and sharping in general and have some questions.
We were visiting my son in Albuquerque over Thanksgiving. We went to one of his friends house who happens to sharpen, among other things, surgical instruments. He sharpened my pocket knife and WOW!, it's like having a razor blade in my pocket. He uses a belt sander and after reading some of the post on here, decided to get one for myself and learn to use it.
I figured to start out with an inexpensive model like the Harbor Freight one mentioned in this forum. I see they offer two models, one with just the belt sander for $39.99 and another with a belt and disc combination for $69.99. Do you think I need the disc or is it worth it for the extra money?
Thanks for any advice in advance..... Dwain
 
My wife bought the combo version, but I don't see a need for the disc part. Love the belt grinder.
 
I have one without the disc and have never wished that I had it.

As far as advice goes, you're probably going to have to order some belts to get anything higher than 120 grit. Belts can be ordered from Lee Valley or a knifemaking supplier like Jantz. Start out with some cheap knives or some old kitchen knives that don't get used anymore. Keep a bucket of water handy when you're learning how to use it to keep the blade cool. Remember that the higher the grit is the faster the heat will build up. A belt cleaning bar will help extend the life of the belts also. Leaving a leather belt on the pulleys will stretch it out, so make sure to take it off when done using it.

There are some belt sander sharpening videos on youtube if you want to check those out too. I wasn't sure what to expect when I got mine but now that I have it I love it. It was easier for me to pick up than any other method of sharpening I've tried. Be prepared to get zapped though, as static can really build up while sharpening. That's the only thing I don't like about it.
 
A very common statement I see here often regarding power tools is that they can be dangerous both for the user and for the work piece.

I intend no insult with this. I just want to cover this since you say that you are new to sharpening, and perhaps no one has conveyed it. Be Careful!

Personally, I would practice/learn some sharpening fundamentals with hand tools before moving into powered stuff. OTOH it sounds like you have a very seasoned professional at your disposal that will hopefully help you and your developing your ability.

The nice thing about powered tools is the speed with which you can get things done...that is also perhaps the worst thing about them.

Have fun developing your skill.
 
If all you are doing is sharpening knives, the disc option is not necessary in my opinion. Another source for belts that someone recently mentioned is supergrit.com. FYI.

Doug
 
unit said:
A very common statement I see here often regarding power tools is that they can be dangerous both for the user and for the work piece.

I intend no insult with this. I just want to cover this since you say that you are new to sharpening, and perhaps no one has conveyed it. Be Careful!

Personally, I would practice/learn some sharpening fundamentals with hand tools before moving into powered stuff. OTOH it sounds like you have a very seasoned professional at your disposal that will hopefully help you and your developing your ability.

The nice thing about powered tools is the speed with which you can get things done...that is also perhaps the worst thing about them.

Have fun developing your skill.
Click to expand...

LOL No insult taken. Thanks for the replys. I do have some skills with grinders and such. I own a lawnmower repair shop and sharpen a ton of blades, etc., tho not on a belt sander, and I'm sure that's nothing like sharpening a knife to a razors edge. but I am familair with the dangers of powers tools. I'm heading to HF today and guess I'll have to order the other belts. I'll check out the youtube videos too.
Thanks for y'alls help and I'm sure I'll be back with more questions. :D
 
dannyp said:
I have one without the disc and have never wished that I had it.
There are some belt sander sharpening videos on youtube if you want to check those out too. I wasn't sure what to expect when I got mine but now that I have it I love it. It was easier for me to pick up than any other method of sharpening I've tried. Be prepared to get zapped though, as static can really build up while sharpening. That's the only thing I don't like about it.
Click to expand...

I use a delta 1X30 with sanding disc. I only use the disc as a finger brake to stop the belt quickly.
Go to Radio Shack and pick up a static wrist strap with coiled cord and alligator clip.
(Like what you see your computer nerd friends use.)
Clip the alligator to a bare metal spot or screw threads on the belt sander.
I just slide the wrist strap over my palm on one hand so it is easy to slip on and off.
That will solve the static problem.
 
If you're used to grinding already you shouldn't have much trouble picking the technique up. I've heard of people using a belt sander to sharpen lawnmower blades as well. You might want to give it a try just to see how you like it compared to the way you normally do it. I've used mine to sharpen axes and machetes in addition to knives. It really makes quick work of them.

Thanks for the tip lmleck:thumbup:. It's not really that big of a deal. Rereading my first post makes it seem like it's worse than it is. Some days are worse than others, especially dry ones. I just wanted to give a heads up to longhorn or anyone else interested in getting a sander what to expect. I've seen posts where someone was asking why they kept getting shocked by their new sander wanting to know if something was wrong with it.
 
dannyp said:
If you're used to grinding already you shouldn't have much trouble picking the technique up. I've heard of people using a belt sander to sharpen lawnmower blades as well. You might want to give it a try just to see how you like it compared to the way you normally do it. I've used mine to sharpen axes and machetes in addition to knives. It really makes quick work of them.
Thanks for the tip lmleck:thumbup:. It's not really that big of a deal. Rereading my first post makes it seem like it's worse than it is. Some days are worse than others, especially dry ones. I just wanted to give a heads up to longhorn or anyone else interested in getting a sander what to expect. I've seen posts where someone was asking why they kept getting shocked by their new sander wanting to know if something was wrong with it.
Click to expand...

The biggest deal with the shock is my flinch, I am afraid I may hurt the knife or myself.:grumpy: Especially on dry winter days.
 
I have been sharpening with a sander for a while now. I used this post by Jerry Hossom as my bible. Give this a look it should at least get you started. The best advice I can give you is start out on junk knives from flea markets or yard sales. You will be shocked how sharp you can get a knife with this method also how fast you can get a knife sharp.http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4916570&postcount=78. Good luck
 
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