Why use a belt grinder?

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May 28, 2000
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As I am a newbie, I would like to ask why use a belt grinder instead of a 6" bench grinder? What are the pros and cons? I have used a benchgrinder to grind a few knives out of mechancal hacksaw blades, and this is what I found out:

bench grinders
1. vibrate like crazy!
2. get too hot to hold onto the blade very quickly
3. cant really see the plunge line as there is a shroud
4. can only get one side of the plunge line perfect

I have not used a belt grinder so cannot comment on it.

Please give some insights.
 
When using a belt grinder;
The radius of the wheel is constant.
You can go to finer grits very quickly.
More versatile
 
Originally posted by kevtan
I have used a benchgrinder to grind a few knives out of mechancal hacksaw blades, and this is what I found out:

bench grinders
1. vibrate like crazy!
2. get too hot to hold onto the blade very quickly
3. cant really see the plunge line as there is a shroud
4. can only get one side of the plunge line perfect

I have not used a belt grinder so cannot comment on it.

Please give some insights.

These are all reasons most of us use belt grinders.;) :D
 
I see in the Murray Carter Catalog that he is using a big stone for grinding. Like the ones used by old blacksmiths. Would something like that be good for blade grinding?

Also, what belts would you use for grinding heat treated steels like one piece and laminated planer blades? I ask this because it is hard and expensive to find good steels in sizes suitable for blades, unless I import them from the States!
 
yeahup
that about says it
other than that you're going to be a long time getting
those grind marks out by hand
 
'coz with files it a helluva work and you can't get a decent hollow grind?

Anyway, about your issues:

1) It doesn't. If it's properly built, at least.
2) You mustn't. When profiling from rough bar it's ok (use gloves and a magnet to keep the balde so you won't burn yourself), but with heat treated steel you must take every care not to overheat it, and with fresh belts this is pretty easy.
3) That's a little tricky at first, but with exercise it gets really easier.
4) This because things are not symmetrical (your body comprised) and your use of the left hand is different from the use of right hand even if you are ambidextruous.
So, here too, the secret is in practice.

Don't expect to get a decent knife out of your first grind: you won't.
I started with a 10 inch tanto and ended up with a 2" cutter :D
 
I like flat grind and even chisel grind. Have made quite a few mechanical hacksaw bladed cord wrapped kitchen knives. I think the steel is M2. My mother loves the knives as it cuts like crazy, especially for slicing meat, veges and fruits. It even self sharpen if used to cut pineapple! (because of the acidic juice)

Would love to see the floor of your grinder after you make the 2" cutter. :D
 
My reason for not using or liking grind wheels or stones is all the dead and injured guys.

I did my apprenticeship in the water authority. Lots of safety films and photos. Disc and bench grinders do sometimes fly to bits. People have been killed. I saw a medical show on the tv where a guy had his face reconstructed buy using part of a rib to make an eye socket.

I called into the Police station at Mt Magnet about 12 years ago the
police there were sowing each other the broken bits of grind wheel
that had killed a local minner.

They SCARE the hell out of me. If you use then kep them in good order
and don't grind on the side of the wheel. Don't be heavy handed with them.

Also if there are safety guards on any disc or bench leave them on.

My advice is to make sure you have all the safety gear you need including ear muffs dust masks and goggles even with a grind wheel.

Don't let me put you off I still have a grinder I use I'm just careful.
 
Along thos same lines, if you get a belt grinder, make sure you get some decent belts. I am not saying you have to buy the $5.00 ones, I use plain old AO belts at a buck a piece. I have bought some off of eBay that must have been old stock.

But the point is, belt grinders can put a hurting on ya too. Definitely wear safety equipment with any tools that have a potential to do great bodily harm.

Those old belts I got would not hold together on my Burr King. That was pre-VFD days and the belt was moving at 8000 SFPM. The belt broke, nocked the blade out of my hand, and the belt smacked me in the side of the face. After I made sure that that blade was not stuck in me, I had to check to make sure my ear was still attached. it was, and I was luck to only have a big old welt from being spanked by that belt.

Anyway, anybody want to buy some 2 x 60 belts cheap? :D
 
"I called into the Police station at Mt Magnet about 12 years ago the
police there were sowing each other the broken bits of grind wheel
that had killed a local miner."

Best reason of all Reg!! Belt grinders don't explode!
If you do use a bench grinder, stand to the side for a minute or so every time you turn it on. Least then you're not directly in it's sights.:eek:
 
I have personal experience of the wheel fly apart but not to the extent of getting hurt. That's what the shroud is for. But getting killed bu a wheel??? Must be an 10" doing 3,600rpm and below 0 degF.
My elec supply is 50Hz so the max rpm is 2,980 and I only use a 6" stone.
 
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