Thread: One big one little

Originally Posted by williamc

I would love a big belt grinder but they are about £600 over in the Uk. So Until I have the funds this is my set up. A little axminster hobby bench grinder. Then I use abrasive compound to smooth out before polishing.

That would be an extreme bargain, 600GBP.
Does it have variable speed and exchangeable contact wheels for that price?
Do you have a link?

Originally Posted by Bruno

That would be an extreme bargain, 600GBP.
Does it have variable speed and exchangeable contact wheels for that price?
Do you have a link?

No Bruno that was a gess, they're even more money nightmare. What sort of money would I be looking at for a decent one? To be honest I've had trouble sourcing in the UK, searched on google with not much luck.

Originally Posted by Wullie

William, From what I've seen, you don't need a big belt grinder. You've got your rig dialed in and the eye and skill to make it work for you. I made a LOT of knives back in the 80's by both forging and stock removal. I'm impressed with your work. The grind lines tell the story.

As for a belt sander? They are pricey if you buy pre made. I've seen several shop made belt sanders here as well as in the knife makers forums that can be made for a LOT less than the figure you quoted.

All I can say is carry on!

Thanks for the encouragement

Originally Posted by williamc

No Bruno that was a gess, they're even more money nightmare. What sort of money would I be looking at for a decent one? To be honest I've had trouble sourcing in the UK, searched on google with not much luck.

Well, Mine came from Germany.
Bandschleifer Modell 2-SF
As you can see, pretty expensive. I found another supplier in Poland but they were the same price level.

I know you can build them yourself, but good contact wheels are also not cheap, and it can take a lot of time to build a proper one. In my case, I decided that the time needed to build one was more valuable than the money to buy one.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Well, Mine came from Germany.
Bandschleifer Modell 2-SF
As you can see, pretty expensive. I found another supplier in Poland but they were the same price level.

I know you can build them yourself, but good contact wheels are also not cheap, and it can take a lot of time to build a proper one. In my case, I decided that the time needed to build one was more valuable than the money to buy one.

I've got some saving to do. My missus complains if I drop £100 on materials, I think she'll pass out when I tell her I'm spending £1200. Thanks for posting the link nice one.

My experience was the opposite. I spent months debating with myself whether I was actually going to buy it or not. Then my wife sat me down and asked me if I really wanted it, and if it was worth the money. I said yes and she told me to just buy it then.

I don't enjoy fancy clothes, or shoes, or go out with friends to a bar, don't go to sports games etc. So all in all, I don't spend luxury money at all. I never got any of the ADs. It's the one and only hobby I really love (other than martial arts) She told me that I never spend money so if I really wanted to have this, I should buy it. That was before I became semi professional so this was household money.

Next month I'm going to buy a second one of those, as a business expense. You might wonder: why would you need 2? The answer is simple. I am a semi pro bladesmith, and my belt grinder is the most critical tool I have. they come with a lead time of 2 months, so if my current grinder would fail for whatever reason, it may put me on idle for a long time. Having 2 means less time lost switching attachments, but also a backup in case one of them fails.