Thread: Belt sanders

I finally have space to create a workshop now and I've been looking at getting a nice belt sander. I'm interested in something like i've seen in Spazola's videos. ( I think from what I've read he makes his own equipment). Also the following link. ( Sorry its not razor making but it's close. Also I think most will agree with the concept. ) The Life of a Modern Day Knife Maker Who Still Makes Knives By Hand Is Fascinating

I have no idea what brand etc that is. These machines look much more industrial than some of what comes up when you start searching for belt sanders.

Looking for input from anyone. I'd like to buy something once that will last.

Thanks
Bruce

If you are asking for advice on what grinder to get, you might give an idea on the budget you are working within and then more proper advice can be given. I built my first razors on a 4x36 grinder like mentioned here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/forge...ake-razor.html
Some have built razors using a regular belt sander upside down in a vice...so sometimes it's more about how creative you can be than the tools. There are the "grinder in a box" systems (Undream did a nice thread on this system) that are rock solid and the complete systems like the KMG or Bader grinders as well, again, it's about your personal budget and your abilities/creativity. When you are doing your search, try searching for knife grinders & you will find more options.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

If you are asking for advice on what grinder to get, you might give an idea on the budget you are working within and then more proper advice can be given. I built my first razors on a 4x36 grinder like mentioned here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/forge...ake-razor.html
Some have built razors using a regular belt sander upside down in a vice...so sometimes it's more about how creative you can be than the tools. There are the "grinder in a box" systems (Undream did a nice thread on this system) that are rock solid and the complete systems like the KMG or Bader grinders as well, again, it's about your personal budget and your abilities/creativity. When you are doing your search, try searching for knife grinders & you will find more options.

Sorry I should have thought about that. My budget for all intents and purposes is unlimited within reason. I look at it this way. I dont want to spend 200 bucks and in a year of moderate to heavy usage have to look at something else when I could have spent 4 or 500 on something that much better.

I love being creative with tools but there is a limit to that. At a point the creativity gets to be a hinderence. I like the looks of the ones I mentioned due to the quick swap of a myriad of belts.

Thanks
Bruce

There are a lot of nice grinders you can get. It is like Scott said it depends on your budget. If I were to buy a new grinder I would most likely get a small Bader with a vfd (variable frequency drive – speed controller) . If I were to build one from a kit I would most likely get a “grinder in a box” or make some sort of kmg clone.

Charlie

Bruce,
See this thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/forge...r-project.html

Check this out: Polar Bear Forge

I have this setup in my shop as well...just having some vfd issues and need to get an electrician in who knows vfd's to help me out.

Keep in mind that my Ryobi 4x36 gets used hard and heavy & is a integrel part of my shop & is still going strong...

Thank you all.. After looking at the prices I think I'll be trying a kit first. I'm no opposed to spending 1-3k + for something that does what it's supposed to do and does it well but ahem maybe not right off the bat.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Bruce,
See this thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/forge...r-project.html

Check this out: Polar Bear Forge

I have this setup in my shop as well...just having some vfd issues and need to get an electrician in who knows vfd's to help me out.

Keep in mind that my Ryobi 4x36 gets used hard and heavy & is a integrel part of my shop & is still going strong...

Nice. I'm going to start part hunting.

Junk treadmills are a great source for variable speed DC motors. USA Knifemaker Supply has a precut kit 2 x 72 grinder, and a large selection of wheels and belts. I have a KMG with a treadmill motor, and 8, 4 and 2 inch wheels, plus a flat platten setup.

I have (ab)used a simple Bosch belt grinder for a while now.
However, I am working with a US friend to get me a KMG.

I know it is possible to build one myself, but it would cost me a lot of shop time.
Shop time is fairly limited, so rather than spend a year or more, tinkering to build me a rock solid belt grinder, I decided to just cough up the money for a KMG so that I can spend that time working on actual knives and razors, instead working on the grinder itself.

Definitely go for a variable speed motor!