Considering its low price, we were quite surprised when it turned out to be one of the best belt grinders for knife making for the money. For most users, we think the Bucktool Combo Belt Sander is the best belt grinder for knife making overall. The Shop Fox W1843 Knife Belt Sander is the best choice for serious knife makers.
1×30 grinder has a 1-inch wide belt that is 30 inches in circumference, a 2×72 has a 2-inch wide belt, that is 72 inches in circumference. A wider belt exerts more friction on the flat platen of a machine, needing more power and a longer belt allows for less time between belt changes but will also demand extra power. A 2×72 grinder runs best with a motor of 2hp. But a 1×72″: grinder would grind great with only 1hp. When you reduce your belt length, you also reduce the demand on the motor which is why our 2×48″ machines are supplied with a 1.5hp motor.
Check Ebay after you look on a few of the knife making supplier websites to familiarize yourself with how the machines look- you can find some deals- in the past year I picked up a Wilton Square grinder for about $400.00 because the seller listed it by the motor name instead of the tool company name and gave the wrong belt size. As far as contact wheels, he shows you how to make them and has plans for a machine to true them up- wheels up to 12″. A few yearsz ago I picked up a craftsman 4x36belt/disc machine and a scroll saw for $50. Not the best machines for the job, but they still work.
The difference between a cheap grinder with a cheap belt and a high quality grinder with a high quality belt is astonishing. Buying a high quality grinder with a high quality belt will save you A LOT of time and frustration, especially if you are a power user that will use your belt grinder on a regular basis. My pick for the “Best” belt grinder is the Grizzly G1015 Belt Sander. The belt has a quick-release mechanism making for quick belt changes. If you are an experienced belt sander user, you will spend less time at the grinder and it will last longer. Knife makers will refer to these tools as belt grinders – I have heard some knife makers say that belt sanders refer to tools designed for woodworking. In addition to the belt grinder and the belt itself, there are a number of tools designed to prolong the life of your belts and to improve your grinds.
cheap belt sander for knife making Related Question:
What size belt sander is best for making knives?
2×72 Belt Grinders For professional knife making, 2×72 size belts are considered the industry standard. This size accounts for the majority of belt grinding machines manufactured specifically for knife making in North America.
What belt sanders are used in forged in fire?
The mechanical engineering degree paid off when he designed the TW-90 vertical/horizontal grinder, known to many as the “Cadillac of belt grinders.” It’s Travis’ brainchild, and it was an industry game-changer when it comes to finishing knives.