This size accounts for the majority of belt grinding machines manufactured specifically for knife making in North America. “1×30 belt grinders are great finishing tools and an affordable investment for hobbyists. They work well for knife sharpening and detail work, but the 1” belt is not wide enough to effectively flatten off material on larger knives. You could use a 1×42 belt grinder for bevel grinding, profiling, and most of the initial steps of knife development, but the lower motor power and smaller work surface associated with 1×42 grinders leaves the 2×72 grinders more equipped to create knives at a faster pace. In many cases, it’s better to go with a 2×42 belt grinder over a 1×42 grinder. They still work fairly well for knife making and are popular with hobbyist knife makers who are just starting out and need an entry-level grinder. “Motor size is one of the most important factors when deciding on a grinder for knife making. A 2×72 grinder would work best with a motor that has at least 2hp. On the other hand, a 2×48 grinder can work well with a motor that provides 1.5hp, because the length of the belt is shorter.
The Bucktool BG2600 Belt Sander uses a 2″ x 42″ sanding belt; a size that many alternative belts are available in that is great for knife making. 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. With this belt sander, the barrier to knife making is much lower, making it easy and affordable for someone to get started. There are plenty of belt grinders on the market, and many of them are excellent tools, though they’re not a great choice for knife making. We’ve covered the features you don’t want to be without, but belt grinders also come with features that you might not need for knife making. 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.
Buy on Amazon Buying guide for best belt sander & belt grinder for knife making. You can use a belt sander and belt grinder both for making knives. Aside from the belt size, there are some other features that you need to look for when buying the best belt sander and grinder for knife making.
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.
best size 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 sander does Forged in fire use?
The Brodbeck grinder is reliable, sturdy, easy to use, and easy to configure. Its elegant rock-solid design has made the Brodbeck Ironworks the preferred choice for bladesmiths and blacksmiths such as J.
What is the difference between a belt sander and a belt grinder?
The belt grinder belt speed typically runs double from what the belt speed of the belt of a belt sander is running at. Belts grinders you generally have multiple grinding points such as the platen and the second grinding point is the contact wheel.
What is a belt grinder used for?
Belt grinding uses an abrasive belt attached to a motor (visualize a chainsaw without blades) to grind down the surface of a working material that makes contact. A belt grinder (not to be confused with a belt sander) is typically used on metal materials and is excellent at grinding down metal surfaces.
What is a knife grinder?
Definition of knife grinder 1 : one that grinds knives: such as. a : an itinerant tradesman who sharpens knives or other edged tools. b : a device (as a grindstone or emery wheel) used for grinding or sharpening knives or other edged tools.
What grit sizes are commonly used on a belt sander and why?
Choosing the Right Sanding Belt Grit The heavier the job, the coarser the sanding belt you’ll need. 40 to 60 grit is best suited for the heaviest work. When you’re performing tasks such as smoothing surfaces or removing minor blemishes, you’re better off using sandpaper with 80 to 120 grit.
What is better belt sander or orbital sander?
A belt sander is more effective for large materials, while the orbital sander is ideal for small spaces and pieces of furniture. A belt sander works effectively on flat surfaces, while an orbital sander can work with various angles.
What forge Do they use on forged in fire?
Majestic Forge has supplied forges to Blacksmith Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Production shops, and T.V. shows, “Myth Busters” has chosen majestic forge twice for their show and Majestic forge is the forge of choice for “Forged in Fire”.
Can you use a belt sander as a belt grinder?
High speed abrasives heat the edge very quickly, especially at finer grits (finer than 120) and even more if the abrasive is a little worn. I have belts with grits as small as 15 micron, but no longer use them. A 1″ belt sander can replace a grinding wheel for many sharpening applications.
What kind of sanding belts are best for metal?
As high-performance belts, both zirconia and ceramic sanding belts will last longer and remove metal faster than aluminum oxide or silicon carbide sanding belts. Both belts have the ability to resharpen as they wear and both are primarily used on metal applications. In the end, both types of belts are excellent belts.
Is a belt sander faster?
Belt Sanders are high-speed, which can save time. They’re also powerful, able to remove any material and the best sander for aggressive removal down to the wood. When working with the grain, they are the perfect sander for large surfaces.