In this blog, we’ll review belt grinders used for knife making and how to use them to deliver superior-quality blades. Some knife makers like to start with an angle grinder for the initial profiling before moving to a belt grinder, but you can use a belt grinder for the whole grinding process. If you decide to use your belt grinder instead of an angle grinder to shape the outline of the blade, you’ll want to ensure you have some form of flat surface to set the metal on while grinding.
Once your bevel is at the point where there is enough surface area to hold it against the belt then that is where the fun begins. “Stay away from your plunge until your bevels are almost done. Leave an 1/8”. Then plunge your plunge at once and match the other side. Edit: I should add that you should use an old belt to knock off the 45 degree initial edge and then move to new quality belts after that.
Go back with a file and clean up the plunge and bevel line trying to merge the plunge line to the disc grinder created bevel. The blade smith hand holds the blade, resting the pre-established bevel directly onto the belt grinders platen or contact wheel. Pressure jigs can be designed for either edge up or edge down bevel grinding.
Grinding using a Belt Sander Introduction This page discusses grinding edge tools using a Belt Sander. My 1″ vertical belt sander I originally got this belt sander to sharpen lathe tools. Robert Sorby ProEdge belt sander The English company Robert Sorby makes a belt sander with a number of different tool rests.
how to bevel a knife with a belt sander Related Question:
What angle do you sharpen a knife on a belt sander?
About this item The Knife Sharpening Angle guide fits securely onto the 1″ Platen of your belt sander with a Spring Clip. This allows incredibly easy installation and use. It also will become loose from vibration. Knife Angle References are marked from 10 Degrees to 45 Degrees.
Can I use a belt sander as a 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.