tab112983 Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 I am trying to flat grind metal for knives I am making. I am looking for a peice of equipment that will run me about a hundred bucks. I am wondering if I should buy a 12 inch disk sander or a 4x 48 belt sander. What would you all recommend? Would there be any modifications I could make like mounting some rubber behind the sand paper to keep from putting accidental scratches on the peice im working? Any advice is welcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothBore Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 A garden variety 6^' x 48" belt sander, with the belt laid over in the horizontal position, seems to be a common solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironstein Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 My advice would be to purchase the nicest belt grinder you can afford, or you could buy the no weld grinder plans and build one yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
knots Posted April 1, 2012 Share Posted April 1, 2012 Years ago I purchased a hand held belt sander at a yard sale for $5. Clamped the handle in a vice used it to sharpen chisels and knives for 10 years before purchasing my Wilton belt grinder. That is about as cheap a solution as there is to be found. The 6 x 48 belt sander sounds like a winner. The only thing, if sharpening finished hardened tools, you need to cool your blades frequently or the blade will over heat and the temper will be drawn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s meyer Posted April 2, 2012 Share Posted April 2, 2012 I would consider draw files and saving up for a 2x72 or 2x 48 belt grinder.You will find more choices of belts at cheeper price If you want flat the draw file will work fast and cheep. You will be happier with a 2" belt sander. I would also recomend varyable speed like step pulleys. a coot grinder or grinder in a box or even a grizzley. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmy seale Posted April 2, 2012 Share Posted April 2, 2012 i have a 4 x 36 form lowes for a 100$ a few years ago but....limited in grits..it has a 6" disc that i use too, but i only use this for profile and rough sanding..but it dose do it's job..good luck whith what ever you get Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluidsteel Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 Craftsman 2"x42" $140 or so, they are screaming fast, but you can get blaze belts from Trugrit and be good to go. The plate. Will need some work, but, google Craftsman 2"x42" mods and you'll see what guys have done with theirs. A 2"x72" is ideal. But the Craftsman will get you started. The 4"x36" is basically a woodworking tool. I'd skip it for blades. The other option is a 9" disc. Uses standard sheets of paper but you can grind blades well with practice on one. I have 2 and love em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Yates Posted April 3, 2012 Share Posted April 3, 2012 The Best belt grinder you can afford. would be best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don A Posted April 4, 2012 Share Posted April 4, 2012 As above... learn to draw file (while learning blade geometry in the process). Sell some work, save some bucks, buy a good grinder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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