New Toy Up and Running - Thoughts

[DOCworks]

Finally got my belt grinder up and running. 2hp 230v 3450 rpm, currently with 220 grit sand paper. I hope Doug T. doesn't shoot me for trying it on one of his tools! It really puts a wonderful edge on my skews also. Has anyone else tried this? I'm not giving up my wheel grinder, but it does seems to work well and very quiet.
Bill

Toy 1
Toy 2

 

[AlanZ]

Bill,

Congratulations on the grinder. It takes some getting used to, but it's a great addition to a shop.

I've had a Bader III variable speed belt grinder with an 8" hard rubber wheel in my little shop for about 12 years. I originally intended it for knifemaking, but that got "revectored". I adapted it for sharpening lathe tools by adding a Nova Sharp Center (a OneWay wolverine didn't easily clear the bottom of the belt)

The ability to change belts quickly/trivially is a blessing. I have belts from 32 grit to a few microns. It's also nice to adjust the belt so it runs off the edge of the wheel slightly, giving you a "soft" edge area of the belt.

I also have a flat platen for the grinder, so I can configure it in many ways... very flexible.

My wife sharpens on a slow speeed 8" bench grinder, and we both enjoy using a JoolTool. So there are may ways to put an edge on a tool, and it's nice to see the belt grinder starting to get some notice from the woodturners.

 

[James E Gaydos]

Belt grinder

Is this the same machine that sells for about 2 thousand dollars ??

 

[DOCworks]

You are talking about the KMG belt grinder. Yes, but this one comes as a kit, (polarbearforge dot com)about $260-350 for the steel and then you put it together and supply motor etc. I have about $700 in this one and a lot of lessons learned. I also have another arm I need to put together that gives you a flat veritcal platen to work with and I'm ordering a contact wheel that's 1" and 5/8" so when I make tool rests the post will butt up against the "rest" and be easier to weld. I also make carving knives, for me, and this will replace my cheap $25 belt grinder. Oh and does it sharpen kitchen knives? Oh man had them all done in less than 10 minutes, momma is very happy. I also have a tormek. If I had to only have one? I would get the belt grinder. I'm not giving up my 8" wheel grinder though. The tormek may get sold.

 

[AlanZ]

James,

There are several manufacturers of belt grinders, often marketed to knifemakers. Yes, my Bader III retails for around $2k, but built like a tank and will last a lifetime.