Hi I would like to start making knife and i begin to buy some tools. I'm too tight on budget to buy a 2x72 sander and would start with a 1x30. Do you have some brand or model to suggest? And what grid should i buy with it to start? Thanks everyone!
Hi sharp, I started with the 1x42 sander/grinder from Lee Valley before upgrading. I got very comfortable using it and actually found my 2x72 kinda awkward for a short while. It cost about $120.00 but does not come with a motor. I just sold it on Kijiji but I've got probably six old electric motors that turn about 1750 rpm that I don't need. I know one of them rotates the wrong way because I cleaned that one up first because it was very quiet. Anyway, if you live close enough you're welcome to just take one. They're not pretty but they all work and seem very solid. Anyway good luck in your search.
Free motors? Sharpfactory, theres This one on amazon that seems decent. It claims to have almost a 1hp motor, which is much better than some of the 1x30’s I think so of those come with like 1/4 hp. I’d say go with 36 grit belts. Ceramics are usually the way to go for hardened steel, however I don’t think the little grinder has the speed or power to get the most out of ceramics. So there’s these zirconia ones, which should be a step up from aluminum oxide. Pick up some aluminum oxide as well exclusively for wood. I find them useless for steel. I’be never really looked into 1x42 stuff so I’m not sure if the linked belts above are a good price or not. My recommendation for first knives using a 1x42 would be Scandi grinds. Not that they’re necessarily easy to do, just that you can do almost 100% of your grinding pre heat treat without much risk Of cracking or warping. That saves you from grinding after the heat treat which I don’t think would be fun on a 1x42.
I think everyone here knows and understands the itch to make their first or first few knives. We’ve also all gone down a rabbit hole of tools and equipment. Almost every knife maker I spoke too in the beginning told me to hold off on buying anything but a 2 x 72 ...but who are we kidding right, you know you’re going to buy that 1 x 30 (like I and many others did) anyway! If I were starting from scratch again I would most definitely use my Gough file-jig to pre-set the bevels, and then finish only on the 1 x 30. Straight hogging on one of these is tough going. Good luck! Looking forward to seeing what you make @SharpFactory
I have a 1X42 right now, and I've made a few things with it. Not much for knives yet, but I plan on using it for smaller jobs and woodworking once I can splurge on a 2X72. I think it will always have a place in my shop. Mine is a delta with an 8" wheel on the side, got it off kijiji for $150 BNIB.
I have the 1x42” that Joelsund posted. I just started knife making this past winter and I’ve never used either a 1x30 or 2x72 to compare with but I can tell you that you can most certainly make knives with this. I recently have been using aeb-l and only profile and do a scandi grind pre HT so I’m doing all my bevel grinding when the knife is hard (61 HRC). I use norton blaze ceramics and then various finishing belts. I have a feeling the 1x30 will really be a lot less than what you are hoping it will be. If I had the cash I would have went straight to a 2x72 but that wasn’t even close to an option for me. It’s not just a little price difference like a 1x30 vs 1x42...it’s massive so whatcha gonna do. I haven’t had a problem with this King grinder thus far. I would recommend it.
I started with my homemade filing jig and 1" x 30" combo. I made a handful of knives this way. I used the 1x30 quite a bit when making my first 2x72. It had been allocated to leatherwork it right up until last year when I donated it to an enthusiastic young maker. Mine was Mastercraft brand. Mostly the 1x30 combos are the same basic design, just badged differently. I got mine for $40 on Kijiji. Princess Auto has a version: https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/combination-belt-and-disc-sander/A-p8532293e I would order belts on eBay and occasionally Lee Valley. These 40 grit zircs https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/sho...-blue-zirconia-sharpening-belts?item=68Z23004 do a pretty good job on steel. You'll have to be patient as you don't have the power of a larger grinder, but they remove material and that's the idea. BTW, don't consider these little grinders to be disposable. They are handily repurposed when you do upgrade. I still use my 4x36" combo for all kinds of odd jobs from sharpening drill bits, chamfering pin stock, leather etc. So whatever you get you'll find uses for it down the road. Dan
I think 1x30 would be better for belts if you wanted to go to Canadian Tire and pick some up. The larger supply houses will have both sizes. Rob from Skookum (member @skookumrob) has a pretty good variety of 1x30s. https://onlinesupply.ca/Abrasives/Sanding-Belts/Belts-up-to-1?filter_size=1x30 Dan
I buy my AO belts off amazon, my ceramics and gator belts I order from the states from Tru Grit and I have ordered various finishing belts from the states through Super Grit. These have proven to be the cheapest options I have personally found for these belts for my 1x42” but I usually order quite a few at a time or else the shipping costs may not be worth it. Shipping has usually been pretty quick even with everything going on, about 2 weeks. Using these 3 places I have found every belt (except scalloped Jflex) for my 1x42 that I have wanted so far without issue. 1x30 may be more widely available, I’m not sure. I know my local shops/hardware store only carry 4x36, never seen anything other than that personally.
Proving it's not the machine that makes great blades; there's a maker https://www.instagram.com/devcasche/ From Nova Scotia that does some kickass grinds on a 1x30". Dan
For the budget minded person and shop I have considered the variable speed wood lathe from Canadian Tire. Should be able to handle any of the 1" wide belts make wood or plastic pulleys sheet metal platen can make a round disc for self adhesive sandpaper disks Drum sanders could be adapted to run on the lathe possibly
You know that actually sounds like quite a setup if a guy was on a budget or limited space. One power supply that can run belts, drums, disc, even a buffing wheel, and can still be used as a functioning lathe too.
I see the Shopsmith selling used for near new prices around here. If it had all of the attachments I am betting it could be adapted for belts. Dust control would be important so you don't burn out a motor.
If you haven't picked up a 1x30" yet, here's letting you know the Princess Auto machine is on sale until December 6. $88.88. https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/combination-belt-and-disc-sander/A-p8532293e Dan
