C'man belt sander questions??

[Scott Vincent]

Gonna go look at a Craftsman 1 x 42 sander with a 5 in disc. Probably $60. Any reason NOT to get this? Thinking I would like to use the belt for primary sharpening on turning tools and bevel setting irons and chisels. Other than the hollow vs flat argument... lets hear it.
Thanks

[Mike Holbrook]

I just bought a Grainger/Dayton 1" x 42" that also uses 2" x 42" belts. It has a 6" disc sander and the belt arm can be set anywhere between vertical and horizontal. I like the adjustments on it too. If you wat to save money Harbor Freight sells a 1" x 30" model that is frequently available for $35. There are quite a few guys who use these for knives. You save a little on belts and belts are a little easier to find.

The guys that use them to grind and sharpen knives always want an adjustable platen and the best belt adjusting and changing system they can find. I mention the knife guys because they frequently have more experience grinding, sharpening and beveling steel than wood workers.

Good luck,

Mitch

[Jeff Willard]

Get a hand cranked grinder, because this is, after all, the Galoot forum :D.

[Scott Vincent]

Im looking for one of those too, kinda scarce.
Just saw this on CL and figure for a few bucks it is worth a try.

[Bruce Haugen]

I have one I made 20 years ago and it's one of the handiest things in my shop. Besides what you mentioned, it does a great job on lawn mower blades, hoes, shovels, etc., because it has a table and that makes it very easy to maintain a consistent bevel angle. It's also very good for truing up jigs.