1" Vertical Belt Sander and Belts.

[lamanna]

Hi all,
I've been searching all day for a machine similar to this1'' x 30'' BELT SANDER (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2485). The closest thing I can find is a Ryobi EMBS200 and a Sherwood BDS 15A which both have a disc sander(which I don't need). I'm currently tossing up between getting a bench grinder or a belt sander to sharpen my knives. I've spoken to a custom knife maker who swears by a bench grinder with two special(paper/cardboard) wheels. One wheel is gritted and wax is spread over it to keep the heat down, the other is like a strop.

Personally I would prefer the belt sander because it puts a convex grind on the blade instead of a flat grind(like a bench grinder does). Also, the special wheels for the bench grinder require a wax that you can only buy from the wheel makers which I'm not comfortable with. The belt sander has many readily available(I'm assuming) belts, they go from 60 grit right up to 1200 and 15 micron. Then there's a special leather belt, add some buffing compound and you've got an electric strop.

What I'm after is a 1" belt sander and the belts that go with it. For now I can buy the belts off the net but I'd still prefer buying them from here. Does anyone know of a shop that I could call or visit in Melbourne that might sell the belt sander and/or spare belts?

This is my first post, found my way here through google. :) I've got plenty more questions, mostly about gun stock making. But for now if you'd like to chime in with any sharpening advice it would be great. :)


Thanks. :)

[scooter]

Gday Lamanna, & welcome :)

For the belts, try under abrasive suppliers in the yellow pages, their prices are usually pretty good.

Tried Hare & Forbes for the sander? Maybe check the newsagent for the Knives Australia magazine, comes out a couple of times a year I think & would have info on the sort of gear you'd be after.


Good luck...........cheers.............Sean

[Harry72]

Try searching for a belt linisher

Timbecon has one (http://www.timbecon.com.au/details/1x5in-vertical-belt-sander-10284.aspx), but it still has a disc as well.

There is a linshing belt attachment for bench grinders called Multitool, Hare and Forbes (http://www.hareandforbes.com.au/sample_2/home.php) sell them.
Or if you have a drill press you can get the Wasp sander (http://www.piricdesign.com.au/) which uses everyday belt sander belts. They sell belts up to 800grit.

[lamanna]

I wasn't aware of these other attachments and abrasive places.

Thanks for help. :)

[bitingmidge]

I get my 1" belts from lee valley, they've got some rippers that I haven't even heard of in abrasive places here and at prices that work for me too. Check out the 15 micron silicon carbide for instance, and the leather strop.

I have both, in fact I've got one of 'em all I think! and they are rippers. My machine also has a sanding disc, but I've never used it, and it's never complained, well not within earshot anyway.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=3&p=48040&cat=1,43072


Cheers,

P
:D

[lamanna]

That's good to hear. The guy that put me onto belt sanders buys all his belts from there but I wasn't sure how they are with international shipments. I bought stuff from garrettwade in the US and it's been nothing but trouble.

The belt sanding guide I'm following says to get the 180, 320, 500 and 1200 Aluminum Oxide Grinding Belts,15µ (Micron) Silicon Carbide Sharpening Belts and Leather Honing Belts. All up it's about $40 US which isn't too bad. Should last me a long time. :) I wonder if you can make them yourself though? My father is a cabinet maker and he can the sand paper but I'm not too sure what you'd do to make it into a belt. I'm worried the join might mess up the blade's edge.

[rsser]

Yeah, haven't done it myself but have heard of guys making their own belts. I'd guess remove the coating in a diagonal strip (but how?) and glue to underside of matching diagonal.

[Sturdee]

Belts for this machine are available from Carbatec Melbourne. They're in their catalogue.

I bought my 1" belt sander from them as well a few years ago at $ 80. so, although not listed in their catalogue they may still sell them. Give them a try.


Peter.

[MrFixIt]

Hi

Check out this web site for the "beast" they sell. There are quite a few home made versions to this and like this on the web. Try google for some more examples.

http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/grinder.html

[AussieMark]

I know that it is an old thread, but for what it's worth, Bunnings on Napean Hwy sells a Ryobi 1 inch by 30 inch belt sander for $99. It fits the belts from Lee Valley. It also has the 125mm disc sander attached, but I haven't found any abrasive discs of fine enough grit to make use of that.