PDA

View Full Version : quick question about knife making tools



huskymill
07-15-2010, 08:11 PM
ive only made one knife and im thinking about making more, but i dont really have the right tools to make the process easier and more precise. the last one i made, i had to sand the handle down by hand. it took a long time and i was never really happy with it, so im looking for a bench top belt sander. im having a hard time finding one that would work well for what im talking about. i know it should be a 1" belt and i want to find one that isnt too expensive. do you guys have any suggestions?

Camp10
07-15-2010, 08:19 PM
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=10104&highlight=knife+making+tools

This came up before and I think there was a few answers on this thread.

crashdive123
07-15-2010, 08:39 PM
I still use this one for my handles http://www.harborfreight.com/1-inch-belt-and-5-inch-disc-combination-sander-34951.html?utm_medium=cse&utm_source=nextag but if you don't need the disc, there is always this http://www.harborfreight.com/1-inch-x-30-inch-belt-sander-2485.html

Swamprat1
07-18-2010, 11:44 AM
Check out Wayne Goddard's $50 Knife Shop. Great book on starting cheap and simple, how to build alot of tools, such as jigs and clamps, and even grinders. Also a lot of good info on forging techniques and such.

kyratshooter
07-18-2010, 02:50 PM
You will probably get the most for your money from Harbor Freight.

When you buy make sure you get a model that uses readily available belt sizes.

I have and excellent Delta sander that sits unused due to no availability of belts.

The 1" is best for finish work. The 4" belts are great for hogging off metal.

Do not underestimate the usefullness of a good angle grinder for initial shaping.

I also use a simple drill with sanding pad a lot too.

You should be able to get a bench grinder, polishing wheels, sander, angle grinder all for less than $200 at Harbor Freight.

Rick
07-18-2010, 04:57 PM
Gosh, Rat, what's the model number of that Delta? That's a pretty big company not to be able to find belts.

kyratshooter
07-18-2010, 08:57 PM
It is an SA180.

I bought it specifically for knifemaking. It has a 1" belt of an odd length and a 9" disk.

I used to get the belts at Lowes and HD but they stopped keeping them. I have not contacted Delta directly.

Come to think about it, I have not tried finding them on-line. Guess I need to get off my butt.

crashdive123
07-18-2010, 09:04 PM
Is it 1 X 30? They are pretty common.

Camp10
07-19-2010, 12:01 PM
It is an SA180.

I bought it specifically for knifemaking. It has a 1" belt of an odd length and a 9" disk.

I used to get the belts at Lowes and HD but they stopped keeping them. I have not contacted Delta directly.

Come to think about it, I have not tried finding them on-line. Guess I need to get off my butt.

It's a 1 x 42 and you can get them. http://cgi.ebay.com/1-X-42-X-50-GRIT-SANDING-BELTS-QTY-10-/200496120948?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Sanders_Sandblasters&hash=item2eae800474

I buy lots of my belts through this lady on Ebay, scroll through her inventory and you can find the belts you need in all kinds of grits.

One more thing about that Delta, the idler wheel is known to de-laminate and throw chunks at the user...inspect it from time to time.