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Forging involves intensive hammering and continuous reheating of the stock. The end-product is always rugged with ugly surface irregularities. So, how do you deal with this? You might not be able to deal with this problem without the best belt grinder.
Yes, you can apply a filer or sandpaper manually, but it’ll require a lot of energy and time.
Sharpening, flattening, and removing scales, all of these are required before delivering your final product.
A blacksmith grinder can make your life a lot easier for individuals in the craft. The purpose is the same, but the touch of technology is what makes this a useful tool. It is one of the most reliable belt grinders for knife making.
It is an electronic device that can be used for smoothening metal scales, removing scales, and of course, sharpening knives.
The majority of the belt grinders offer a rotating disc and a belt for grinding purposes. Some can also serve as specialized knife sharpening belt sander while also performing other functions.
Bladesmiths and knifemakers consider this a necessity as working with a blacksmith belt sander drastically increases the efficiency of their work.
Alright, that’s enough wiffle-waffle.
Let’s have a look at some of the best belt sanders for knife making available on the market.
- 1/3 HP, 120/240VAC motor, 3.5/1.75 amp, 3500 RPM
- 2-Inch x 42-Inch Belt speed 4400 SFPM
- 6-Inch PSA abrasive disc, 3500 RPM
- Belt arm operates vertically and horizontally
Why do we like it?
The Palmgren is another suitable belt grinder for knife making. It is also a great choice for grinding knives, removing scales, and surfacing. It features a powerful 120/240VAC motor that can output 3,500 RPM (revolutions per minute).
Versatile Operation
It can handle most of the medium-duty work with its 2” x 42” belt. Be it a Damascus knife or a small leaf; this belt grinder can handle it all and that too with exceptional accuracy.
This product can work with either a 2”x 42” belt or a 1” x 42” belt. You can easily change the belt when the old one wears out. Moreover, the full belt guard and simple belt tensioning make it a good bladesmiths and knifemakers’ belt grinder.
The 6” PSA abrasive disc gives you a lot of versatility to work with. This is where you can benefit from the 3,500 RPM. The 1 ½” dust collection port keeps you from breathing the wood dust.
Industrial Grade Speed
Keep in mind that the speed of this blacksmith belt grinder is not adjustable. Both the disc and belt rotate at the same speed. The speed is enough to give you an industrial-grade finishing on your metal craft.
A point worth mentioning is that even when under heavy loads, the heavy-duty capacitor motor does not slow down. And guess what, the belt can operate in both vertical and horizontal positions.
Working flexibility
The disc and belt worktables can be tilted. How cool is that! All these handy features allow the user to work with ease and with the utmost flexibility.
Low-quality belt grinders vibrate. It is a sad reality, but Palgrem wanted to go the extra mile. The manufacturer provides a cast iron construction that drastically reduces vibrations and offers the needed stability.
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals, wood, plastic, or composite, this metal belt grinder can handle a wide range of materials.
It is a value for money product that can provide a high ROI and significantly improve the look and quality of your metal crafts
Pros
The belt can be changed easily.
It features a cast iron construction for vibration-free operation.
Offers 1/3 HP with 4,400 Belt SFPM.
Weighs only 36 pounds.
Cons
Belt alignment is challenging and also, the belt tends to slide off.
- HIGH EFFICIENCY: This sander meets CSA standards, with heavy-duty construction can extend using life, equipped with an induction motor that supplies the needed power running under load, the motor is 1/3HP, 3.5 Amp, the no load wheel speed is 3450 RPM and belt speed 4480 FPM
- MULTI-FUNCTION SANDER: This combo 2"x42" belt sander 6" bench grinder includes a 2-Inch x 42-Inch high-quality metal sanding belt that can be used for general purpose sanding and finishing on most metals, wood, plastics, and other materials
- MULTI-ANGLE SANDING: The belt can tilt from 0 to 90 degrees for sanding to meet your project, the belt housing can swivel from horizontal to vertical for sanding long workpieces
- EASY TO USE: Equipped with a 6-Inch 60 grit white grinding wheel with tool-free adjustable eye shield and Led light, the quick-release tension and tracking mechanism make belt changes quick and easy
- TWO WORKTABLES: Equipped with two workbenches for more convenient sanding, the cast iron belt sander work table can give better support when sharpening with metal, and the cast AL big work table can work well with wood material, the sturdy cast iron base with rubber foot prevents vibrations
Why do we like it?
At times you will need a heavy-duty grinder for those large workpieces. Even medium-duty belt grinders slow down when a considerably heavy load is applied. It is also considered as one of the best knife belt grinders.
Robust Buildup
Here we have a beast from Bucktool that features a 1/3 HP, 120V motor with a 3.5 Amp rating. With a whacking 3,450 RPM wheel speed, this belt grinder takes pride in being one of the best out there.
The 2 “x 42” belt sander and 6” bench grinder can easily handle general-purpose sanding & finishing on wood, plastic, and most of the metals. This product is a perfect choice for blacksmiths as the Bucktool belt grinder is shipped with a 2” x 42” high-grade metal sanding belt.
Flexible Operation
A fixed belt grinder doesn’t really provide the much-needed flexibility for precision working. This belt grinder gives you the option to work with the belt both vertically and horizontally.
Vibrations are deadly and can drastically reduce the efficiency of the belt grinder and your work. The cast iron base provides the necessary support to keep the operation nice and smooth.
Suitable For Various Tasks
Grinding, surfacing, finishing, polishing, sanding, or even deburring, this powerful belt grinder can handle most of the jobs. The 6” grinding wheel is a gem and helps in deburring metal stocks quickly. This white blacksmith grinding wheel is a perfect choice for low-temperature work.
The tool-free adjustable eye shield, an extra brush wheel for dust removal, and an LED light ensure that the grinding operation is safe. Like all other premium belt grinders, this one also features a dust port.
Pro Tip
If the old grinding belt wears out, the tool-free quick belt replacement feature makes the process hassle-free.
It might be a bit pricey compared to some other belt grinder on this list, but the premium features on this product are definitely worth some extra bucks.
All in all, the BG2600 from Bucktool is a great option that delivers excellent performance for its price.
Pros
The belt action can rotate from 0° to 90°.
It comes with a 6” grinding disc that is well protected.
Cons
The belt might come off.
- Two-in-one sanding machine includes both a 4-by-36 inch belt and a 6-by-6 inch disc
- Belt tilts anywhere from 0 to 90 degrees
- Sturdy cast iron base prevents any heavy vibrations
- 4.3 Amp motor provides up to 3600 RPM
- Tension release lever provides for simple changes between sandpaper grits
Why do we like it?
The WEN 6502T is a great all-rounder sander that can handle a wide range of jobs. The high-grade build and flawless grinding are what make this product an Amazon’s choice. It is one of the best belt grinder for knife making.
Similar to the previous model, this belt grinder also offers both a 4” x 45” belt and 6” x 6” disc. You can use both of them to have a nice glossy finish on your workpiece.
Great Versatility
For added versatility, the WEN 6502T allows the user to tilt the belt anywhere between 0°-90°. This makes the grinding process much more user-friendly and convenient.
Did we mention the base? This product rocks a heavy-duty cast iron base that prevents unwanted vibrations, wobbling, and walking. Having such a solid base will help the sander stay in one place during operation.
Every new workpiece requires sanding as the sharp edges made from excessive hammering are unwanted and dangerous. This belt sander assists in sanding and smoothening every jagged edge with its powerful 4.3-amp 1/2 HP motor.
Efficient Operation
If you’ve ever come across a low-quality belt sander, you’d probably be aware of how it can slow down under a large load. Well, you’re in for a treat as this belt sander does not budge under any load and keeps the sander running at full speed.
One thing you must look for in a belt grinder is how convenient it is to change the belt. The WEN650T keeps the process easy and quick.
Also, this product comes with a 2.5” dust port where you can attach any compatible dust collector.
The rotating disc comes with 8 ¾ x 6 ¼ support table that can be tilted from 0° to 45°. And for improved user experience, WEN has also included a removable miter gauge.
The belt can rotate at 1,900 RPM whereas, the disc speed is a whopping 3,600 RPM.
Additional Information
WEN is one of the finest companies that offer unmatched customer support. This product is backed up with a 2-year warranty.
And most importantly, the price is very economical and thus makes this an extremely budget-friendly belt grinder.
Pros
It can handle a wide variety of jobs.
A versatile belt grinder that offers unmatched flexibility.
Features a solid cast iron base.
Cons
Struggles with large workpieces.
Some users have reported overheating issues.
- Attachment only, requires the Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Sharpener for Use
- This 4 pulley attachment is adjustable to sharpen knives and tools from 10 Degree to 35 Degree and includes fiveer (5) 1" x 18" engineered abrasive belts in a wide range of grits
- This attachment is similar to what blade makers use. Provides a wide range of adjustability, you can custom shape, sharpen and hone your blades at home
- The belt speed is adjustable from 1200 SFM to 2800 SFM to accommodate a wide range of sharpening and honing tasks
- The Blade Grinder attachment provides a full selection of 1" x 18" abrasive grit belts and also accepts an optional high density cotton belt for power stropping
Why do we like it?
Are you looking for something compact?
The WSSAKO81112 from Work Sharp won’t take much space on your workbench. You can easily work with its 1×18 belt and sharpen your knives.
This product comes from the USA with certified frustration-free packaging. Out of the box, you’ll get a shiny belt grinder that feels premium and robust. It is manufactured using high-grade material that keeps the grinder stable and vibration-free.
Easy Application
Also, this grinder is easy to assemble and use. In terms of usefulness, this product is the most user-friendly one on our list. You can have razor-sharp edges with minimum efforts.
Surprisingly, despite being a low-budget item, this grinder does come with a speed control knob. The center distance is also adjustable, and the WSSAKO81112 also gives you the option of angle leveling.
Flexibility
Work Sharp ships this grinder with five different abrasive belts that can help you work with different materials. These belts include an X65-coarse, X4-Fine, 12000 Extra Fine, and lastly, P120-Extra coarse.
With all these manufacturer-provided belt options, you can achieve outmost precision and give your workpiece one last finish.
Be it kitchen knives or small pocketknives; this belt grinder can help you sharpen everything. With tons of positive user reviews and hundreds of satisfied customers, this product has been the first choice for many around the globe.
Pro Tip
Sharpening stones are a thing of the past. No one has the time and resources to work with such outdated methods. Buying this grinder will be a one-time investment, and with a little bit of practice, you will be sharpening stuff like a professional.
The Ken Onion Edition Work Sharp with this belt grinder attachment is truly a workhorse and that too at a low-cost.
Here are some of the pros and cons you should consider while buying this grinder attachment.
Pros
Easy to use.
Competitive pricing.
Durable and reliable.
Cons
For some users, the top wheel is too big.
It can handle only light-duty work.
The research
Can wood grinding belts work with metal?
Do all belt grinders come with variable speed control?
Where can you use a belt grinder?
Can I sharpen knife with belt sander?
How can you sharpen a knife with a belt sander?
Can I use sandpaper to sharpen a knife in place of a belt sander?
Can you sharpen an axe with a belt sander?
What is the best grit to sharpen a knife?
How often should you sharpen a knife?
How long does it take to sharpen a knife with a belt sander?
How much does a blacksmith belt grinder cost?
Where can I buy the best belt grinder for knife making?
Why are belt grinders also called knife makers belt sander?
Can I get a cheap belt grinder for knife making?
Does Dewalt make belt sanders?
Can I use a belt sander on hardwood floors?
What are the primary care and maintenance tips for a belt grinder?
Who should get this belt grinder?
Anyone who requires grinding, surfacing, finishing, polishing, sanding or even deburring should go for a high-quality belt grinder. Bladesmiths and knife makers are always looking out for an excellent belt grinder as their work relies heavily on sharpening blades.
For a blacksmith, it is important to grind sharp edges and remove scales off the surface of the stock. A belt grinder can help you in this regard.
Why should you trust us?
We are a team of professional blacksmiths who are always looking out for the best tools for our readers. Our teams go through thousands of products, customer reviews, and only then, we come up with a list of best products in that niche.
Some of the tools are even subjected to on-field testing to check their durability and reliability. Every product on this list is one of the best out there.
How we picked the best belt grinder?
Following are some of the factors we considered while compiling this list:
- Belt Width: We wanted our list to comprise of only those belt grinders that can accommodate a considerably wider belt. A narrower belt is great for blades as you get more control and hence more precision. On the contrary, a wider belt can accommodate larger metallic and wood objects.
- Value: Belt grinders can cost you from a few hundred dollars to even a thousand dollars. We included only those models that can provide value for the money they cost. We carefully evaluated the features and compared them with the price to make sure that your purchase is worth it.
- Flexibility: We understand how frustrating it is to handle an odd-shaped stock. The majority of the grinders on this list can operate both vertically and horizontally.
How we tested?
We went through hundreds of customer reviews, product specifications, and customer provided pictures & videos to assess the performance and reliability of each product.
Care and maintenance tips
Belt grinders are made for surfacing, grinding, and deburring stocks. You must clean the shaving after every use as they can get inside the moving parts and reduce the grinder’s efficiency.
Wearing heat resistant gloves can keep your fingers from burning. The stock can heat up quickly on grinding, so having a bucket of water near you is a great choice.
Can wood grinding belts work with metal?
No, metal requires a coarse belt on a powerful motor. A wood grinder generally works on lower revolutions per minute and hence proves to be ineffective on metal.
Do all belt grinders come with variable speed control?
Speed control is a premium feature, and only some of the expensive grinders come with it. The WSSAKO81112 from Work Sharp features a speed control knob to operate it at different RPM.
Where can you use a belt grinder?
Sandpaper or sharpening stones are indeed good alternatives, but they can take up your time and energy. Also, the accuracy is much better with belt grinders. A belt grinder can help you to level surfaces, get rid of sharp corners, and sharpen blades.
Can I sharpen knife with belt sander?
Of course, you can sharpen a knife with a belt sander. Knifemaking is one of the core uses of belt sanders. It makes the entire process easier and faster compared to other methods.
How can you sharpen a knife with a belt sander?
Sharpening a knife with a belt sander is more straightforward than other methods. It is best to start with a 150 grit belt to sharpen a knife. Start by running one face of the knife across the sander slowly. Do the same for the second side and repeat the process twice. Next, upgrade the grit to 250 and sharpen both sides again.
Note that you are not holding the sharp edge of the knife directly against the belt. The sharp edge should point towards at an acute angle to the belt.
Can I use sandpaper to sharpen a knife in place of a belt sander?
Even though sandpaper can help you sharpen a knife, it is not a perfect replacement for a belt grinder. The sandpaper will not do the job efficiently as the belt grinder. Besides, using sandpaper to sharpen a knife is strenuous and demanding.
Can you sharpen an axe with a belt sander?
A belt sander can sharpen the edge of any blade, including an axe. All you need is a suitable grinder that can offer the appropriate grit and proper operating procedures.
What is the best grit to sharpen a knife?
Sharpening a knife with a belt grinder requires techniques. One of the methods includes the perfect grit to use for the process. The best grit for sharpening a knife is usually below 1000 grit (depending on the knife’s size and condition). This grit is ideal for repairing knives with chipped edges.
But you will need between 1000-3000 grit to sharpen dull knives and up to 4000 grit or more to refine a knife-edge.
How often should you sharpen a knife?
While sharpening your knife is good, it can be detrimental when it gets too much. It is best to sharpen your knife once a month. You can make it twice a month if you use the knife heavily.
You don’t have to sharpen your knife with a belt grinder every time. You can regularly maintain the edge with a whetstone or a ceramic sharpening rod.
How long does it take to sharpen a knife with a belt sander?
The time you will spend sharpening your knife will vary slightly. It is dependent on the condition of the knife, your sander’s grit, and your expertise. On average, it should take 15 minutes or less to sharpen a knife with a belt sander.
How much does a blacksmith belt grinder cost?
The cost of the blacksmith’s belt grinder usually varies depending on its features and model. But the price of a belt grinder is not high on average; the cost of buying a belt grinder is usually around $200-$500.
Note that some models can cost more or less, depending on certain factors. But there is a product for every budget.
Where can I buy the best belt grinder for knife making?
There are several sales channels for belt grinders. Where to buy is essential because it can influence the cost and reliability of the product. You can buy a belt grinder both online and offline.
Offline, you can get it from various blacksmith retail stores. Or you can get it from general retail stores for mechanical tools. Belt grinders are also available online on different e-commerce websites. You can also order or buy directly from the manufacturer’s website.
Why are belt grinders also called knife makers belt sander?
First off, it is essential to note that belt grinders and belt sanders literarily refer to the same thing. It is called knife makers belt sander because one of its primary use is in knife making. It is useful in forming and sharpening the edge of a knife.
Can I get a cheap belt grinder for knife making?
Of course! You will certainly get a cheap belt grinder for knife making. Besides the fact that the best belt sanders offer a high value for money, they are also useful in various blacksmithing processes. You will find a quality belt grinder with a moderate budget.
Does Dewalt make belt sanders?
Yes, Dewalt makes specific models of belt grinders, and they are also useful for blacksmiths.
Can I use a belt sander on hardwood floors?
You can use a belt sander on hardwood floors without any hassle. Although it might not match a floor sander’s pace, it will still give you similar results. It can sand out dents, scratches, and old finishes on the hardwood floors.
What are the primary care and maintenance tips for a belt grinder?
It is vital to carry out proper care and maintenance on any tool if you want it to serve you longer. Besides the fact that it will enhance its durability, it will also keep it at a top-performing level.
The maintenance procedures for belt grinders are not challenging. You can even make it a routine alongside other tools. Some of the care and maintenance procedures for belt sanders include;
- Make sure you pay attention to the belt and protect it from debris, excessive heat, and other adverse conditions.
- Ensure to use a suitable hose to blow out drums and debris from the tool after each use.
- Inspect the plugs and other mechanical parts.
- Check the device for cracks, frays, wears, and tears.
- Repair and replace any faulty part promptly.
- Avoid exposing your belt grinder to water or moisture.
Conclusion
There you go, a complete guide to buying yourself an excellent belt grinder.
Belt grinders are great for surfacing, grinding, and deburring stuff. A good belt grinder can handle metal, wood, and plastic. It all depends on the speed and the belt itself.
For blacksmiths, a high-grade metal sanding belt can be used to remove scales, sharpen blades, and give your metal-craft a smooth finish.
The BG2600 from Bucktool and the Palmgren belt grinder are great options for metal-working as they use high-grade motors that can rotate at high RPM.
If you want something cheap but effective, we’d recommend the WEN 6502T.
