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Hello all of you fine folks, i'm looking to purchase a belt grinder and pretty much the only info on belt grinders that I can find is about knife making. I do a lot of welding/fabrication and some wood working and I think a belt grinder would really help me out when it comes to deburring pieces that i've plasma cut or just shaping odd pieces better than my vice and angle grinder do. I usually work with 5/8 and under material. I know the general rule is 1hp per inch of belt and I know the type of grinder is mainly preferential and the main type seems to be a 2x72 but I feel like for my application a vertical grinder with a wide base plate to set material on would be best but i'm very open to suggestions. My budget is pretty open but id like to stay under $1000, if possible. Does anyone have any recommendations for a grinder that would fit my needs? Thank you!
I'm looking to get into knife making, and while first I planned on using an angle grinder, I'm most likely just going to get a cheap belt grinder instead. Unfortunately, many of the brands mentioned here are not available in Australia, and because I'm still on a budget, I won't be able to buy an expensive one. I've found two belt grinder attachments that come on a bench grinder, and I would love some advice on which one to buy (or suggestions for other options in Australia). The furthest I can stretch my budget is $900 AUD, or $650 USD.
MULTITOOL 250MM BENCH GRINDER WITH PO482 MULTI-TOOL ATTACHMENT (more expensive, 2 x 48 belts)
ABBOTT & ASHBY 8" DUAL SPEED BENCH GRINDER W/ AA362 LINISHING ATTACHMENT (uses 2 x 36 belts, variable two speed control)
Is belt size more important than variable speed? Also do I need some sort of rest for the knife as I'm grinding it? I don't think these grinders come with one. Thanks for your help.
Those multitool grinders are ok to start mate, but if possible you'd be better of getting a full powered machine. To really remove steel - particularly hardened steel - you need ceramic belts, and they need to be used at relatively high speeds. These 1/2 or 3/4 hp options can't really deliver that.
Here in Aus we actually have a number of great options:
Gameco/Artisan supplies - https://www.artisansupplies.com.au/product-category/knife-making-supplies/knifemaking-belt-and-disc-grinder-parts-and-accessories/
The original company in Oz - great stuff but not cheap - I have one of their variable speed 2x48s and love it.
Jake's firepants co - https://www.firepantsfab.com.au/product-category/knife-making/belt-grinders/scorpion-grinder/
Apparently fantastic grinders, and cheaper than gameco.
And an even cheaper option, or one to consider if budget is a concern, maybe get the frame only - either from Jake or Frisson's knives. You need to find them on fb I think:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/907821383332543/
You would then need to get a motor for it.
Hope that helps - best of luck!
Build one. Much easier than it sounds. All you need is enclosed motor that is at least 1hp, and has a drive shaft of 2" (5.08cm) in length, wheels, and put it together with scrap steel. I built my own with having never attempted something similar before. Cost me $500, and I bought everything new, including a VFD for variable speed.