metal grinding bench sander?

[youngbushcrafter]

Hi guys, i have been looking for a bench sander for grinding metal into blade blanks as i would really like to get into amateur knife making. I have been looking at a few but have no idea about power, belt size etc. Budget is on my mind but quality is also. Maybe some of the makers can help me for advice on what to start off with? availability of belts is also a concern but this would probably be no problem as i would get them online. Also, an edge grinding jig for scandi grinds would be necessary, can they be bought?
Thanks for the help!
Harry:You_Rock_

 

[Tristar777]

Hi Harry. I had the same bug you have just a few months ago. I bought a cheap dual grinder from Proper Job. Ive managed to make several blades from butcher knives etc that I bought cheap on car boot sales and TK Max. Ive had alot of fun with it and it only cost 25 quid. I guess it depends on whether you want to go further than the simple basics. Im quite happy with what I can do so for me its ideal. I hope this helps.
John

 

[Everything Mac]

Lots of threads about this over on Britishblades.com

you want something like one of these really
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLARKE-ME...werTools_SM&hash=item19c6c87b17#ht_1584wt_952

As for jigs - there are loads of different types out there.

The bubble jig is wortha google.

All the best
Andy

 

[lannyman8]

what Mac said, and thats the grinder combo i have and use but from power craft for £20, aldi do them from time to time, but you have to be propper quick...

 

[Colin.W]

http://www.axminster.co.uk/jet-jet-jsg-96-combination-belt-and-disc-sander-prod22442/ this is what we use at work for touching up our plane irons and chisels. we used to use a standard grinding wheel but when it died they replaced it with this which being a flat surface I find a lot easier to control the angle

 

[mountainm]

Amazon have a linisher for £70, no idea on quality.

 

[youngbushcrafter]

thanks A LOT for the suggestions guys, this is a great help, any idea of the required power for the job? i have seen a good one from axminster at 190w but have seen some at the same price or less for higher power up to the 300s

 

[Everything Mac]

They'll all do the job - more wattage just means it will spin faster /not slow down as easily.

Depends on your budget tbh. Obviously the higher the better imo.

Andy

 

[HillBill]

Don't just look at the machine for what it is, look at it for what it can be. None of the belt grinders available will be suitable for scandi grinds without the correct set up to do them.

So when you are looking at a machine, have a look to see if there is excess material you can attach things to for helping the grind along

I bought one of these, which i still use
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-axminster-awebds610-belt-and-disc-sander-prod580422/

And added this to it ( had to make it first)

My advice would be something like this with a similar mod to mine. You can do most things on it pretty easily. make your own jig/angle plate for it. Its not difficult.
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-axminster-awebds46-mkii-belt-and-disc-sander-prod725061/

 

[youngbushcrafter]

Thanks a lot for the help!