Best Belt Sanders for Knife Making in 2020 Reviews
If you’re a craftsman, it’s essential for you to find the tools that’ll make your work the easiest. Luckily, when it comes to acquiring a belt sander, you can obtain a quality tool without having to spend tons of cash. With the proper mapping of the tools, you can locate the best belt sander for knife making.
Our team has created a thorough guide to aid buyers when they’re looking to buy an effective belt sander. Plus, we’ve come up with a top-five-picks list for 2020. However, it may be in your best interest to read some belt sander reviews to get a better understanding of the tool and ensure that the belt sander meets your requirements. Not only will the list narrow down your selection, but it will also save you money by offering you the best belt sanders at a low cost.
Our Top Rated Belt Sanders for Knife Making for 2020
Kalamazoo 1SM Belt Sander
Grizzly H6070 Belt and Disc Sander
JET J-4002 Bench Belt and Disc Sander
1. Kalamazoo 1SM Belt Sander - Top Pick for 2020
Kalamazoo Industries is a manufacturing company stationed in Michigan. This company has designed quality tools such as belt sanders, saws and vibratory finishers since 1960. With plenty of customer satisfaction, Kalamazoo has become a well-known machine-building firm.
One of the many exceptional products that Kalamazoo offers is the Kalamazoo 1SM Belt Sander. This multi-purpose tool has the ability to complete many different tasks including knife sharpening. The 1SM Belt Sander continues to gain popularity because of its capability to accomplish work precisely and in a short period of time.
The tool is both fast and reliable, which makes it worth the high price that it’s offered for. Any consumer of the 1SM Belt Sander will most likely get their money’s worth.
Product Specifications
The Kalamazoo 1SM has a 1-inch belt sander in its core. The product is also very mobile as it only weighs 32 pounds. It uses a 1/3 HP motor at utilizes 110V and 1 PH. This high-quality belt sander also runs at a speed of 1725 RPM. The belt sander also comes with a tilt work table and 4-inch contact wheel to provide the user with more features to use the machine.Key Features
1-inch Belt- One of the many key features about the 1SM belt sander is that it has a 1-inch belt. This belt has the ability to sand and shape various materials.
Mobile- The low weight of only 30 pounds makes the 1SM belt sander very portable.
Tensioned Rollers- The 1SM contains spring tensioned rollers. This makes the machine have consistency in the belt tension and tracking.
Simple Belt Changes- The 1SM allows you to make belt changes in as little as 30 seconds.
Reversible Motor- The ability to reverse the motor makes this belt sander machine a good feature in many different situations.
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2. Grizzly H6070 Belt and Disc Sander
Grizzly has been a prominent manufacturer in woodworking and metalworking machines for almost 35 years. The company has prioritized making its customers satisfied. This is the reason why the Grizzly company has remained successful throughout the years.
One of the leading devices for the Grizzly company is the H6070 Belt and Disc Sander. This product has continued to gain popularity by possessing the ability to perform many different jobs. The product is very efficient and can potentially replace your previously owned belt sanders. With a reasonable and affordable price, the Grizzly belt sander can be exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to tools.
Product Specifications
The Grizzly H6070 Belt and Disc Sander are designed with a ⅓ HP and 110V motor. The Grizzly belt sander has a single-phase motor that runs at a speed of 3450 RPM. The device has a belt sander table size of 5-1/8 x 5-1/8-inches and a disc sander table size of 4 x 7-5/16-inches.Key Features
2 Sanders- The Grizzly H6070 offers both a belt sander and disc sander within one device which already makes it a good choice to pick from.
You will be able to receive the benefits of direct drive and tracking adjustment.
Dust Collection- There are two different ports for the dust to be collected. Both of the ports measure 1-3/4-inches. After connecting one of the ports to a vacuum, you’ll be able to quickly get rid of dust.
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3. JET J-4002 Bench Belt and Disc Sander
Founded in 1958, JET Tools was first created as a trolley and manual chain dealer. However, through the years, JET Tools has become a household name in the manufacturing industry. For JET, business really began to sore in the 90s.
This is the time where JET started manufacturing its own product line rather than importing tools from others. Shortly after this, JET tools would soon introduce its own line of metalworking and woodworking products.
The JET J-4002 1-Inch by 42-Inch Bench Belt and Disc Sander is one of the newest and most popular tools available at JET. The JET J-4002 is arguably one of the most efficient and versatile combination sanders in the business.
Product Specifications
The JET J-4002 is a 1-inch by a 42-inch sander that has a 1/3 HP, along with a 115V and 1 PH. The power in this JET machine is sufficient enough to complete a series of jobs. The high-quality sander has a dimension of 22 x 21 x 14 inches and weighs close to 60 pounds. Therefore, it isn’t necessarily a small machine.Key Features
Abrasive Belt Unit- The abrasive belt unit found on this belt sander possess the ability to remove materials and complete many jobs at once. This unit allows the J-4002 to do the job of a jigsaw, hand file and coping saw simultaneously.
Odd Shapes- The presence of removable platen allows you to finish, grind and sand many different odd shapes and curves.
The J-4002 has cast iron construction which adds another level of quality to the product.
Flex Shaft- If you choose to mount an optional flex shaft, you can drum sand and carve.
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4. Grizzly G1015 Belt Sander/Buffer
The Grizzly G1015 Belt Sander is another tool from Grizzly. However, this tool is made specifically for knife makers. This type of tool is immediately recognized by sellers and consumers for being a quality knife making tool. Although it’s designed especially for knife making, the Grizzly company claims it can also be used for many different tasks as well.
Alongside many different perks and key features, the Grizzly G1015 Belt Buffer is also a good tool for beginners and consumers on a tight budget. In most cases, this tool is appropriate for the tasks that you use it for.
Product Specifications
With a belt size of 2 x 72-76 inches, this Grizzly sander generates more power than tools that contain a smaller belt size. The device has dimensions of 30.5 x 16.2 x 15 inches and has a weight of about 60 pounds.Key Features
- With the specialised construction of the tool, it is provided with tons of power to complete a large number of knife making tasks. This tool’s power can suit the needs of any knife maker and will rarely provide an issue concerning its power.
- The Grizzly G1015 has a unique design and style that appeals to customers. The auxiliary arbor allows you to attach either flap or buffing wheels. As for metalworking and blacksmithing, the Grizzly knife maker provides you the ability to perform different tasks.
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5. Central Machinery 1 x 30 Inch Belt Sander
Central Machinery is a manufacturing company that has been in business for a numerous amount of years. One of the many products that this company sells is the Central Machinery 1 x 30 Inch Belt Sander, which is one of the most affordable belt sanders on the market. Although they are not a well-known brand, they have quality tools that can be used for many different tasks.
This lightweight belt sander can complete an endless array of knife making tasks. Although it doesn’t contain tons of bells and whistles, this tool will provide the user with the ability to complete their designated job. This may not be the most attractive, and/or best belt sander available, but it will get the job done if needed.
Product Specifications
The Central Machinery belt sander has a dimension of 9 x 11 x 13 inches. However, the dimensions of the table are 5-1/16 x 5-1/8 inches. The small size of the device makes it easy to carry, so you can be mobile.
As for the motor, the device has a motor that provides 1/3 HP and a speed of 3400 RPM that ensures fast stock removal. The pricing of the belt sander essentially dictates the effectiveness of the product.
Key Features
- One of the many key features about the Central Machinery 1 x 30 Inch Belt Sander is that the sanding belt moves a certain way which prevents the device from clogging. Another one of the interesting perks about the Central Machinery belt sander is that the table tilts from 0 to 45 degrees. This allows you to get a smoother finish and be satisfied with your results.
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6. Porter-Cable PCB420SA Disc-Belt Grinder – The Runner-Up
Porter-Cable is an American manufacturing company that has been creating many different power tools since 1906. The Porter-Cable brand has a long history of prioritising customers’ needs and ensuring satisfaction with its products. Some of the many tools that the brand is known for are band saws, circular saws, and belt sanders. One of the most prominent belt sanders that this company produces is the.
This belt sander is constructed with a few different features that make a knife making a simple task. However, knife making is just one of the many jobs that the Porter-Cable PCB420SA can complete. This multitasking tool is both reliable and durable. The device is also safe to use and easy to handle. The high-quality product would be a good choice for anybody who’s looking for a top-tier belt sander.
Product Specifications
The Porter-Cable PCB420SA is a 4 in. x 8 in. belt sander that has a tilt of 0 to 45 degrees. The standing belt has a dimension of 4 inches x 36 inches and utilises 8-inch sanding discs. The Porter-Cable also tilts up to 90 degrees vertically.Key Features
- The Porter-Cable PCB420SA contains many perks. One of these many perks includes a cast iron base. The iron base prevents the machine from vibrating while you’re putting the product to use. Fewer vibrations will result in fewer accidents and noise.
- Another one of the many features that the belt grinder consists of is a dust bag. The dust bag allows you to complete tasks without having to worry about the machine getting clogged with debris. The Porter-Cable belt grinder also makes it easy for you to change the belt in a short period of time.
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7. WEN 6502 Disc Sander
WEN has been an established brand since 1951. The company originally began as a company that prioritised bringing tools and electricity together. As they continued to innovate and create, they soon began to expand their selection of products to a larger variety.
WEN began selling tools such as chainsaws, electric jigsaws, and knife belt sanders. Of these belt sanders, the one that has had the most success is the WEN 6502 Disc Sander.WEN 6502 can perform many different tasks. Although the WEN 6502 doesn’t have a real strong motor and has a slower beat, it’s still capable of complete various jobs.
With a very affordable price and quality performance, this device is the best deal for the money it’s worth. The WEN 6502 Disc Sander is also a great choice.
Product Specifications
The WEN 6502 belt sander is designed with a dimension of a 4 x 36-inch belt. However, the WEN 6502 device utilizes a 6 x 6-inch disc. The belt also tilts from about 0 to 90 degrees.
The WEN 6502 belt sander has a 1/2 HP motor that runs at a 3600 RPM. This is not the most powerful or efficient belt sander, but it is highly capable of getting the job done. The belt sander has a solid construction that can be used by experienced and non-experienced users.
Key Features
- One of the many key features of the WEN 6502 is that the speed and power prevent you from making mistakes when you’re using the machine. Another one of the many attachments that the WEN 6502 has is a miter gauge. The mitre gauge is designed to keep sanding steady and precise. The device also contains a dust extractor to keep it free of debris. And with not many exotic features, this product is very simple for customers to use.
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Choosing The Best Belt Sanders For Knife Making - The Ultimate Buying Guide
There are many different aspects that go into buying a new belt sander for knife making. When you’re selecting a product, it’d be wise to have a list of what perks you’d like for your tool to have. However, even if you aren’t sure which features are the most important to have in a belt sander, you can still find a knife belt sander to suit your needs.
Here are a few key factors that you should consider before spending money on a belt sander:
Belt Size
One of the first features that you should consider before you purchase a belt sander is the size of the sander belt. In most cases, the size of the belt is generally entwined within the name of the belt sander.
There are many different available sizes that you can choose from when you’re looking for a knife-making tool. Therefore, you can find the disc sander that’s right for you. For some experienced user, a larger sized sander may be preferred, but for a beginner, a smaller sized belt sander may be desired.
Pricing
Another key aspect that should be considered before purchasing a belt sander is the pricing. The cost of belt sanders can vary depending on the brand, model, and size of the tool. For customers on a budget, you’ll notice that you must choose certain features over others. With a lower cost, comes a lower power, speed and/or effectiveness. However, with many different models to choose from, you’ll be more than capable of finding an efficient belt sander in your price range. Generally, you will receive what you pay for.Power of Motor
It’s essential that you look at the power of the belt sander’s motor before you consider purchasing it. In most cases, when a machine’s motor has higher power, the whole tool will be more powerful. Most standard tools have Horse Power of 1/3 or 1/2. However, more powerful belt sanders will have an HP of 1. But with a higher power, comes a higher cost.Speed Type
The speed a belt sander varies from machine to machine. If you have experience in working with the belt sander, then the speed of the machine shouldn’t be much of a concern. However, if you’re a beginner, a machine that has the capability to change speed may be better suited for you. But the con of having a tool with varying speeds is that it will usually cost more money.Adaptability
There would be nothing worse than acquiring a tool and having no idea how to use it. Therefore, when you’re searching for a machine, you should find one that can be functioned easily. Ensure that the belt sander you choose allows you to complete tasks rapidly and efficiently.