Grinding Wheels vs 1" Belt Sander

Preface: I'm sort of a sharpening nut. I've got a two wheel grinder, a Tormek, diamond plates, Scary Sharp plate glass, japanese water stones and slips, an old (as in 1930s) Baldor two speed dental buffer, stiched wheels, hard felt wheels, wooden whees, white diamond, tripoli, rouge and, though, I had no intended use for it when I got it at a garage sale, a 1" belt sander - with spare belts from 100 to 1000 grit.

Since most turning tools come with a ground profile and some even ground close to sharp, why use a grinder to touch up or sharpen curved profiles? A belt sander - above the flatten, where the belt will more or less conform to what it's rubbing on - seems to make more sense. No special jigs/fixtures required.

Wouldn't recomend using a belt sander to fix a dinged edge or to drastically change a profile but it seems perfect for touching up a dull tool. Having a range of grits to use also seems advantageous.

So why so little mention of 1 inch belt sanders for sharpening curved profile tools?

charlie b asking yet another "dumb question"

Reply to
charlie b
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Lots of folks use a 4" belt sander mounted so the belt is running up for pretty much all their grinding. I use several things, at the moment the fact that the 1x42 I picked up at the junk shoppe has a motor that sounds like a shop vac (LOUD) and the belt jumps off from time to time limit my use of that.

If you peruse the archives you'll discover the other reason (IMHO): sharpening topics tend to be likely to dive off the deep end into religious wars, rather than remaining reasonable discussions for long. I'd be happy to be proved wrong for once on that observation (hint, hint, folks).

Reply to
Ecnerwal

One (1") inch belt sanders and other belt sanders can be used for sharpening lathe tools. Belt sanders run cooler and don't overheat the tool edge like a conventional grinding wheel can. Its also a snap to switch from a coarse grit to a fine one.

But, to use a belt sander as you describe, with the tool "above the platen", is going to put a slightly convex bevel on your tools. I think you will find that a flat bevel or a concave bevel as you would get off of a grinding wheel will allow the tool to perform (cut) better. If I were considering using a belt sander for sharpening, I would sharpen "on the platen" so the bevel would be flat.

Many people can sharpen well freehand. I can't. I'm a fan of the Wolverine sharpening jig from Oneway. Its moderately expensive, but it performs flawlessly and gives a perfect edge every time.

Barry

Reply to
Barry N. Turner

I use my 1 x 42 belt sander for almost all my sharpening -- lathe tools, regular chisels, my wive's kitchen knives... everything. I use both the soldid platen and the "loose" area above the platten, depending on what type of grind I want. I did make a MUCH improved tool rest and use everything from 100 grit to 400 grit... and the back of the belt to hone the wire edge off.

Added a MDF honing disk to polish my tools --- and my waterstones, diamonds stones, scary sharp sandpaper et all just sit in the drawer...

But you are right.. it is less well known... and I don't know why...

Steve

charlie b wrote:

Reply to
Steve Koschmann

I use one. Got some real nice belts from Lee Valley in the micron range. Does a good job and I only go to the grinder when I have to. Don't know why they're not mentioned much.

Reply to
Lobby Dosser

=====>Well to every newcomer to the group it would appear that these things/procedures haven't been discussed before. In truth, they seem almost cyclical as with almost every other topic in this newsgroup (and others). Some newcomer comes along and broaches a topic that is new and of interest to him/her and it is suggested they hie themselves to the archives and do a search. Failing to find an answer there, they should come back to the rec and ask. This will probably start a whole new cycle again with curmudgeons, COCs, newbies, grumpers, and teachers all chiming in. This is good as it is a refresher course as well as a chance to see if there are any nifty, new, guaranteed, sharpening tools or a never-needs-sharpening chisels available to buy!!

A one inch belt sander is my favorite for touching up almost all my edged tools. especially using the alumina zirconia belts. Usually blue, but are sometimes green or red. I almost always use the platten-backed portion of the belt. Heavy duty shaping is done with the Wolverine unit on the grinding wheels.

Leif

Reply to
Leif Thorvaldson

Some folks deliberately grind convex "bevels" to give greater control over the bite right at the tool. In close quarters, where the handle or the shaft of the tool itself might be in the way, it's a good strategy.

I think it's been a number of years since they took the word "sharpener" out of the description, but the old Delta used to be called a sander/sharpener. In the end it comes down to personal comfort, because grit is grit wherever it is, and it's pressing and holding that generates the heat.

I always sharpen my belly mower blades on the 12" disk sander, but I took it off the tractor yesterday after trimming the paths for the last time. Tune-up in the spring. As soon as the last of the cauliflower is out, I'll hang the plow on him and do the garden ....

Reply to
George

Snip

Because it's TOO Easy. I have blocks cut at the different angles I use and can set the table angle in a couple of seconds on my cheapie 1" sander. Just remember to disconnect it from the dust collector while sharpening.

Reply to
Gerald Ross

Leif, So, for us newbies, just how do you peruse the archives?

TomNie

Reply to
Tom Nie

Reply to
Leif Thorvaldson

The 1" belt is what I'm planning on changing over to for my sharpening - Lee Valley carries a 1" x 42" leather belt for stropping, as well as a good selection of other belts (and a 1" belt grinder that is going to go on an existing motor that I have).

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Regards, Fred Bearman Port Huron, MI

Reply to
Fred

Been thinking that this is a good thing to try and I see that Harbor Freight has a 1" belt sander for $29 from Central Machine and was curious if anyone has any opinion on Central Machine.

Reply to
Norvin (remove SPAM)

Well the great answers to my "dumb question" have filled my Learn Something New Everyday quota for today and then some

- searchable google group archive

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- this group is more forgiving of newbies so I didn't get yelled at for asking a question that's been asked many times before. Over in rec.woodworking, that often is not the case. DAGS! (Do A Google Search) is often a response to a newbie question like this. Thanks folks.

- didn't realize using the unbacked/unsupported belt could put a convex bevel on my edge. THAT is definitely a No No on bench chisels and plane irons Makes sense for most turning tools as well - having to go closer to square on to the axis of rotation seems like a catch waiting to happen.

- need to get out Robin Lee's book on sharpening and spend some time in the Turning Tools chapter.

BTW - if you have a bunch of sharpening stuff stashed throughout the shop, a sharpening station cabinet might be worth building next. (all one line so watch the line wrap)

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Here it is - shellaced - lots and lots of shellac. Did I mention that I like shellac? Thanks for the enlightening responses

chariie b ast.net/~charliebcz/SharpeningCenter/SharpeningCenter10.html

Reply to
charlie b

=====>I bought the CM one with an eight inch disk sander. Hardly ever use the disk but love the belt sander. CM is not the finest machine builder/importer, but it certainly has stood up just fine for me!

Leif

Reply to
Leif Thorvaldson

It is quieter than rec.norm. The book, BTW isn't Robin's, it's his Dad's, Leonard Lee.

Dave in Fairfax

Reply to
Dave in Fairfax

=======>A remarkable tour de force, Charlie! I suspect that you have created yourself the finest looking sharpening center in the rec. of not the world! I do have a couple of questions, though!! Isn't the grinder located kinda low to the floor? Seems like you'd have a hard time sharpening any turning tools above micro chisels? Would one squat in front of it? Kneel, Genuflect? I don't see any mechanism for a swing-up system, so now am wondering if you are planning on pulling the entire grinder shelf out (watch your back!) and plunking it down on top surface of the cabinet that you have just slathered with 32 coats of shellac?I certainly wouldn't have such a cabinet in my shop -- perhaps pride of place in my living room or rec room as an AV center! When I use my grinder, I get grit of various grits all over my "sharpening center." I can vacuum it up for the most part, but some sticks to the wood and when wiped off, leaves scratches. Perhaps I don't understand the artist part, but I do believe form should follow function. In the meantime, I remain in awe of your legerdemain in woodworking, but somehow have a faint notion that you might want to seek some help in this regard!*G*

Leif

Reply to
Leif Thorvaldson

I don't know if I can live with the Shame! My 'sharpening station' is an old cheapie drawing table - metal legs, bunged up top.

In fact, I'm not sure I've ever built anything that looked this good to go In the House!

Reply to
Lobby Dosser

If you know someone who has one of them, or can inspect one in person your OK. Otherwise suspect.

Reply to
Lobby Dosser

That's the one I have (but a different brand). Works great. I cut out a corner of the table from the right of the belt back and to the left. It has worked fine for several years. I have a larger 1" belt sander that can be configured to sand inside a cutout, but it is hardly ever used.

Reply to
Gerald Ross

Charlie you're amazing. I agree with Leif.

You did all that with Photo Shop?? How'd you get the line drawings shaded? Is that what you were saying Photo Shop could do? The drawings one place and the shading another?

Man, these computers are above me. Trying to teach an old dog new tricks.

TomNie

Reply to
Tom Nie

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