How To Use A 4x36 Belt Sander For Knife Making
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
- How To Use A 4x36 Belt Sander For Knife Making. 4x36" belt sanders and knife making don't usually go hand in hand. In this video I show you the modifications I've made so I can use this grinder for making knives. They are fairly simple so doing these mods yourself shouldn't be a problem. Making knives with this setup is definitely easier then grinding bevels by hand with files. Its still slow but it works for smaller knives. Hope this video helps someone get in to knife making easier! Thinks for watching!
P.S.
I will be moving on from this grinder set up shortly and moving to a 2x72.
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Im NOT recommending these this is just to give you an idea.
About⬇️
Hi, Im Alex, im a knife maker and TH-camr, based out of southern Pennsylvania and my youtube channel is Outdoors55. This channel started as an outdoor backpacking channel, but quickly grew into a knife/ knife making channel. Everything I do on my channel is family friendly. I primarily focus on knife / knife making videos but occasionally throw in something different. Thank you for watching!😀
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I hope someday you get an awesome 2x72 that is worth more than my truck but I still think that your little shop with common tools is one of the coolest things about your channel. Keep up the great work. 👍🏼
Haha! Thats awesom😂 The nice 2x72s might as well be a truck, they certainly are almost the same price. 😬 Thanks for the comment my friend!
100% Agree!
You articulate your presentation very well, and your logic and resourcefulness is perfect for most people making their own knives. Good job.
Hey man, really liked this video because it shows your ingenuity. It shows that you can get "into the game" of knife-making with very few dollars. ⚔️
Another great video. I’m just starting out and every time I have a question or I’m stuck, I seem to find the answer within minutes on your channel. This vid just solved another one. 👍🏻
Awesome! Glad I could help!
Hey Alex just recently modified my 1x30 to use for knife making and it works well enough for the hobbyist. Thanks for uploading this, it shows people you don't need to use the highest quality tools and equipment. Use what you got is what I always say. Great job
1x30? is that the small harbor freight one? If so how has it been so far?
Yeah I do have the harbor freight one but it's quite literally trash without a couple modifications I did. First I added a longer tool rest like Alex did. Then I had to keep adjusting the top pulley wheel because it wouldn't hold the belts properly, but all these things you can find videos on TH-cam for. I'm not the first one to use a 1x30 lol. Also, using quality ceramic belts will make that thing better tenfold. But yeah I've been making pretty good knives in it for a beginner.
Yep, you can definitely use crude tools and get great results with some practice. Thanks for the comment my friend!
Exactly what I needed. I've been having the same troubles you have fixed here. Thanks.
Really cool how you figured out how to make the 4x36 work for you! I use a HF 1x30 to grind my knives. For a hobbyist you really can't beat it. You do want to create a wider smoother work rest for it but other than that it works pretty good and it's cheap even brand new.
Damn HF
Dang, that extra little platen is a great idea. I definitely have to do that.
Well I made one knife and successfully ground the bevels using your small platen addition. I didn't get any scallops or depressions in the bevel like I had on the previous knife I tried to make (it was so bad I scrapped it and started over). I think your idea was the best I've seen and it works.
Great lesson about using what you have! That's what we Had to do back in the day. Good video Alex, and I envy your shop 👌👍
Thanks! Seems like that all I do is use what I have on hand lol😂 Hopefully one day ill have a nicer shop but for now this will have to do! Again thanks!
I got one very similar recently, i had the same problem with the plat making my first knife, unforseen of course. i marked where the belt sits center of the plat, pulled it apart and used a grinder to cut the plat on each edge 2 inches up from the rest platform
Genius with the platen mod, I'll be giving this a try!
Omg!!! Thank you for mentioning that the ideler wheels are not that great for shaping..now I know why I wld have issues... Ty ty ty
Great informative video. I use a 1x30 predominately now, but started with a 4x36. I wish this video was out back then. Would have saved me quite a few headaches. 😉.
Yeah, I wish someone made a 4x36 or a 1x30 with slightly more power with a flat platen for knife making. Seems they all have 1/3hp 4 amp motors regardless of brand. Even a 1/2hp would be a huge upgrade in the $300-500 price range. Not everyone needs a $2000 2x72.
I just ordered a 1x42 belt sander. now I can try to make a knife. i can't wait. thanks for all the great knife making vids man. it has really helped me and made me want to try it
Nice! Sounds like your on your way👍
OUTDOORS55 oh yeah man. I've got everything on its way. now its time for the hard part (waiting) ill let you know when I make my first knife
i miss your videos.
you got me in to knivemaking.
This video was great, very helpful. I am inspired to modify my 4/36 for knife making
Thanks for this review and for saving me time and money!
Great vid, I’ve put a plate on mine now plunge line a lot better thx. Watching all your stuff some great tips and knowledge. It’s a shame you’ve moved on don’t be away long
Excelentes consejos, gracias! Tengo una igual y le he adaptado un motor de 1.1kw, también cambié las ruedas por unas de acero.
Do you have a suggestion (or could you make a video) about the must have tools for new knife makers? maybe a hobbyist tools list and then possible upgrades for those that might want to go a little deeper? love your videos, keep them coming
Just the information that I was looking for.
Brilliant my friend.......................
I love your videos! I liked how you stressed in another video that when you sharpen patience is definitely needed.
Your videos really are great. You have made some amazing knives using the tools you have. I still love that little Spyderco clone you made. That is an awesome little knife. Thanks again.
Thanks !
Well said, they are a crude method of making knives. I own a 4x36 and I have several different issues with it. I've used a 2x72 and it was night and day. The belt speed and less vibration made alot of difference. My Porter Cable supposedly has a 3/4hp motor but still bogs down sometimes.
Yes they are crude indeed but can work under the right circumstances. power is a big issue especially when your making larger blade or bevel. Thanks for watching my friend!
Thanks for the tips! Just added a 1/4 thick piece of aluminum 3x4 inches to the platen, works like a champ!
Do you run into problems when you are grinding a knife to shape with the plate being above the table?
Thanks! I’m just a hobbyist, so these are great suggestions.
Been waiting for this one!! As always, informative and easy to watch.
Thanks my friend!
Thank u so much for this video Alex. I love your channel; you make great informative videos and I love your personality, sarcastic but witty. Also, your video editing is amazing. Thank u so much for all of the hard work and dedication
Thank you for watching my videos! I really appreciate it!😀👍
I was about to buy one for knife making... not now!!! Thankyou.
Look in to the grizzly 1x30.
I have one of these that's 1/2 hp and it does pretty good.
Thanks for the tips
Great video! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience! Cheers from Portugal!
I did a similar modification to my grinder (actually two mods).One is adding a riser to the platen as you did except mine is airplane wing shaped the oval being about 1 1/2 inches of the circumference of an 8" contact wheel allowing me to hollow grind my blade also by making a notch in the middle of the top of the original platen I can use a box cutter to split the 4" belts into 2" belts which reduce the drag on the motor.and gives me two belts for the price of one.
Could you explain a little more? It is not clear to me what your platen riser looks like. thanks
Great looking knives
Great video!!!!
Thanks!
Thanks for this some excellent advice
I bought one specifically because I am just starting and have money issues. I found one from China that has a 3/4 hp motor. Yes was able to find a shop downtown that carried ceramic glass and put that on as a platen. I use it for flattening my stock and some bevel on my longer knives. My only problem is getting belts locally or from the Philippine supplier’s on the Internet. I have to order from the states. luckily Combat Abrasives and Amazon have a quick turn around. Just to some it up. Between my 4x36 and my 1x30, after making work table upgrades. I’m not looking to buy a 2x72 anytime soon.
You made it work! That’s satisfying!
Where theres will, theres a way😀
That secondary platen there is a great idea. You can get a 1/4 inch thick tempered glass platen made for 2x72 grinders that's about 9 inches long. If you lay 2 of the side by side, you'll have a great deal more usable belt surface.
Yes I thought about that but didn't want to spend any money.. I guess I'm cheap lol
Great video. Thanks for the info. On another note, I know you’re probably busy but we need to keep the videos coming, haha . Appreciate all your efforts. Hope all is well.
Haha! yeah about to get even more busy. So I may not be doing as many videos till things calm down for me. Most likely the end of summer ill be picking the videos back up a notch😀
Thanks for this video - great suggestions and tips.
Great video as most of us cant afford a $3000 grinder
I looked at several 4x6 sander conversions. I liked yours best because it is simple and doesn't hack up the machine. I didn't have 1/4 inch steel so I epoxied together 2 - 1/8" pieces of aluminum and tapped and bolted them on similarly to yours. It worked fine but I had to modify my rest to not touch the belt and get back to 90 degrees to the small platten. I am now able to do the plunges. One weird thing, I was getting unwanted "scallops" in various places on the bevel and I don't know why. The blade is firmly clamped in the jig I made so its not moving. Perhaps it's just technique or maybe I'm pressing too hard or not evenly. They are very hard to get out and some I had to hand sand...which took forever. Any ideas how I can avoid these?
Excellent ideas, I'm using one from HF and I'm going to try the additional plat idea.
Thanks for sharing. I have one and this information has been very helpful
Thanks Bruh, Just the Info I Needed...
Great job on that blade!!
Thanks!
Hey, thanks for showing us around your shop. Crude is good. Thinking on your feet is where it is at, well done....
I cute notches on the side of the machine.
Just ordered a 4 by 36 on harbor freight yesterday and now you post this. Its only $70 though so im good.
They are always useful for something. 👍
Thanks. I certainly like your videos.
Thanks my friend!👊
I was just wondering about where to find a glass/ceramic plate and how to properly secure it to the sander as I would be using it horizontally. Thanks
You can spray adhesive a ceramic tile/s to the platen to create a good depth for plunge lines, its cost effective and doesnt require any welding
ZNA idea
Jb weld works for adhesive better than anything I've found
Thank you
Got one just setting around collecting dust ( not saw dust ) I use to use it a lot when I did kitchen & blah remodels but now I'm retired not so much. Maybe I'll start making knives
Richard Jones do it and post results on here!
The crown on the pullys is to keep the belt on track. The crown is normally 2 to 3 degrees.
U are a knife making jedi... How is it that I got a problem or a question then like if you knew boom you make a video that answers my question lol. Thank you for the vids and all the help.
Could you possibly adjust the belt all the way to the left ,and never mind you just answered my question
Do you run into problems when you are grinding a knife to shape with the plate being above the table?
Good job nice instructive video.
Thanks my friend!
Great video and good info!
Thanks man!
Nice tutorial , and here I thought you did it all by had 👍 😂
Only on the weekends😉
Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍
Thanks my friend!
Awesome video dude thanks
Thanks for watching!
1:16 "The platten't"
I just finished installing a 3/4 horse 1750 rpm motor on my 4×36 harbor freight...you can still stop it, 2×72 soon...
I know its an old video but would it be good for profiling and taking off meat of a knife before refining it with a smaller belt?
Great video as usual. You mentioned, if you do not already have a 4x36 belt sander (which I do not), you would recommend other options around the same price. Could you please share what those options might be. Thanks.
2x72 belt grinder
I have Exactly the same 4x36 - given to me, doesnt have the 5 " disc (I'll have to make one)
But I have an 8 " disc for my table saw. It also came without a tool rest, so I'll be fabricating that as well. These are the little things that keep me from starting knife projects
I made the mistake of buying Harbor Freights 2 by 28 and it is exactly like you say and it really sucks
What is that orange device you're using to hold the knife flat on the belt at roughly 5:15 into your video? Where can I purchase one?
you said there are better options for around the same price, do you think you could do a video on those options?
Not ideal but a excellent and creative work around. Great job
Thanks for watching!
Great video
Great info, thanks.
How did you attache the surface platform
Great videos OUTDOORS-55! Not sure if it's intentional, however, in Thai language the number "5" is pronounced "ha". Thai people often text "555" to say "hahaha" (lol)
Haha😂 Interesting! Thanks for the insight👍
I think bucktool "borrowed" your idea for the plung piece addition on their 4802.
i Think so too. They have reached out to me for testing as i have reviewed one of their older versions of the 4x36 haha
@@OUTDOORS55 you should take them up on it, then you can say how well your plunge platen works on their sander! Lol. Take satisfaction in knowing your review got us a platen and a 7 amp motor at slow speed. You got them to bring a better product to market. At least, I hope so, because I just bought one!
👍
I PUT A OLD 2HP MOTOR ON MINE IT shape 4 knives clamped together with no bogg i did have lock tight everything
for you're "surface grinding" as you said... that's kind of how my current setup is... but may I ask if that hand tool you were using to hold your project, was that magnetic? if so do you think you could link me to that, looked super strong!
I have the exact same grinder as you, and the bearings in the idler wheel are also going out on mine. Any chance you have been able to source replacements?
Its not impossiable to grind thick knives with these grinders. Im currently making a 7mm thick bowie knife, it took seven hours of pure grinding time to get the bevels ground in. A lot of stock removal comes with the belts, i bought several aluminumoxide belt from different companies, some of them were really bad and some were kind of good. I found some which grind smooth, the belts sometimes whobble up to 3mm to the side. But thats not bad, i can sort them out and use these for handleshaping or busting away material to get the knife-shape roughed in
How do you determine how much to angle your sander’s “base” to bevel the blade?
how to you mount your plate to the platine?
hello, what kind of grit do you suggest for grind bevels?, great video👍👍
For rough grinding i use a 36 grit to 60 grit. Thanks my friend 👍👊
could probably cut a section off the edge of the platen to do plunge lines as long as u clean it up it shouldnt f anything up
You can do that but it would wear out super fast ( the platen on these are not hardened) with no way of replacing the platen. I still think adding one is more efficient. Thanks for the comment!👍
Excellent informative video . May I ask which grids of 4x36" belts do I need to get the bevele done ? (40 ,60 , 80 ,...)Thanks
I like 60 and 80 for the bevels. My 4x36 doesn’t have the belt speed/power for anything coarser than 60. If I was to buy only one grit it would be 80 grit. That’s just what works for me.
OUTDOORS55 Thanks for reply . It seems mine is the same as yours .
OUTDOORS55 o
Great vid, I can not get the grinds to look the same on both sides of the blade, using the belt grinder with a 10 degree jig. any pointers to get the grids looking the same.
It depends on the grinder. It can be very tough if the grinder has loose tolerances. Other than that practice. Not sure I can say much more as each grinder is different.
Can you make another testing sharping hacks video???
Are there any more hacks out there to be tested?
Hey Alex, I need your help! I made a knife out of a file and it's a beautiful knife(beautiful to me) and it's a good start for a one of my first knives. It's also a gift for my brother who is in the military. Anyway, I've spent about 1 week carefully making the knife with an angle grinder, but I just dont understand how to sharpen this knife lol. I have one of those stupid electronic sharpeners that do pretty good on kitchen knives and stuff like that but I cant get my knife to sharpen. At all. I can run the blade along my fingers without any cuts :/
Should I get sharpening stones? Or maybe did I make the blade itself wrong? Or maybe I just dont understand the process of sharpening. Thanks for the feedback!
I use stones freehand to sharpen. I have a number of sharpening video and I'm doing more soon so hopefully they will help😀
OUTDOORS55 thanks for the feedback! I'll check the videos out!
What could I do if I can't weld a piece of steel to my sander? I'm thinking of just risking using epoxy and duct tape, but a little voice in my head is saying bad idea.
I drilled and taped mine. It's easy to do and no welding required 👍
What degree do you typically use and types of sand paper grits. I'm a noobie and want a to make a few different styles out of files
The degree depends on the type of grind you’re creating and I recommend ceramic belts. Also if you’re gonna use a file I would normalize it first but that’s up to you and your capabilities. I think for your grinder you should get some 40 grit, 80, 120 and sand the rest by hand. You can make some good stuff this way even though it’s not optimal. That’s just my opinion and far from the correct way.
Great info but harbor freight sells 4x36s new for like 40 bucks
Unfortunately harbor freight stuff is crap. Just look at some of their prices. You can’t possibly get a good angle grinder,for example, for $19.99, or a 32 piece wrench set for $9.99. Their prices are low for a reason.
Hah. Most of their stuff is pretty good, IME. My first belt sander was a Harbor Freight 3x21 that I converted to a bench sander. After many years, I finally found it a new owner. One of the reasons I upgraded to an actual bench-intended 4x36 was my jury-rigged table had to be removed and reinstalled every time I changed the belt. I found a cast iron bench sander is a lot quieter, as well. But it was still getting the job done when I finally gave it away.
Just made a file knife. I can’t figure out how to grind the bevels etc. all I have is an angle grinder work sharp Ken onion and an orbital sander. Maybe a video on bevel grinding with simple tool. Because I can’t file a file with a file.
Does it matter which way the belt is moving relative to the edge of the blade?
Not really but you dont want to grind on finer grits with a sharpish knife, it will cut into it at a certain point. For rough grinding in a bevel its no problem doing that with the blade edge up.
Found it! :)
Haha awesome!👍👊
I’m wondering how using a 2” wide platen and splitting your 4” belts would work? Seems as though it should work good, not sure if it’s worth the hassle. If your platen was easily removable you could switch back to 4” belts for wood work.
I dont think it would be worth the trouble. It would probably work but might create more problems than it solves🤷♂️
OUTDOORS55 well I don’t need to create any extra problems for myself! I’ll just stick with the 4” I guess. Now I just need to find 1080 steel. 80crv2 seems easy to find but not the 1080. The heat treat seems more involved with the 80.
I cant find it either. You could try substituting 1075 or 5160 if you can find it in the sizes you need.
OUTDOORS55 I’ll do some searching. Getting stuff to AK can be unreasonably expensive. Thanks for your “laymans” videos. My boys and I have been having fun making knives together and your videos have been a great help! Keep it up!
You say that someone could by something better for the same money. What would that be?
Id get a grizzly 1x30
Thanks