Welcome to the yard, RajunCajun. Thanks for the video. The technique used is the same as mine, except I might use different grit belts (I like 180 grit). I like his belt grinder better, too. His has more tension adjustment than mine. My leather belt is too loose. Another way to remove the bead is with a light stroke of a ceramic or steel rod. You can feel it if you roll the edge over to the other side, so use very light pressure and you can have it shaving sharp without a leather strop. I used this method for two years until I found a leather belt for my sander.

Just a note: I have been using a 1x30 for many blades, from CS to ScrapYard etc, etc, and they all reduce/remove fairly slowly at the same rate... and you get used to that rate... then, if you ever switch to INFI you will likely screw it up your first time, as INFI removes/reduces way way faster on the belt... just a warning for any dogs who go for INFI-

Thanks for the welcomes you guys.

I've been looking at this guy Nielson's work for some time now and I'll try to get one of his pieces one day. He also has this video of him cutting a free hanging rope with a single swipe- I'll post it below. I don't have any knives that can do this so I guess he knows what he's doing.

I do like using a strop to remove the bead but it probably takes some practice to do it on a sander. Horn Dog and Rainwalker mentioned getting some practice knives, thats probably a good idea as well as a great excuse to buy more knives!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_0oJLygUA4

Cajun - Howdy and Welcome to the Scrap Yard! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> These folks have given some good advice, based on their experience. I have met some, and can tell you for a fact that Horn Dog is as sharp as his blades! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Tom

I need to go by a few belts

Been mentioned before, but leevalley.com has a good selection of 1x30 belts in very fine grits. I get my belts there and I think Vic does too! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Got some more practice. Results are looking better, but I seem to be blunting the tips. Any advice on how to avoid this?

Practice, and very little pressure on the tip. I don't draw the entire tip across the belt either.

Why do you think I made so many penetrators? I kept screwing up the points! The belt will "flop" around and blunt the tip. I carefully pull the blade back toward me before the point gets to the other side of the belt in the draw. I'm doing better now. Also, you want to go to a more obtuse angle as you approach the tip.