I mostly camp like MC in area's lacking trees. However, there are a few places I have gone where I could use a hammock and the ease of it would be nice. Can't wait to try it!

I just placed an order with Lee Valley for some belts - I paid twice as much for belts as I did the sander <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

I would avoid aluminum oxide belts as they don't last as long as ceramic alumina, zirconia alumina, etc. I'll use aluminum oxide belts as a finisher or as a last resort if no other belt is available. I mostly get mine from www.mcmaster.com or www.mscdirect.com. McMaster's 1x30 premium ceramic alumina belts are awesome.
I'd start with 120/150 grit and get at least one of every grade up to 400-800 grit. All my 400 and 800 grit belts are aluminum oxide. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Snotpig, I think the steel is working. My wrist feels better already!

I couldn't wait for my Lee Valley order to get here, so I decided to play with a little Ka-Bar Becker Necker and see what I could do. This blade was seriously dull, after having been used to slice open bags of mulch and dirt and pebbles for some gardening a while back.

Two minutes on the sander with a 120 grit belt (the finest I have right now) then another 5 minutes on 1000 grit sandpaper wrapped around a strop, then the strop (both by hand), and it's shaving sharp.


Not half bad <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />


Now, should I do my NMSFNO, or wait for the belts to arrive? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Ha! Someone likes to sprint before they can walk!

Although, in your case MM, you are probably well aware of what you're doing. I say try one more blade before jumping to the NMSFNO.

In all fairness, the NMSFNO came so freaking dull from the Busse factory that I could probably make it sharper by smashing it with a sledgehammer <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

Whats up guys. Looks like I might be making a run by Harbor Freight too. Working steel on diamond stones is getting old fast.

I got my HC Custom shop with blue handles in today. I really like the feel of it. Fits the hand very well, and the IWB kydex sheath is nice too. I think I will carry it today if I get a chance to touch up the edge.

Nice. Sumo, it's great to know whatever questions one has on the sanding can and will be answered here. A sander for less than $40, how can you beat that? Sure, the belts will push you over $100 but that's to be expected.

Just did my Muk - shaving sharp!