Delta discontinued the SA180! There isn't another 1x42 belt sander in town. Harbor Freight has the 1x30 and that might be what I'm going to get.

I hope 1" x 42" belts will still be around. I just recently got my Delta. Practicing on machetes with the 1x30 was how I learned to grind. I finished up a machete for a dog today. He wanted the swedge sharpened. It finally stopped raining about an hour ago, so I worked on the swedge in the remaining light of the day. Here it is unsharpened.

And finished.

I thought that was because they were planning on a new model. At least that was what my local dealer told me.


Sure there is. Kalamazoo Industries. You won't find out at Home Depot, but you can find them at places like Product Tool Supply.

I think 1x42 belts will be around for a long time.

B

S.H., Glad that the EZE Sharp was able to give you a couple years of good use. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> But, the belt sander system is so much faster and easier - if you have a decent belt grinder and good quality belts - then "after" you get past the learning curve. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

All of the Lowes and Home Depot's around me have quit carrying "Any" bench-top belt sanders quite a few months ago now. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
I haven't seen any "good" options (for knife modifying/sharpening uses!) at my local Sears either. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

I looked at Sears.com.

They have a Craftsman 2"x42 for about $129.99. While at a quick glance, a 2"x42" such as that Craftsman might seem like a good option at a good price, I can't recommend it for knives as 2"x42" is HARD to find worthy selection of belts for. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I actually have NOT come across any of the good belts for 2"x42". 2"x48" is a size with a few belt options.


******* Belt size is a VERY worthy consideration when considering which belt sander to choose for knife modifications and sharpening. The best choice by far for belt selection is 2"x72" belts. But, this belt size is cost prohibitive for most people as 2"x72" machines tend to be very expensive. See more below.

The second best choice for good belt selections for knives is 1"x42".

1"x30" is a distant 3rd. VERY few options in 1"x48" that I have come across.

Texas Knife Supply offers a proprietary sized 2.5"x48" belt sander that appears to be a decent machine. But, I have not seen 2.5"x48" belts anywhere except at Texas Knife Supply. I assume Texas Knife Supply has the belts made for their machine. (??????) Considering the unique size, I consider the machine a potential dead-end if Texas Knife Supply decides to quit carrying belts.
However, for those interested, see: Texas Knife Supply Belt Sander

Sears also shows Wilton brands. Sears shows a Wilton 1"x42" model #4002 that looks VERY much like the Delta SA180. *** I wouldn't be at all surprised if they are exactly the same or made in the same place with only very subtle variations. But, the Wilton 1"x42" sells for over $300 vs. about $130 or so for the Delta SA180. So, I would have to recommend searching for a Delta SA180.

Sears also shows a Wilton 2"x42" that again seems like a better value and more machine for the money vs. the Wilton 1"x42", but again, you just can't find a worthwhile selection of belts suitable for working metal in 2"x42". That belt size is just going to offer belts more suitable for woodworking. Although, while not nearly as good as quality belts from online knife-making sources.

Sears and many other hardware stores often offer 4"x36" or 6"x48" belt sanders and such, but these wide belt machines are not generally very versatile for knife-making and again, you just won't find belts suitable for sharpening. I have one I have owned for years for woodworking. They might have some value in flattening out spines or helping to shape handles, but they are just not the best option for most general purpose knife modifications and sharpening.

I assume some local Sears hardware stores "might" possibly carry options other than what is shown online (??????), but based on what is shown online, I don't think Sears has any worthwhile options for general knife modifying and definitely not the best choices for knife sharpening.

There are still a few good belt sander options online through other retailers though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />


As Vic says, the little 1"x30" Harbor Freight is a decent / Cheap option. And there are a few sources for decent 1"x30" belts suitable for sharpening and modifying knives.

But, again, the best selection for belts is going to be in 2"x72" and 1"x42".

2"x72" belt sanders are often VERY nice, much higher quality build, very heavy and very expensive. The machining industry uses that size as a common standard size. So, lots of options, but generally because of being geared to the commercial use industry, the 2"x72" machines tend to be too expensive for most of us knife enthusiasts to justify. Variable speed is an option I wish I could afford that is often available on many 2"x72" sanders. But, most of these machines cost around $2,000 - $2,800 or so. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

If you don't want to spend, $2,000+ for a belt sander, Grizzly sells probably easily the best "economy" 2"x72" belt sander - Model # G1015 combo 2"x72" belt sander with a buffer on the other side. But, most will probably consider $469.00 shipped ($395.00 + $74.00 shipping) pretty high still.

Grizzly G1015 Belt Sander



The Grizzly G1015 is a very worthy machine and used by MANY knife-makers. The machine also has quite a few modifications and aftermarket parts posted around the web to help make it perform even better for knife-making/modifying, etc.

********* For anyone who uses the Grizzly G1015 or any machine with a buffer on knives, be VERY careful with buffers and knives!!!!! Most knife-makers who know about buffing will tell you that a buffer is the most dangerous tool around knives. The Grizzly has a 14 amp motor at about 1 H.P. - it is pretty stong and heavy duty - like a good table saw motor. Buffing wheels have a serious history of grabbing blades and throwing them - often resulting in serious injury. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

As Brian mentioned, Kalamazoo is another company providing a Great option for belt sanders for knife making and modifying. The 1SM is a quality built machine with 1"x42" belts.



Knifekits.com sells the Kalamazoo 1SM for about $230. See: Knifekits.com Kalamazoo Belt Sander and attachments

Some of the attachments available for the Kalamazoo are pretty inticing for modifications. The Swing plate and horizontal finishing attachment would be great options for modifying handles, choils, folders and MUCH more. But, $230 for the sander and another $200+ for attachments might be a bit much for most people (?????)
Although, for just the base sander, $230 will get you a great basic sander still. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

But, for those who want to keep their machine costs to closer to $125-$150 and have a decent selection of functional belts to choose from, the Delta SA180 is still pretty hard to beat as the most feasible/versatile choice and by far the best bang for the buck for most people.


Delta SA-180




There are links above to some worthy modifications (belt speed/pully mods)! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

.

DotD,

I ran across this machine a few years ago now. I was somewhat interested as it offers "wet" grinding. So, I researched and considered. But, this and the similar (but much more expensive) Tormek Sharpener are more suited for chisels, planes, etc.

I am sure they can get blades sharp. But, they are less versatile and much more expensive.

For the record, I can get pretty good push-cut edges on my chisels with my belt sander. ... and (probably) much faster than those dedicated machines. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Not to mention availibility for relatively reasonably priced replacement belts and belt grit options for belt sanders vs. those VERY proprietary shaped, very few optinos and VERY expensive stones. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

.

DotD,

I mentioned on an earlier post a few good places to find belts for belt sanders that are much more suitable for knife grinding/sharpening.

Most of the 100, 150 and 220 grit belts are aluminum oxide and geared towards woodworking.


Knife-maker vendors are the best sources for a large selection of quality belts and belts geared towards working with hardened steel.



For "some" good sources for Belts see:


Lee Valley Belts

Jantz Knife Supply

Texas Knife Supply - Sanding Belts

Pop's Knife Supply - Sanding Belts

I think it was Snotpig who had good luck with the premium belts from here:

McMaster-Carr - Sanding belts


.

SCORE! I ordered a SA180 from Ace Hardware, for drum roll please...109.99. It should be here Friday no shipping. Also, Delta has a 5 year warranty too so that is a big plus. So now I need to order a few belts.

Well, I'm taking the drop! I went to the Kalamazoo website, and requested a quote on their basic 1"x42" belt sander, and the quote back was $230USD.. shipped. So, I'll save up and not spend any cash on drinking for the next few weeks, and order this and have it sent to me. Then, I'll follow the other link you guys put up to Lee Valley, and order some micron and leather belts for it. I'll practice doing convex edges on a couple cheap Cold Steel machetes I have, and see how I do. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crossfingers.gif" alt="" />

I can't afford to purchase much from the US these days. The exchange rate on
the dollar and the high cost of shipping items just plain makes things much
to expensive for me.

Lee Valley is in Canada, so I'm going to get belts from them

Cheers

Do you really spend 115 a week on booze <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />? Sounds like a Busse man.

My SA180 "should" be here Friday and I ordered several belts that "should" be here Friday or Saturaday.

I have stacks of lessor quality kitchen knives to practice on, a few cheap hunting knives of my brothers and then on to my SOD. My wife will be so pleased to have sharp cutlery. I'll be pleased to not spend 4 hours making them sharp <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

You guys forgot to tell me not to get my fingers to close to the belts.


<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

Yow!!!
I'm hoping that this isn't an X-ray of "your" hand...would make me re-think
getting this belt grinder <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />