[censored]! Missed on the discount. Still going to get one ASAP. Has anyone seen this thread about modifying the SA-180? I think I'm going for it!

Earlier it was $90 and free shipping, now it's $130 + 10 shipping. Maybe it just wasn't meant to be, but the stuff you guys do on the HF has always impressed me.

HD, that looks great! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

KG, thanks for all the input, it's really helped. I definitely appreciate good tools vs. cheaper ones, but I think it's better for me right now to go with the 1x30, and take the losses if/when I upgrade to a better machine.

One question, to change the belts on the HF 1x30, there's no springs to bring the wheel closer to easily change the belts? You just have to wiggle it on and off?

Look under that price.
On the right hand column.

The price DID go up, but only $20.
It's $110 delivered now.

Once you get the belt sander, to use it as a knife grinder, remove the covers and table, and either remove or move back the platen so you can do convex grinds and have room for big blades. You may be changing belts often, so leaving the cover off makes this much faster and easier.

Another really useful shop tool is an ordinary 1/2" arbor bench grinder converted to a buffer using Scotchbrite wheels. Once the grinding is done, you can soften the glare on the finish and give it a nice brushed satin look.

How does your MOD4 perform with it's new convex grind now Vic ?

Like yours, I imagine, pitman. It is like having a knife I hated turn in to one I like. It is like a different knife. Also, removing all that steel improved the balance and feel of the knife, too. It is still a heavy knife with that full tang and all. I noticed that yours had a narrower tang. I made mine as much like yours as I could, though and it cuts very well. Not the hardest most edge-holding steel, but easy to sharpen.

that bader grinder looks pretty sick. 2HP sounds like it would save a lotta time putting the bevels on. especially sweet since i've been doin it with 1/3HP.

the grizzly is 1HP for a quarter of the price, though.

MrPink,

The odds have now tilted to the side of the HB because of price <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> As with most all tools....I would buy the best that I can afford. Not to take anything away from the more affordable tools.... I use all sorts of tools on a daily basis and find that good quality tools save me more time, money, and headaches in the long run.

At the end of the day, it is still the person behind the tools that will bring about the results. Good tools just helps to make it easier to get good results.

I ordered McMaster-Carr's premium 1x30 belt (orange belts) for stock removal. Man it turned my HF into a beast! It will grind a blade from stock in about half the time now. Before I was using the belts from Home Depot - They're good for wood but don't last long with metal.
The second HF is outfitted with 4000 grit for final edge finishing.



Here's the difference in thickness btw the McMaster belt and a Home Depot belt.


The HF didn't want to turn these at first - too stiff. I had to leave these out a while to soak up humidity. Once it got rolling it was on!

Wow those look like the Norton Blaze belts for the 1X30. The Blaze are my favorite premium belts for stock removal. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Just curious....how much are those orange 1X30 belts?

The belts differ in price with respect to grit size:
36 - $7.73 40 - $6.73 50 - $6.54 60 - $6.42 80 - $6.07

The ones pictured are 36 grit - $7.73. Worth every penny.

snotpig, where did you get those belts? Also, to change the belts on the HF 1x30, KG said you just have to wiggle them out, there's no spring to release the tension at all?