Having been disappointed in my first attempt to upgrade from my little CM 1x30 from Harbor Freight, I was leery. The Chipping Away "Ultimate Sharpener" will need some modifications to be useful. Like reverse the motor direction and finding a better spring for the belt tensioner. But the new, less expensive Delta SA180 1" x 42" belt sander is smooth and efficient. Here it is stripped down for knife grinding. The platen in this photo is swung out of the way for convex grinding. But it works well, allowing me to sand the flat of the blade on this camp machete.



I am pleased with this machine. It is useful for large jobs. For normal sharpening, the little one from Harbor Freight is hard to beat, though.

I like the looks of that one Vic.

Nice machete HD, I would love to be able to do that. I once spent about 6 hours shapening a collins & co machete with a lansky. I thought it turned out pretty good, but now that I see yours... I have alot of learning to do.

Hi Vic, I don't know if you saw my last post in the Re: Chipping Away Ultimate Sharpener? thread, but I wondered if you had contacted Chipping Away about a warranty resolution for the issues you encountered?

definitely have to upgrade now. only question is how high i should go.

I have decided to try and modify it to suit my needs. I like the lower belt speed it has. I need to increase the belt tension and reverse the motor direction.

That sander and machete both look great Vic! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

looking good HD

I found this thread where a couple folks posted about adjusting the belt tension:
Re: Ultimate Power Sharpener from Chipping Away on the Woodcarving Illustrated Message Board

be careful with reversing motor direction, needs to be a special motor that can do that, not all can! (you knew that <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> )

Thanks, Jim. I figured that much out, but that slows things a bit. I need a longer spring with a couple more coils in it.

BTW, after finishing the machete (I have done three of these), I took it out back and put it against my FBM in a little chopping contest. I posted it over on BF W&SS forum. All I'll say on this forum is that the convexed machete cuts even better than it looks. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=587378

Looks very sharp too me.