It is best to practice on some cheap machetes first. An 80 grit belt on a sander removes steel fast, but it does it much cooler than using a fine grit. Don't do the SOD until you have mastered the technique of not grinding off the point. Good luck. A few basic pointers:

1 Try to keep the belt perpendicular to the edge.

2 Try to maintain the same angle all the way down the blade including the belly toward the point. Keep it moving in one long fluid motion.

3 Do not drag the point across the belt. Remove the blade from the belt when the point reaches the outside edge of the belt.

4 Practice this technique with the sander off to be sure you have it down.

Great advice, HD. Thank you.

Use a course grit to set the new angle. I like 80 or even 60 grit for this. A cheap belt or a nice Blue Zirconia will work. As soon as the two new angles meet, you'll get a wire edge. Then change belts to maybe the 80 micron (about 180 grit I think) for a few passes to remove the burr and smooth out the rough grind marks of the 80 grit. Then go down to 40 micron or 20 micron until the edge is smooth and sharp. Then go down to a 15 micron for a few passes. Finish polishing with a 9 micron. Others have their own methods and favorites, but that is how I do it.

Just remember if you remove it...there is no putting it back... A light touch is always better...practice until you think you know what you are doing and then practice a bunch more.

Remember to use a face shield

Dan

And boy will it make a cheap machete into a wicked sharp slashing/chopping machine!