Kalamazoo, yea that was the one I thought about buying quite a while back. As I recall it was more $ than the HF but not too bad. I have heard some custom knife makers say they have belt sanders that cost into the thousands of dollars but they prefer the Kalamazoo for grinding on knife blades.

I guess I have a research project for tonight.

Tighten up your belt sanders spinders,

Mick

if ya want your best bang for the buck go to grizzlytools.com and buy there knife grinder. Thats the one i will eventually step up to. Its about 420.00 with ship,its got plenty of horse and it saves ya having to buy a buffer and yea there are guys on here that have spent thousands of dollars on their grinders(i know one of them) and they are sweet machines,but you can do a good jog with something alot less expensive. Kalamazoos are pretty darn pricey too. IMO the griz is your best bang for the buck mick you would love the heck out of that machine

I use my Grizzly or Delta to Mod my edges and then sometimes a stone or Lansky if necessary. Usually the belt sander does whatever I need though. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I found the Grizzly last night during my search $395. It uses a 2x72-76" belt and has a 110lb shipping weight though. I am hurting for shop space and I am not sure I have a place to put it.

I found a machinist who makes a kit, similar to the Kalamazoos. It is looking good to me at the moment. It has some enhancements to the basic Kalamazoos design and I think I can get it for less than the $218 Enco wants for a 1x42" Kalamazoo. My Tormek has a leather buffing wheel on it which can be changed out for a fabric wheel so I don't think I need the buffing wheel. The Tormek is just not made to do heavy or fast grinding. My main use will be grinding mower blades (6' finishing, 42" powered...) and hand tools. I will also use it on wood projects. I may have to consult with my wood working buddy.

Buff it down,

Mick

The Grizz comes with the motor remember, does the Kalamazoo?
Its standard with a 8" wheel that will give some not all people problems doing hollow grinding, the 10" wheel however address that issue, being there is limited clearance moving to the left. with a few minor tweaks , (putting a crown on the tracking wheel) is one...the grizz is a well running machine

I paid extra for the 10 inch wheel for my Grizzly, and I'm glad I did. I love my Grizzly, and it's been worth every penny I paid for it. The 1 HP motor is 4 times the power of my Delta or most of the other 1X30 or 1X42 sanders. Plus the 2x72 belt runs cooler and last longer... although the belts are a little more, but it's worth it.

Beware of some of those kits. I ordered a kit off the Bay one time and got a box full of plywood parts and a few metal pieces that needed to be welded <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> ... I was not happy or impressed considering what I knew I could get for twice the money. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/sad.gif" alt="" /> The difference was worth it in the long run to me. I returned the kit and bought the Grizzly... No Regreats! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Do you guys have a dedicated belt for knives?

you mean as in grit or brand? I always start with 36 Grit, and move up, along with backing stiffness stronger to weaker, and usually finish with a cork or satin belt.

Actually,,I'm not sure what I meant,,I just wondered if anybody used a different belt depending on the project.

No, I wear 'em on the same belt I have in my pants already. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Smarty pants

Where do you guys buy belts from?