KMG 2”x72” belt sander for knife making. Construction Instruction for beginner. Part 7.
Commissioning the sander
Before you start the motor for the first time, try to make sure that all the pulleys and the platen are align. Start the motor, using the lowest possible speed.
It is out most important to make sure that the rest table is parallel, dead right angle and align to the platen. If not you will find it impossible to symmetrically shape the bevel on both sides of the blade .
Do start your practice on the sander by using a jig. Here you can see my primitive jig. I use the nails as marker to make sure that the position of the blade is exact on both sides.
The internet is full of jig design, so go there and choose one that you like.
My is not particular good. The bolt to adjust the angle of the jig is scrunching the rest table and I suspect it will ruined it in the end. I saw one that look promising on the internet. I don’t know who made it, but look on the web.
If your belt sander is not dead straight, you will find that even with jig it’s difficult to make the blade bevel symmetrical. One way to solve that problem is to free hand sand the blade. Don’t use jig, just hold the blade with your hands ( the internet is full about that technique).
I started with a jig but I found that the more experience I obtain using the belt sander, the more I can use the free hands technique.
Word of advice.
I been trading two of my knives with nice well equipped table router. So I was very anxious to start using the machine. I forged out of old car suspension spring coil two nice blades.
Took it to the belt sander and,,,,,,,, ruined it.
For the last twelve years I built my knives using nothing (mainly) but hand tools. What do I know about using belt sander?
So, make yourself (or get it from some ware) few knives blanks from mild steel (it is easier on the belt) and practice. Also you can practice on wooden blank, it is not the same as steel blank but it will give you idea about the grinding pattern on the blade.
Don’t, don’t start with blade you want to do knife with, until you confident that you can do it.
Last word on How to build a KMG type belt sander
As I mention on the first post, I thought to publish(for the British crowd) the parts supplier’s names. But by the time you will read the post (GOOGLE do not favour with me) they will probably cease to exists. Instead I tried to write the parts professional names, so you can look for them on the net.
Due to my limited knowledge in web blog design. I can’t post PDF or DWG files. If you want KMG 2”x72” belt sander DWG or PDF files, well you will have to email me and I can email it to you.
That it.
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I’m trying to learn knifemaking and like you said, a belt grinder is a must especially when one wants it not only as a hobby but as a source of income. I hope you could share with me the plans for this grinder.
Hi there
If you go to ‘my contact’ section in the blog you can send me your email and I email you the belt sander plans.
Ronen
Proszę o przysłanie.
pozdrawiam
Sprawdź pocztę w skrzynce odbiorczej.
Thank you for sending me the Grinder pdf plans. I got a electric motor from my dad and are looking forward to building it
Hello Ronen,
We ( my Son and I) love your tutorial from de belt sander. We are going to try to make it. Please can you email your belt sander plans to me?
Greetings Michel
would love to get the belt sander plans if you are willing. i have two teenage boys that want to start knifemaking so we are going to build a grinder together first. thanks
Hello,
O’m Vu and leaving in Vietnam! And I love your tutorial from de belt sander. Can you send me the PDF plan please.
Vu
Thank you for the plans can’t wait to get started on making the grinder.
Plans came through loud & clear Ronen,
Cheers,
Steven
can you send me KMG 2”x72” belt sander DWG or PDF files please
I emailed you the drawings, by now you probably got them.
Ciao, mi piacciono i tuoi consigli, molto semplici ma chiari, potresti inviarmi il tuo progetto della Levigatrice? Grazie
Hi there
thanks to Google I understand that you ask me: Hello, I like your advice, very simple but clear, could you send me your project of the sander? Thank you
I will email you the drawings later on today.
I was wondering if you can send me KMG 2”x72” belt sander DWG or PDF files please and thanks
I certainly can. check your email.
Hi, can you please send me the PDF files of the belt grinder.
if you would send me KMG 2”x72” belt sander DWG or PDF files please and thanks
Would you send me plans (PDF) for your 2 X 72 grinder, please
Dear Sir please if you would send me KMG 2”x72” belt sander DWG or PDF files please and thanks
Hi, just found your site. Very informative.
Would you be able to forward me the PDF for the belt grinder please.
Thanks
Please send me a pdf of the KMG 2×72 knife grinder.
Thank you
Ray
I was wondering if you can send me KMG 2”x72” belt sander DWG or PDF files please and thanks
Hi, can you please send me the PDF files of the belt grinder.
thanks Matias
Pease send me the plans planning to built one
Would love to have the PDF file for the belt grinder. Thanks in advance.