1x30 Belt Grinders For Knife Making? | Shop Talk Tuesday 69 | Vlog

[@jeremyjjbrown]

This setup rules. Thanks for helping people.

[@bigviper64]

Avery creative! Some good ideas and many of us are sure to copy them. Thanks!

[@hunterf9768]

Mobility as well! If you're considering pop-up knife sharpening tables or something similar, 1x30 is an amazing footprint for just sharpening

[@pbc1951]

I just cut out some 3/4" plywd to make 3 things to use my belt sander on it's back, 2 for me, and 1 for a friend. I had some left over metal shelf brackets to use.

[@sudo_nym]

Thanks for taking your time, Erick! 👍🏻

[@theriversexperience9383]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidsettles5706]

cutting board - genius........love the mods.

[@toddhatten354]

Great info. Thank you.

[@wingardwearables]

Great video. Very clever set up. Subscribed!

[@theriversexperience9383]

Awesome, thank you!

[@MrJohney]

Just picked one up, and I can't wait to get started

[@bernardhill1622]

Thank you for your practical advice..much appreciated..!!

[@medicgator2111]

Your videos are great. I really like how you present the info. You have a really great presence and ease. You would make a good teacher. I hope you get more exposure.

[@johnjude2685]

Love your improvements and I'll be doing the cutting board this week surprise the 1 x30 is cheaper to operate and costs matters BIG THANKS. I'm investing in a few belt in 1 X 30. You are my favorite helpful teacher of knives THANKS

[@theriversexperience9383]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful John.

[@ChrisvanHeerden-j6z]

Thanks for the video. Did you need to make any modifications for scotchbrite belts to fit without touching the frame?

[@alzaaa0j]

Thank you thank you thank you this tips really helps I have 1x30 and really need this modifications

[@theriversexperience9383]

Glad I could help!

[@buddyblankenship4186]

You could make a fortune making & selling those big platons

[@K3Flyguy]

Everything you said is right on the money but, the 1x30 is even better when the stock motor is replaced with a goole search for a 3/4 hp 12 volt DC drive sewing machine motor with DSC. Total cost is about $160 more but it makes the machine a much more seriously usable machine. I can easily profile with 36 grit as the machine now has huge torque, and easily finish at at anywhere from 200 rpm to 4000 rpm. I have not yet used Scotchbrites but plan to soon. The motor conversion does requires redrilling motor mounting holes in the grinder frame but anyone competent with tools can do the job. Nice video.

[@dominicdwk]

Cutting board table = genius.

[@e.lebrunet6311]

I'm grinding on a 1×30 a roman gladius, my first ever sword and I must admit it's a pain but it works. I definitely need to copy some of your upgrades to make it easier. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience, your channel is awesome, so much informations. Keep the great work

[@glenpaul3606]

Recently bought a HF 1x30 belt sander. Used it couple times the suddenly it started vibrating badly to the point it would walk itself off the table. Noticed that the tensioner was bouncing back and forth against the spring very fast causing the vibration...obviously because the big drive wheel was out of round. The bolt had loosened on the tensioner and the only way to stop the vibration was to tighten it. It is stiff to move when changing belts but the grinder doesn't vibrate.

[@bigguybushcraft5111]

Great video, I did the same mods for my 1x30. I bought two for under $100 from Harbor freight. The longer platen definitely helps with the bevels. Also allows for getting rid of the cross grain scratches on the spine and tang left from profiling.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

“Honey, have you seen the cutting board?” “Ah...no”

[@theriversexperience9383]

@@thechumpsbeendumped.7797 🤣🤣🤣

[@j.r.hewitt3753]

I really enjoyed the video. I also have a 1×30, and it has put in some work! But I wanted something a little wider and more powerful, and I couldn't see buying a 2×72, so I went with a 2×42, it's been a game changer, so if anybody wants something just a little more than a 1×30, I would highly recommend a 2×42. But I still use the 1×30 for a lot of my finish work. Stay safe!

[@mcrich1978]

My wife had me write up a "wish list" lol 2x72 grinder on there ofcourse. Lol my 2x42 has been working great for me paired with my 1x30 for handle work along with some various sized sanding drums for the drill press for the inside radius. But ultimately my next piece of equipment is gonna be the Heat Treat oven to open the doors to other steels.

[@krissteel4074]

I think with the size of grinders it mostly comes down to material removal and time, if you're only doing smaller knives in the 4-5" range you can punch them out pretty quick. I still find a lot of uses for a 4x36" grinder for doing things like flattening handle scales and doing distal tapers on long knives and tapered tangs- unfortunately they're nearly all crap so don't expect them to last much more than a year. Disc sanders and feathering adhesive for commonly available sandpaper will really up your knife making game though, they make things dead flat and they're usually cheap enough for most people to run for casual use so its a different alternative for folks on a budget, but the use of it does take a bit of time to figure out and you'll quickly find out if you're doing it wrong so be careful. Personally, I run a fully fitted out 2x48" which has a 2hp motor, VSD, has all the contact wheel attachments, adjustable platten, variable tool rests and will run in horizontal. Much cheaper than a 2x72, belts are all available the for the same types, runs cool enough to not overheat them and a smaller footprint in the shop. It will run 72s with an extender bar but I don't typically use them and its the main tool for making knives professionally every day. Just another option for people not quite sure about pulling the trigger on a basic 2x72, you can get a top of the range 2x48 for the same money.

[@theriversexperience9383]

There is some great info in the comment and I hope everyone in the comment section reads it.

[@krissteel4074]

@@theriversexperience9383 About the only thing that I would add to people looking to buy what is not an inconsiderable investment in tooling is- Is there a good warranty on expensive things like motors or VSD's Can you get spare parts Basically grinders and sanders are just one big wear item for things like rollers, platens, bearings and contact wheels, plus they typically live in terrible conditions covered in all manner of machine destroying abrasives. So its worth shopping around to find a company that at least has some time in the trenches to get a decent supply chain for their equipment, because if its not running, its not making money and it becomes all that much longer to come up with some kind of work-around when something eventually craps out. Alternatively, go cheap and nasty, expect it to be dead and broken in a year and during that time make enough stuff on it to pay for a very good machine that will last longer with spare parts.

[@K3Flyguy]

May I ask what brand you are referring to as I have yet to find the item your speaking of. Your comment appeals me but I have been unsuccessful in finding such a machine that size with horizontal capabilities. Great post! Thank you in advance!

[@krissteel4074]

@@K3Flyguy Sure, the machine is a Shopmate 48 made by 84 Engineering in Australia, you can get them from Artisan Supplies in Australia and New Zealand, for a US vendor they are also sold through Alec Steele over there. They come in a variety of specs in terms of accessories, stands and motors to suit- the bench mount or pedestal stand enables horizontal grinding Machine is very quiet and compact- no I am not sponsored or affiliated with anyone :) God... I wish I was though!

[@davidparker3346]

great advice thank you.

[@mikewilliams9231]

I use a 1x30 for my knife making just getting used to it .starting to figure out my bevel and sharpening any pointers Thanks

[@klausschwarzenholzer2353]

Hey you are back 👍nice i kind a miss ya already haha 🍀🙏😎🙏🍀

[@theriversexperience9383]

😊 thank you

[@FumioFunakoshi]

I have no plans in the near future to be making knifes however I want to sharpen my collection on my 1x30'' belt sander. What grits and belt composition would you recommend, thanks. great video by the way.

[@theriversexperience9383]

You can actually get an entire kit from ProSharpeningSupply.com they are who I get all my 1x30 sharpening belts from.

[@dominicdwk]

A 1x30 is what I'm using. I can't tell you how many check out carts I have filled with 2x72s and haven't completed the purchase. Soon. One day soon

[@chadcook7466]

I know you have put links in one of your videos for belts you recommended in a shop talk. But I can’t seem to find it. Can you repost the links please

[@chadcook7466]

I just ordered mine today

[@pbc1951]

I have some `1 x 30 I am tweking and rebuilding etc... Love your tips !! OH, those black circles with red centers in the background... what size hole punch do you use?

[@theriversexperience9383]

Those are 300 blackout hole punches. I also have a fun 22lr setup to punch holes when I need to save some money lol.

[@pbc1951]

me too, a 300 B/O and a CZ-457 boydstock @@theriversexperience9383

[@jameswalker6810]

Thanks for the info

[@theriversexperience9383]

Thanks for watching!

[@jaisonlt86]

Okay, okay I'll get a 1 by 30 tomorrow lol... I've been using a 3 by 21 turned on it's back for my grinds. It works and it was already in my shop. I already have so many hobbies. I wanted to make sure I enjoyed knife making before I took funds away from my other hobbies. I think it's safe to say I'm addicted. Thank you for another great informational video.

[@peters6850]

I've been using a 3x21 sander too. Have you gotten the 1x30? Is it an improvement?

[@jaisonlt86]

@@peters6850 yes I have bought two of them and they work but they are slow at removing material.

[@peters6850]

@@jaisonlt86 slower than the 3x21?

[@jaisonlt86]

@@peters6850 about the same but you'll have more control over your grinds with a 1×30.

[@johnjude2685]

Hay first love 💯 percent and copy the upgrade and big improvements to speed my hobby up and much easier.. Now know my skills are good enough to make my family and small circle of friends and I have many tools that needs attention. I'm not seeing the 1x30 frames being built and because of the quality of the Chinese products I'm going on record as beginning to build my own 1x30 and upgrade rollers bearing and reversible motor and speed control also trying to add a little diameter wheel to have a improvement that I don't think I can modify the Harbor Freight frame to handle. Sir you are inspiring me. Thanks

[@robertocoronado8074]

Hello! Did you ever make the strictly 1x30 knife make’n video? Thanks for all of this! So helpful ⚡️

[@theriversexperience9383]

Not yet, it is one of several I hope to eventually create.

[@robertocoronado8074]

@@theriversexperience9383 you’ll get to it when ya can!

[@ManiacInTheShed]

I've just got into making knifes, made two out of 5160 i found dumped on the side of the road, been using a file bevel jig, but it is hard work with all the filing, and I have actually injured myself and have some sort of trapped nerve in my wrist from all the repetitive motion of filing, I was considering buying a 1 X 30 but wasn't sure, now after watching this video I am definitely going to buy one, thanks very much for this great video.

[@peters6850]

I recently got into knife making too. I've only made one knife so far. I used a 3x21 sander. It's not ideal but I'm sure it's way better than filing. I've been considering either one of these 1x30s or building a 2x72. I can't justify the price of buying a new one. Have you bought the 1x30 yet? Is it worth it or should I build my own 2x72?

[@ManiacInTheShed]

@@peters6850 Hi Yes i did buy one and there is a lot of modification needed to make it any good for knife making, and even after modifying it is still limited what you can do with the machine, for example if you want to do a plunge line that is angled and you are using a bevel jig then there is not enough hight/length on the belt to be able to do this, also if you are using a thick material which needs a lot of metal removing then it takes forever, its a OK machine if you are doing thin knives with a 90° plunge line but it is frustrating to use if you are doing anything else.

[@peters6850]

@@ManiacInTheShed wow! Fast response! Thank you for your honesty. I'll save my pennies for a 2x72. Thank you again

[@scottdouglas2323]

I love my 1x30 for sharpening

[@theriversexperience9383]

It is one of my favs.

[@michaelvanbuskirk8845]

Me too. I did the Cliff Curry conversion on mine and installed the sewing machine motor with digital control. It reverses as well, which is nice and it's much quieter. You can sharpen at a lower RPM as well so the blade has less chance of getting too warm.

[@ASimao71]

Since I've watched a bunch of videos about these little buggers. I've never seen or listened anybody answer the only question that, to me, remains unanswered before I pull the trigger on one.. That is... How much time does it take to flat grind a 4 inch blade bevel assuming 1/8 inch stock? I've been attentively listening to your videos and, you sure know the machine and how to make knives so, could you, please, satisfy my curiosity? Thank you much! All the best!

[@theriversexperience9383]

Not very long at all. You can grind bevels into a 4" blade in probably 30 minutes or less depending on how high the grind goes up. Just get some 36 grit belts and have at it.

[@ASimao71]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Now, I'm getting one right now! 👍👍👍

[@Mwwright79]

Harbor freight has some blue belts in either 36 or 40 grit depending on what the store has at the time. I love those belts. Not a fan of their red oxide colored belts, they all have a bump where the belt is spliced. With a fresh blue belt and using a jig can cut full flat bevels on a 3.5-4” annealed blade in less than 5 min per side. Free hand or if grinding on already hardened steel it takes me twice as long or more as I am not very good free hand and those little grinders will steal the temper FAST if you don’t go slow and keep dunking in water.

[@brysonalden5414]

I use my 1 x 30 in the same way you use yours, and heartily endorse them for sharpening. I must say, however, that it's much faster to change belts on my 2 x 72 than my 1 x 30, so I do swap belts on the big one frequently.

[@theriversexperience9383]

I agree. I use my 2x72 for 90% of my work on my knives but having the 1x30's are awesome for their purposes.

[@markdarragh6620]

This video could not have hit at a better time for me! I've been researching whether to take the plunge and buy at 2x72 or if I can get by with a 1x30. Thanks!

[@theriversexperience9383]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dominicdwk]

Im going to forego the 2x72 and instead go for a steel press for damascus

[@Mwwright79]

I really like that platten. The stock platten in my only gripe on these little cheap machines. They are ridiculously capable For what you pay for them.

[@courtneesdad]

Great video

[@theriversexperience9383]

Thanks!

[@davidcampbell2661]

Would a curved platten work for a hollow grind?

[@citylotgardening6171]

Thanks 👍

[@nikknives9352]

Good job! usefull video!

[@theriversexperience9383]

Thanks!

[@aljohnson2439]

Happy 4th of July. Do you make the large platten 4 sale?

[@theriversexperience9383]

I don't, but I've thought about it.

[@alphaomegasurvivalsupply6548]

A 1x30 belongs in any shop for sure lol. Im debating buying a 2x72 and heat treat oven, but im thinking get the heat treat oven and a bigger grinder than the 1x30 but cheaper in cost than the 2x72 until I can start selling some projects to put towards it. Any thoughts or recommendations master lol

[@theriversexperience9383]

Look into a 2x42. It might save you some money in the long run.

[@theriversexperience9383]

Also some 2x48's

[@alphaomegasurvivalsupply6548]

@@theriversexperience9383 thats what I was wondering about

[@babyreps365]

Like a boss

[@medicgator2111]

Started grinding on a 1x30. And am having trouble getting those deep bevels. I alwad end up thinning out the edge faster than the mid closer to the spine. Do you have any advice?

[@theriversexperience9383]

Practice applying pressure towards the spine more. You could always make a bevel jig and it will eliminate that issue, but if you want to do free hand grinding it's all about practicing applying pressure to the right places.

[@AlWethers]

Did you mahe your platen?

[@robertmunguia250]

It’s nice but would you burn your blade if not careful? Goes too fast to sharpen. Any belts that are made to not overheat?

[@theriversexperience9383]

These belts are actually made by the company purely for sharpening on a 1x30 like this. If you aren't careful you can burn the blade on and mechanically aided sharpening system.

[@robertmunguia250]

@@theriversexperience9383 Any other way to slow it down?

[@robertmunguia250]

You think if I change the motor on it to 1725rpm would be ok?

[@MrGizmo59]

Can you rate "Harbor Freight Equipment, for knife making?

[@theriversexperience9383]

Well, I use a bunch of it. So, I guess it's pretty decent on a budget. I'll keep using Harbor Freight as long as they're open.

[@idwolverine1867]

Been really considering buying a 1x30 to use as I dip my toes in knife making. You said the one thing you didn’t like was the speed of them. Are there any variable speed 1x30’s out there or a way to modify one of the Harbor Freight models to allow you to show them down?

[@theriversexperience9383]

There are versions of 1x30's that have variable speeds. www.grizzly.com/products/grizzly-variable-speed-1-x-30-belt-6-disc-sander/g0864

[@idwolverine1867]

@@theriversexperience9383 Now the question is, is variable worth 3x the cost? 😂 Thank you for the reply. Really enjoy your channel

[@bobrauch1622]

Run a reostat from light switch wire it in line good to go

[@fredchevalier2333]

on your custom platen, how long including the angles is it?

[@jamespittman6476]

What are the length dimensions on that full platen? I want to make one exactly like yours

[@AlWethers]

Sorry. I heard later my question being answered.

[@trainwon5699]

You just made Harbor Freight a lot of money LOL great video thanks

[@theriversexperience9383]

LOL you're probably right! Thank you!

[@williamfelton9218]

What belts do you use for 1x30

[@theriversexperience9383]

Most of them are purchased from Amazon, I use any were from 36 grit all the way up to 2000 grit.

[@jeremywest5433]

I got some from red lion through Amazon and love them. They're worlds nicer than the cheap ones. I've got a "starter kit" on its way from combat abrasives as well. I will say I ordered the red lion 4 days later than the combat abrasives, and received them almost a week earlier, so be aware that combat is really Skowhegan at fulfilling orders, and doesn't respond to email or phone calls about status.

[@AlWethers]

"make" 🤦🏽‍♂️