How to Set up your Harbor Freight 1x30!

[@treypinion]

I've had this thing for like 6 or 7 year and always just turned the knob to get enough slack to change belts. I'm freaking estatic right now. You're my hero.

[@Shrapnel427]

Than you so much! I didn't realize you could loosen that idler arm to make it 50x easier to change belts! I thought the tracking wheel was the only way to loosen it to change belts!!

[@curtishawkins4123]

I bought one of these about 3 yrs ago. Had a coupon and they had a sale to boot. Less than $50 out the door with a variety pack of belts. Made probably a dozen hunting size knives, use it a bunch making spurs and buckles. I run it stripped down with all shields off. I've put it through hell and it's held up great 👍

[@rescd3336]

Pleasantly surprised to actually see someone adding substance to 1x30 videos. I own one and don’t really rely on it. However I did learn a bunch. Outstanding! Thanks.

[@axion8788]

So good to have you back Cliff! I've been using the HF grinders for years without realizing these mods could/should be done. Please continue producing KZbin videos as your work is the definition of top-tier useful knowledge presented well. Many thanks and really looking forward to learning how to put slow-speed motors on these!

[@jxinx6812]

GD dude, they should be paying you royalties on this machine, you are a natural pitchman. I never would have bought such a low end machine before I saw this. And you've got a part two!! Subbed!!

[@blackhorse2947]

As a DIY’r I was pleasantly surprised and grateful for this particular video. I take responsibility of my shop tools very seriously, and always look for videos like this. Thank you and I now a new subscriber to you channel.

[@ajhproductions2347]

I new subscriber to

[@davehiggins5903]

By sanding the wheels you might take the crown off the wheel. The crown keeps the belt from drifting off.

[@normanblack9502]

Wow. I gave my son a 1 x 30 I picked up at a yard sale. I just didn't know how to use it. That one had the flat plate on the other side. Thanks so much for the tutorial on how to put one together correct and how to use it. I'll also get an angle guide now that I see how best to use it. Thank you.

[@paulr5027]

i just got my 1x30 last week, started with a 8" mdf wheel on buffing grinder. got 10" wet sander, - messy got CBN wheel-1200 grit, got push cut slowly

[@rmcdaniel423]

Less than a year ago I got one of those Ruixen Pro things that clamps to a table or countertop and has bars & a swivel that guides little sharpening stones. Just recently finally starting to use it, starting to get the hang of it. And now I come across this little belt sander that seems even better. I just have to find a way to justify yet another new purchase to the wife that has watched me using the other thing. It's so easy to end up with a shop full of crap that seemed like a good idea at the time, but now sits unused.

[@aberdeendh]

As a buddy of mine always reminds me: an investment in your hobby is always worthwhile.

[@barthutchison4207]

Glad your back. I've been using my harbor freight sander and angle guide since you first posted a video on it and couldn't be happier with the results. Much appreciated!!

[@orisaig]

Thank you so much I learned a ton! I fought with my machine don't have enough power for Scotch-Brite pads, I did everything you've shown and now it works perfectly, I'm a subscriber now😊

[@chefknifeworks1885]

Thank you for always offering ways for us to get better and showing us how. Aloha!

[@t.hargrove3843]

Thanks for doing this detailed video. I've been thinking of getting the HF 1x30 to play around with, so your timing is perfect. Looking forward to more videos from you.

[@nickyashnyk4549]

I used some stones on the wheels of mine and it worked perfectly

[@flrbc1ecg]

Excellent contribution. I've following you for a while and enjoy the tutorials and education you provide. Very practical! do not pay attention to the sensitive ones. thanks again. looking forward to more content!

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Thx muchly Edgar, sometimes I need to be reminded of that, Moving onward n upward we go!

[@afterburner119]

Brother, I have been popping belts and OMG @2:10. You have saved me man!

[@scottkolaya2110]

Great video! Just finished truing my wheels. They had some strange casting flaws in the pulleys. I used a dremel while it was spinning to get it super true and sand paper to finish up. Runs vibration free. Mine had a different clearance problem on the idler arm, but you motivated me to take off the wheel and see what was hitting. Just had to make the opening a little wider on the bottom with the dremel to get the arm to swing more. Thanks again.

[@allanfischer9417]

LOTS of time saving tips that would have taken me a long time to stumble across through trial and error. I have been eye balling this machine for a little while but after viewing this I'm ready to pull the trigger on the purchase. Very informative video - thanks!

[@jasonsmith-tg1lb]

It's a good little machine right out of the box for those of us who got one but didn't know there would be some set up involved. Now that I've found this vid I'm going to fix that thing up this weekend.

[@johnhannon]

That model is currently in clearance at Harbor Freight for $54.97. I bought the last one at my location and used the 25% coupon! Thanks for this video. It will help me setup.

[@nathanielrobertson689]

Do you know if it comes with the angle guide, or is that purchased separate?

[@johnhannon]

@@nathanielrobertson689 It does not come with the angle guide.

[@mbks77]

Truing the wheels was definitely something I had to do on mine when I bought it...they vibrated quite a bit and it was pretty noisy...I put mine on a lathe, but not everyone has that option...my current machine has been getting used daily for something like 6 years, so I do think the balancing adds years of life to the machine

[@glenpaul3606]

Good video. Took your advice and trued the wheels. Much smoother now. Might cut the top off like you did, access to the upper wheel could come in handy even though it is convex. Kinda like having the shield on top because all the grind particles won't be in your face.

[@ryandean29]

Thank you for this thoughtful instruction how to dial in this machine. I am relatively new to knife sharpening and just purchase this machine. This should make the machine much better. Thanks so much.

[@alanmcwilliams4264]

Welcome back, some very interesting ideas to improve the performance of these tools which I will be doing

[@robertmunguia250]

Very good Mr. Cliff, been waiting for these videos. Very informative and up to date. Nice.

[@motoxmatt]

Appreciate the HF set up and adjustment info. Thanks!

[@goodwater2020]

I also cut out and sanded plastic guard plate. I don't believe you use it but I like the cover on it. Thanks Bud for the help! Working great now.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Right on!

[@240zron]

Great information, been watching all your videos and enjoying, can't wait to see more. Are you planning on filming at the Saturday market again, was fun to watch.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Ill do more for sure from the market...just dont want to flood the channel with 5hr videos of the back of my head. haha

[@johnsiu7217]

Great tips on maximizing this sander

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Thank you, I think it is one of my better ones too on this topic. Cheers!

[@terryobrien9335]

Wow! if only I had known. Tomorrow morning it happens. Thanks so much

[@jeffsaunders19]

one item to add: a stronger spring helps with smoothness. I bought one from the bins at Ace Hardware. Which belts do you like for this? I find that the seams of most belts cause a bump that makes for chatter that's unpleasant

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

We have a belt video coming up featuring the products we know offer. I wouldnt be using them myself or offering to sell to others if they werent the very best available and I can actually undercut the bigger guys somehow. Check link in Description to shop.currycustomcutley.com

[@marke.1021]

@@CurryCustomCutlery Myself in next few months am going to get the other motor and things he suggest, as he is not making videos for view counts= just a great educator. Get stuff from Cliff save yourself the web searching. Over the years I've emailed him and got better than 72 hr response and honest answers= proof he is a kinder than kind guy. Few months to order yet then buying from him .

[@charlesleaf8272]

Outstanding demo. Really learned some useful things to UHD to this tool .. Many thanks.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

Good to see you making videos again!

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Yeah last few years have been a new building phase in business and sharpening stuff so now I can turn back outward to share where Im at again. Still growing and going!

[@goodwater2020]

Love this! Thanks so much Bud. My process of putting on belts was horrible. Little screw handle pushes in now n works. Chinesium directions sux at best ...

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

crazy how many people are trying to use it without the swing arm moving

[@dtsouza2519]

The GOAT of belt sharpening..period! I already have two 1x30's, one is a HF with your wheels and the sewing machine motor, the other is a RIKON. Your CUBITRON belts are the best! I"m gonna set up with one or two more HF's. What progression of belts, grit and type, do you recommend I should have on each one to complete a sharpening? Thank you very much.

[@rjmack3790]

THANK YOU for posting this! I use mine often and have recently had trouble with belts breaking and it not tracking correctly. Well done!

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Very welcome. This is one of my favorite videos that I feel has useful info that many arent aware of.

[@rjmack3790]

@@CurryCustomCutlery I recently did all the same adjustments as you and it works great now! Again, thank you. I almost bought another brand like it because I use it so much! Saved me some money!

[@pottervi]

Awesome! Thank you. I've been trying to figure out what happened to my little grinder.

[@Not_Sure_]

@1:15 It's a shame that the bearings are dry. Are you able to get some grease in those bearings?

[@windyhillpatriot]

Great to see you back, Cliff! Looking forward to the next video in the series.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Its up now. With those out of the way this Sundays will focus in on actual sharpening...

[@J123G]

This was a huge help. Thanks

[@paulr5027]

got a bucktool low rpm 1x30 : added the modified angle gauge. modified the machine: when I was using leather strop belt, it hits to frame, wearing the belt- filled that down. got 80-3000 grits, 5+7k chiming 😊😊 moved angle guide closer for thin belts, closer to platen don't use the leather belt any more I get push, draw an s cut through ad papers!!🎉 little stropping, perfect, cuts hairs of course.. $350 to Canada

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Nice work!

[@MrTapanes]

Thanks for this. Great way to tune up an inexpensive, but promising tool. Looking forward to part 2!

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@4056yates]

Those are helpful tips. But when I look at my drivewheel slow down, it's really wobbly could be the way it's mounted on the shaft, but it almost needs. Some serioushaving to get it to run round and true, and that would take the wobble out. And vibration two

[@MrStanwillis]

These are great and practical changes for real work. Thank you 🎉

[@JDStone20]

Awesome video! I wish I would have gotten a 1x30 years before I spent a lot of money on a couple of sets of Japanese Waterstones! I mean I like hand sharpening, but if you have a lot of knives to sharpen, or have a time crunch, or are sharpening for a business you definitely need a powered sharpener, and the Harbor Freight is decent enough for that task, and it doesn't cost an arm an a leg, and you can get awesome belts for it. Take Care!!

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

You and me both! I started with the Wicked Edge and loved the learning process but this is better for me also...

[@Acuteknife]

Thank you! I am excited to dial mine in a little more with your advice.

[@nn2380]

Nice video! What is the grit of the sandpaper you're using to true the wheels?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

probably a 120 grit...careful it dont get sucked in

[@2knives]

:58 you said knob 🤣. Chris

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

lmao

[@ElementBushcraft]

Fantastic video!! I'll be using your suggestions for my 1x30

[@react2mens]

ALOA thank you for sharing your information. It would be nice if we could have a video on the assembly of the articulated arm for scissors on 1x30 from vielstools. Thanks again for all your hard work.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

I am making a list of all video idea suggestions so please everyone keep them coming and look forward to new video every Sunday is my goal.

[@react2mens]

@@CurryCustomCutlery I would like to order material from your online store but apparently you do not deliver in Switzerland?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

@@react2mens international shipping can vary in cost very much. Please email me directly to work out arrangement is possible

[@react2mens]

@@CurryCustomCutlery I have already written to you by mail several times but I have not had any answer so far. Would you be so kind as to send me your email?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

@@react2mens [e-mail] I will look for your email.

[@miketheknife_1]

Thanks Cliff, Was considering one of these and this video was very helpful. Does the grinder come with the platen or are they a common universal item? I know where to source the angle guide and belts 😄..Looking forward to part 2.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Unit does come with Platten and a cheap table of sorts.

[@richardritter6025]

Question Does it come with the angle setup? If not where can you get it? Really good video

[@oldstersoutside674]

Great video, thank you. It would be great if you could do a video on the various abrasives and their uses, benefits, etc.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Ive done 2 full belt reviews in the past and will now do one with products that we offer.

[@oldstersoutside674]

@@CurryCustomCutlery I'll look for those other ones. Thank you!

[@abeldasilva9368]

Hi Cliff love your new video and plan to do your stage 1 mods on my H F 1 x30 today .My question to you is your knife sharpening guide kit. Do I need to do extra modifications so I can sharpen swords such as Viking sword or anything with a wider blade?

[@davidcampbell2661]

Does the angel guide come with the machine? Does it come with the platen? Could you use a curved platen for hollow grinding?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

We sell the angle guide and others do also. It does not come with the machine shop.currycustomcutlery.com

[@pauls6157]

Cliff, do you have a preference to which way the belt runs? Down towards the resting table or away?

[@risin-]

great tips...thanks for taking the time..

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

Harbor Freight makes: Router Variable Speed Control Dial. Wonder if this would work to slow it down a bit? Thanks.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Sorry it wont work. This is a single phase AC motor. No speed control works or I would have used it years ago. The Router controller is designed for Universal (with Brushes) type motors.

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

@@CurryCustomCutlery Thanks for saving me the trouble!

[@31acruz]

Rest of the video very useful. Good job.

[@realvalue626]

Thanks Cliff. Great video.👍👍👍

[@tobymaples7646]

Do you recommend this over the WEN? I am looking to buy my first one in the next day or two. Thanks

[@Bsharper77]

Thank you, I didn’t know I needed this until I saw it.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Happy hunting :)

[@jeffshaw4128]

Welcome back Cliff! I’ve watched many of your videos it somehow missed the part where you said to remove some metal on the tension spring holder. Now I’m in search of a new idler wheel. I called HF and they didn’t have them. Is there anywhere you can buy new ones that will work?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

I have on my website: shop.currycustomcutlery.com

[@MrSteve280]

Helpful. Thanks.

[@bigviper64]

Wow..I never could get my belt tensioner to move!…NOW. I know how to git er done!

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

You are the reason why I did this video! So many people didnt know that swing arm...SWINGS! Aloha ;)

[@52frj]

Hi Cliff, have been following you and a few other sharpeners for a while and looking to expand for just a sideline/hobby to a business. Do have a question, looking on HF for a 1 X 30 and seem to be out of stock. I have seen other 1X30's for sale but under a different name but look identical. I'm going to assume most of these are made in the same shop in China just with different names slapped on them. Could these be modified with your parts, if all else seems the same?

[@glenpaul3606]

It all sounds logical about the tensioner however with mine loosened to slide freely, the tensioner bounces back and forth against the spring causing bad vibrations in the whole unit causing it to move around on the table despite the rubber feet. I'm sure this is caused by the main drive wheel being out of round and causing the rapid pulsing/ vibrations in the tensioner wheel. The only way to stop the horrible vibration was to tighten the tensioner bolt. Then the grinder runs smoothly but it is more difficult to change belts.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Increase spring tension would be guess as to what to do...but Im just looking at your words so hard to tell.

[@Hillbillybuddha1]

Really enjoying your Videos. Can you tell me where you got the Platen?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

We sell the angle guide and you can find it other places as well.

[@m1rroredgesharpeningservic546]

Great job Cliff! Like the shirt.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

It was suggested I attempt to appear more professional on camera....still wearing flip flops. haha

[@mikenorris6769]

Would you send a guide to New Zealand?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Yes we ship alot of products all over the World at this point. Many from down your way. We sell all kinda of good quality stuff at shop.currycustomcutlery.com

[@robertmunguia250]

Been having problems with the tracking once I flipped it on it’s back for edge trailing.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

I would guess the tracking knob is resting on the ground

[@robertmunguia250]

@@CurryCustomCutlery yes it was. Need to build a box for it. Any ways to have the tracking in place? As soon as I turn the knob just a tad the belt goes too much to one side.

[@jim-gb7sj]

To make belt changing quick, I take the belt cover and use gorilla tape to form a hinge on the bottom of the cover. I take out the cover hold down screw and use a small clamp to hold it on. To remove cover, just take off the clamp bada Bing, bada bing

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

That's a solid tip for sure!

[@yrmh1]

Hey Cliff, I like that poster on your wall. Where did you get it?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

www.amazon.com/Knife-Poster-Modern-Knives-Waterproof/dp/B07YNG6HWC/ref=asc_df_B07YNG6HWC/

[@davec9371]

Hello, i'm new to your channel. How do you deburr with this or do you?

[@WilliamJones-dn6py]

Thank you very helpful!

[@jplieurance]

Cliff, in your experience, what's the ideal speed for your grinder to have when doing this? And, thanks for the tune up info.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

2000rpm give or take. Some things and steps you can go higher

[@markluke8447]

Cool video, thanks for sharing.

[@holliscox5946]

Thanks. A GREAT help.

[@larrymessier2196]

Good job,,, i really like your video,,,

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Thank you! 😃

[@watchoprofamity]

Nice work brotha!

[@AncientMysteriesAndInnovations]

I just bought this machine, do I really need to do all this stuff to it? I don’t know anything about tools and machinery

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

This video shows how to make the basic machine better and in some cases functional and I would classify it as optional to do and something are really important to get good results

[@thedef1st561]

Great Vid! TY!

[@Bigfoot14000]

excellent video, thanks much.

[@wickedcoolname399]

The 1x30 belts they sell at China Freight seem pretty lame. What brand of belts do you recommend?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

3M Cubitron and trizact are excellent.

[@breakmedown5]

Any links to the best Platen to use?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Platen comes with machine and works fine. Angle guide can be purchased at our webstore along with belts n other goodies. shop.currycustomcutlery.com

[@Tyler-ug1hs]

Cant find this tool. HF dosent sell tthem anymore. They only carry a different brand from Central

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

same deal...

[@Tyler-ug1hs]

Excellent. I borrowed some money from my dad and got it for $50 and im ready to start modifying and practicing my sharpening ​@CurryCustomCutlery

[@Owaheeguy]

Where did you get the platen?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

platten comes with every machine....unless I misunderstand what part you mean. The angle guide is sold seperately. We have and other places also do. shop.currycustomcutlery.com

[@trainwon5699]

Well done👍 thanks

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Welcome 👍

[@timyedo6510]

No wonder my belt broke so fast

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

yeah the tracking arm needs to be loose enough

[@nj-bz8pv]

well my pos works now lol thanks!

[@coppulor6500]

killer video!

[@papiwe1]

Very helpful

[@paulr5027]

had to split it up

[@qaibhawj3097]

Does it matter if you sharpen the knife blade facing downward or upward?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Yes look for my angle guide edge leading video. you need to be careful sharpening into a belt

[@mrmalone28]

Do you live in Hawaii?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

I do

[@mrmalone28]

I’m going to be in Maui next month. I’d love to get a quick knife sharpening lesson.

[@mefirst4266]

AND AFTER YOU GET DONE WITH ALL THE THINGS HE SHOW. THEN THROW IT AWAY OR TAKE IT BACK... WOULD YOU JUST LOOK AT THE NICE GRINDER HE HAS IN THE BACKGROUND.

[@johnmarshall124]

there goes the guarantee 😅

[@31acruz]

Ok, you said two contradictory things. "Ideally you want a solid block" "but I am following the contour of the wheel". Well, those are two different goals (??) which is it, do we want a straight flat grind or a curved grind? you can't just say opposite stuff like that and let it fly.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Ideally means "under ideal conditions I will do the one thing" But since I am not doing the ideal thing I will do the other thing that is 2nd best. I hope that me taking the time to explain that helps you.

[@libertyrich555]

Appears this machine is no longer available.