Grinder Belts - Buyer's Guide for the New Knifemaker

[@Son_of_Thor]

I just bought the Vevor 2x82 VFD that I'm going to convert to a 2x72, and this was the exact video I needed. I just placed my first order with Combat Abrasives, all thanks to you. Thanks Walter! P.s. I can't believe this video is 7 years old!

[@Feverdream7777]

this video right here is why I value your channel and videos. What would be YEARS of experience, know-how, and money saving...kindly offered to the community for the benefit of all. Many karma points to you Mr. Sorrells.

[@mildewmilli]

*This is exactly what I needed for trimming the edge of oak boards **MyBest.Tools** I also used the disk to round edges while building an oak - walnut cabinet.*

[@joshhill5932]

I have found my favorite belts are zirconia for one big reason. They don't heat up the steel as fast. AO belts cut fine but you get 3 passes then into the water the knife goes. I have also found that for higher grits like 320 and 400 silicon carbide work nice cause they leave a very consistent finish but the belts don't last anytime at all. For the big blades i break out the ceramic. One last thing i'd like to add is change belt as soon as you notice they cut slow. I mess up grind lines mostly cause i'm using a crap belt and pushing hard to get it to cut. Thanks Walter for all the great videos. I can't tell you how many times I have used your channel as a valuable resource when i first got started and still pick up little stuff from you all the time.

[@TheLettich17]

Bought combat abrasives belt kit, got a few belts of a lot of different grits, now I have a wall that looks like Walters. Well except mine are still brand new!

[@cletusberkeley9441]

My Vevor 2x82 (will be modified 2x72) arrives next week, this video was pivotal in my choice of belts bought ahead of time. I am not a knife-maker, I have a really nicely outfitted CNC machine shop and electronics lab and want to upgrade my old 4x36 elcheapo😂

[@Capthrax1]

3m makes a ceramic 220 grit belt. as long as I use it as a mid step between 120 blaze and 45X gator belt it last a long time. over 25 blades and most of my knives are 8 inch kitchen knives. trugrit is a good place to look at the various types of belts. also with the gator trizac belts, they don't like water so you should wipe your blade off after dunking it in water.

[@billclancy4913]

Listening to your videos is like having a beer with Yoda! I learn so much each time.

[@markspoerk1692]

Great quick but thorough reference. I already placed an order through Combat, but it seems they don't carry all of the belt styles you discussed. I was half through building a 2X72 belt grinder, when I came across a 2X60 Burr King for less than the cost of a motor for my build. A huge THANKS for taking the time to make this review/recommendation video

[@Stoney327]

WalterYou never cease to amaze me!!! I've been a machinist since the 60's working with abrasives and I still learned some things from this video. Thanks for helping.Dave S.Pappy Dave's KnivesBerwick, Pa.

[@bobrees4363]

"...this is done specifically to confuse you." It sure seems that way sometimes. Thanks for the recommendations.

[@alecmcjarison999]

I buy the amount of belts I need when I make a knife. Just a few belts at a time. With that said, Hand sanding is your best friend and ultimately, the thorn in your side and soon demise. I buy a biggest aluminum oxide belts at harbor freight I can find and use them for hand sanding

[@DavidLarsen-Odoshi]

I’ve watched a few of your newbie videos tonight and found some gems. That’s what learning is all about! Thank you. I noticed in this video you mentioned Gator structured abrasives. I’ve usd them but for my own methods found Norax last longer. I’m certain this is because of my own methods but thought I’d mention them as an alternative. You’re a great resource for new makers with an openness that is very comfortable. Well done sir.

[@jcknives4162]

This was a great intro into belts. I've been making for 35 years and didn't know about structured abrasives. As you know, flat sanding on a new 220 belt for a short period works OK. But a worn 220 or a 400 belt and we get chatter on the surface that then has to be hand sanded. I'll give this belt a try and see if I can save a little time. Thanks.

[@ericcartrette6118]

I recently bought a couple trizac belts. I like them. A lot! Thanks for another very informative video.

[@drunktortila3632]

this is perfect timing. making a belt grinder over easter but was baffeled over belts prices etc!

[@zzzires5045]

ikr me and a friend are making a pair as we speak. means we can think more about what ones to get

[@jessegiese8861]

Thank you. Just saved up and got my grinder. Have been looking for a video like this. You sharing your knowledge is priceless. Thanks again.

[@stokermeister3]

Great advice Walter 😁👌🇮🇪

[@jackmack9325]

One of your best videos yet, Thank you!

[@dreadthemadsmith]

I get all mine at Riverside Machine. Blue Yellow Brown. (Low to high) Easy to remember.

[@wallyg9512]

great info. I wish this video was around when I first started. I spent way too much on high grit belts that I never use. I love the ceramics

[@ovidiocalvet]

the best class ever thanks a lot

[@flusterbaited_fishing]

Thank you Walter, JUST WHAT I NEEDED

[@SharpWorks]

Man, I wish you made this video a couple years ago when I got my belt grinder, it would've save me hours of research. But this has a lot of information all in one place very helpful for my next batch purchase. Thank you Walter.

[@SavageVR]

EXACTLY what I was looking for! Thanks for the resource in combatabrasives.

[@chestermcguire8280]

You iui&_y7⁸9

[@jimhumphrey]

Your channel is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Good video as usual!

[@RatdogDRB]

Thank you Walter... very much appreciated information.

[@dannym5212]

This is exactly what I needed today. Was just looking into different belts for getting started. You roc doc

[@YourOldDog]

Nicely done. Belt College in 13:48 !

[@brightargyle8950]

I'm totally buying some ceramic belts for myself this Christmas. I really need some durable low grit belts, the aluminum oxide ones just don't last nearly long enough. Thanks for the video!

[@sammywest2583]

This is actually very informative, and looking like they did quite a bit of research. Nice video.

[@nathanhorton8800]

Excellent! A good overview and quality information. Thanks Walter!

[@bretcalvin1534]

great subject today

[@watermain48]

Thanks Walter, very informative as always.

[@cmcbrk]

Good stuff, learned a lot as I'm just a beginner.

[@drunkenmaster1313]

Great video, great information distilled down.

[@sauceLegs]

Perfect Timing Walter!!! I have just decided to buy an Oregon Blade Maker and was now looking into what belts to buy with it. YOU ROCK! ANd i think im first :)

[@jessegiese8861]

JimboTV just got mine. Picked it up in person. Awesome service and quality.

[@jr602908]

OBM grinders are prefect for just about everything but always keep an eye out for better grinders (I own a Oregon Grinder,but I use my friends KMG and Bader when I'm at their shops). Just make sure you get it lined up with the motor just right. Also I like the variety of attachments for their grinders.

[@sauceLegs]

Jesse Giese I'm planning on picking mine up too on my way down to the Oregon knife show in Eugene! congrats!!

[@sauceLegs]

Jesse Giese I'm planning on picking mine up too on my way down to the Oregon knife show in Eugene! congrats!!

[@anarkiddy2984]

JimboTV I'm planning on probably getting one, you'll have to let me know how you like it! I have an instagram for knives if that makes it easier for you. @myrtn.knives

[@ernestsheffield9976]

I really love the Norton Norax belts, but they like to leave this black gunk all over the wheels of my grinder, also the lower grits like to snap really easily for some reason. So I have been experimenting with others, at least my hogging grits. I got some Cubitron and Cubitron II recently. I prefer the cubitron II over the cubitron. I have abused those belts, and they seem to cut well and not heat up as fast, but my Norax leave a nicer finish on the steel. I also bought some some ceramic belts in 36 and 120 from Combat, as well as a few from Preferred. I can't wait to try those out tomorrow. Hopefully I will find something that looks as nice as my Norax, last as long as those Cubitrons, and don't leave any gunk on my grinder...or become an adrenaline fueled grinding session.

[@joesmith6199]

If you forge take the black oxide off with an angle grinder before you start with belts. That hard oxide eats belts. Some mass production makers use angle grinders for most of their heavy stock reduction. Some of us old farts like to draw file blades but it it is time consuming and you can't draw file after it is hardened.

[@CrankyFrankie59]

Great info, thanks as always. BTW I was sick when your blade broke on "Forged in Fire." I hope they have you back on as you deserve a second chance.

[@piawallin1533]

Really good tips!

[@rileyt3072]

Thank you for these videos, useful information every single time.

[@ronsites2694]

Another great video, thanks.

[@souldevforgerofsouls4206]

Thanks your vids are always so inspiring and informative. Love your channel!

[@danthemakerman]

Man this is extremely helpful. Thanks for sharing Walter.

[@sebastianacacia7621]

Hey Walter. could you make a video on sharpening and polishing? I'm specifically wondering about ways to sharpen knives without a grinder, belts, or stones. If there is another way that is. Thanks!

[@hamzaspike7877]

Hihihi !!!!! perfect timing for me I'll recive my grinder in 2 or 3 days. Thank you tooooo much

[@jmakes3745]

Wow, i learnt loads watching this! One thing i was wondering about is i see people using a block of some sort to remove belt crud - what is this, how does it work, how effective is it & where can i get one? Thanks a lot for uploading these vid Walter: )

[@polishavenger1]

Crepe rubber belt cleaners can be picked up at Harbor Freight, Grizzly, Rockler, probably Home Depot and Sears, as well as most decent hardware stores. I use them mostly for cleaning off wood, plastic, micarta...usually softer stuff gets loaded up in the grit. As the belt runs, you just push it into the belt as if you were grinding the rubber...which you are!

[@blakesham2009]

This was really helpful, thanks a lot!

[@waltlars3687]

great video

[@matusknives]

Thanks for the info, it is very helpful.

[@JustTex]

Great info sir , thank you 4 sharing. Cheers

[@Nyxll]

What about using a cleaner? in highschool 25 years ago, we used to use a huge gum eraser to clear the belts of gunk. it really extended the life of the abrasives.

[@gromann]

Nyxll those are better when you're doing scales or other softer material, I don't think it'd help with steel. I though use wax and it keeps the belt a little cooler until my blade burns through it.

[@dylanzrim1011]

I'll be going for combat abrasives if it's cheaper than in Australia

[@mpmattmatt]

I needed this about 10 days ago lol

[@JoshuaBurton110213]

I think this is the video everyone was waiting for. Lol. I am one of them. I only have a belt grinder that's so cheap that about 2 or 3 of your belts is worth more than my grinder. Haha. Now the next video should be what kind of belt grinder do you recommend?

[@H-77]

If you have the tools, it is a good project to build one. You can save a ton of money if you have some of the parts already laying around, or the machines needed to build one. I wouldn't describe it as easy, but it's not hard unless you do what I did an try to design it to use multiple belt sizes (2x72 and 3x79) as well as using a solid steel 3.5" roller running at 4000 RPM. Trying to keep the drive roller below 3000 rpm (preferably less) will save you a lot of headache, since being 10 thou off on a roller running at 4000 rpm creates some serious vibration. If all you want it for is knife making, it's not too difficult.

[@louisciamillo8690]

"this is done specifically to confuse you" Yeah, no craft comes without things that are unnecessarily complicated.

[@dizcret]

I am just beginning & have a 4 x 36" Belt/disc grinder, any issue using one in that size range over the 2" {more expensive} models, as a Beginner? Is it hard to find proper type belts for this size for knife making? Thnx

[@geoffflato6065]

Bivey the platten is totally wrong, and they are very under powered. typically have a 1/4-1/3hp motor. my 2x72 has a 1.5, and my next one will have a 3. I've got a 4x36 in the machine shop. lives on the welding table and gets used for deburring. They are of limited to no use for heavy work or knife grinding though. about all its good for in a knife shop is flattening handle scales

[@andrewpaulson2877]

Nice

[@simonhopkins3867]

solely to confuse you 😂😂

[@kentaylor3087]

WALTER,for a beginner what do you think about the" starter packs.". yes....no.....THANKS love you vids

[@lyleabraham470]

I have tried a few Trizact belts and they give a beautiful finish but heat the material faster than an oxy torch. They also smell awfull in use (like burning epoxy) which can not be good for you.

[@williamchase5698]

@walter sorrells maybe you should get with combat abrasives and have sorrells packages...

[@evanmcgeorge9942]

this came right when I got my kmg

[@s.a.cuthbertson9146]

I don't have a fancy heat treating oven, and since I watched your videos I discovered that hardening 440C is a bit more complicated than I thought it would be. I have heard that you can send your knife to a professional heat treating company. I was wondering if you knew of the best places to use and which ones were the least expensive. Thanks.

[@RushingRussianify]

S.A. Cuthbertson run through a google search near you area, being in BC I had to my 154CM knives to Alberta for treating

[@anarkiddy2984]

S.A. Cuthbertson A good place in the US is Peter's heat treat. Look them up online and shoot them an email.

[@m.s.l.7746]

Hello Walter, Are the Norton Norax useful in knife making (like X45's)? I believe they're more for surface finishing. Are they comparable to the structured abrasives in this video? Thanks.

[@WaveAction777]

What size (width & length) belt grinder is best suited for knife making?

[@larryfulton7619]

ALL of the comments are from 4 years ago! Do you have any NEW videos?

[@buster2725]

How do you set the tension on the belts? ours come apart at glue seam,can you put them back together?

[@allymariachi9230]

I wonder if anyone might be able to tell me what is the approximate shelf life of these belts.i came across a good deal and hoping to buy hundreds if these but dont want to buy if they dont have a shelf life

[@wumarNart]

Do you recommend a makeshift grinder for those who don't want to start a knife making shop, for homemade projects rather than a continuous job. Or is it just a safer bet to stay with angle grinders or hand files ?

[@jessegiese8861]

Nart Wumar makeshift grinders can rock. Also harborfreight had a 1x42 or something like that that will work well till you get a big boy. Also seen people use belt sanders in a vise upside down and make gorgeous knives.

[@wumarNart]

Oh right I forgot about the use of manual belt sanders. But that reminds me of another question. Are any aluminium oxide belts capable of grinding steel or are there ones specific for metal work ? And thanks.

[@gromann]

Jesse Giese the harbor freight one is a 1x30 and it works alright. Don't get the version that has an integrated disc sander - the thing is already starved for power. They claim 1/3 hp but it's more like a fifth. Craftsman makes a 2x30 that is a decent step up and can be had for under 130.

[@anarkiddy2984]

Nart Wumar All belts work for steel from my experience. Get a baby grinder until you can save up enough to purchase a 2x72.

[@Uncephalized]

Al oxide works just fine on steel. I used a 3x24 floor sander held upside down in a vise until the motor burned out on me and it worked just fine, I've made some pretty nice knives that way. Right now I'm using 4" and 7" angle grinders and files, until I finish building my own 2x72. Just use what you have until you can get something better!

[@waltlars3687]

as a Woodworker I always a rubber belt cleaner block Do You use one when cutting metal ?

[@luisermert]

I have one too. But with metal there is not a lot building up.

[@waltlars3687]

OK thanks

[@burnyknob9502]

man id love to support a family owned business but a lil steep for me. anyone got any advice on best price belts

[@obb123able]

Hey, any tips on a cheap belt grinder? I have one on 340v, but I feel like it just doesn't cut it. It's 686 x 50mm. Every one says that the 600 x 2000mm is the best option but I can only find really expensive ones where I live :/

[@obb123able]

I live in Sweden by the way :)

[@PiranOfficial]

50 x 2000 is the standard :) If You have some necessary skills it's allways cheaper to build one Yourself. I personaly have two bought grinders and now I'm thinking about building one on my own :)

[@tynanroussety917]

Hi Walter, Quick question - where do you sell most of your knifes at? do you have an online store? Or do you use 3rd party platform? Cheers!

[@WalterSorrellsBlades]

waltersorrellsblades.com and tactixarmory.com

[@tinnyblacksmith3434]

make a balisong please

[@clarhettcoalfield3616]

Walter I have a couple of questions, understanding that you've been doing this for a while here's the first question, how often have you had to replace or change actual wheels on the grinders you use? And the second is kind of out in left field, most of the grinders I see all come equipped with aluminum wheels, is there a reason that aluminum is chosen over lets say cast iron, or steel? I mean the only thing I can think of is the weight factor, and aluminum would obviously be lighter than steel or cast iron, but wouldn't the steel or cast iron last longer or be more durable than the aluminum. Any whoo, that's my two bits. Thanks a bunch, Clarhett Coalfield.

[@H-77]

I'm no expert on belt grinders, however as someone currently in the process of building one, I can see some things that would be problematic with steel. For one, it's very heavy, and that presents a few issues. For one, balancing becomes even more critical. Second, it's much harder to machine. Third, it's a lot more rotating mass, which makes it harder to start and increases the time it takes to spin down. I don't have a ton of experience with knife grinders, but of all the worn-out 1" grinders I've seen, the aluminum on the wheels is still doing okay. Sure you might have some wear, but it probably would have minimal impact on performance. You can be pretty sure the bearings will go out long before the aluminum, perhaps several times.

[@davidendres7808]

Hey mate where do you buy your belts from? I have bought some from eBay and they are crap

[@sttonep242]

2:31 lol :D

[@Mr123jes]

Mr.Sorrells, are the 2x72 belts reversible?

[@polishavenger1]

Some you can flip around and run in the opposite direction, but they cannot be run inside out.

[@old-man-welder]

Why does everyone limit themselves to a 2 inch belt??, surely a wider belt would last longer or am i missing something?.

[@CORZER0]

I'm going to buy you a black collard shirt

[@michaeloverholt]

Does Walter live in that denim shirt? Things my brain asks.

[@SOLDOZER]

Those filters on your mask are for chemical vapors, not particles.

[@bearablepain592]

Walter - Did you wrestle in college?

[@dominicksantora1574]

I keep saying, I'm not going to do this, but... LOL.

[@stickermigtigger]

That beeping noise in the background will make someone with ADHD wan't to dive out a five story window.

[@AFGaskillJr]

Ok so im now scared and confused,,lol.....

[@netherdominater9960]

Walter: "You can't use only ceramics because they only come in rough grits" Me: "I don't make my weapons to look pretty and sell, I make them to kill. Ceramic, here I come!"

[@ziopoe]

It's all cool but: Combat Abrasives doesen't ship to europe.

[@eternalknives9829]

I've ordered from Combat before, and Norway is in europe :)

[@CORZER0]

Amazing channel, thank you!