Harbor Freight 1x30 for knife making review and mods

[@jimmygonzalez9316]

Hi there. I see that you have a 5boronyc sticker on your toolbox and my mind is blown because I was the original designer of the logo. It’s a skater company that is still around but the logo has changed a lot now.. Cheers!

[@psedach]

Great! Straight to the point and doesn't stretch the content out - this video is a one-stop solution for tweaking my 1 x 30!

[@TheRealCardz]

Awesome vid. I’ve been looking at my 1x30 and kept thinking I need to cut the top off for a slack belt. Then I ran across your vid today. I’m doing that tonight. Awesome!

[@mpethybridge]

This is a GREAT video. I especially liked the mid of removing the back so you have a slack belt back there. Thank you for this video.

[@alanpereira5809]

I had recently bought this same machine and I felt those same issues. I had been wondering how to make it better and your video literally was what I was looking for. I can't wait to make the same changes to my machine. I can't thank you enough

[@escaflowne33055]

thanks for the review. love seeing mods on HF stuff, we are far less "shy" to mod something cheap.

[@matthewhelstrom09]

ri mar thank you

[@gordiemillhouse8525]

JUST GETTING BACK INTO THIS KNIFE. SHARPING AFTER 60 YRS. 😱. BEEN AWHILE. JUST. SETTING UP A LITTLE SHOP JUST GOT THE LITTLE 1 INCH BELT SANDER. INJOYED YOUR. VIDEO ON THE. MODS. SO FAR SO GOOD. KEEP UP. THE GOOD WORK BEST GORDIE

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thanks

[@martymorgan9977]

I put an earth magnet under the big drive wheel on mine. Catches 90% of the filings. Easy to clean and stop the filings from going everywhere. Good luck on this!

[@x1area51ii7]

Same here .. n wear mask

[@crimsonfancy]

Great tip. Thank you.

[@rossandersen942]

Do you glue the magnet down or just leave it there under the big wheel?

[@martymorgan9977]

I just lay it there, it’s easy to move and it stays there when it’s running. Good luck

[@mikemiller9936]

Just bought the same 1x30 with the 5" disc thank you for the heads up and the mods needed to fix the issues

[@georgebecker1191]

Thank you for the review. I added the hf router speed control for post heat treating grinding. The best belts I've found are by far the Norton blaze.

[@jindoisland]

Thanks for the ideas. I was thinking of building a 2x72 but for now I’ll just do some of your suggested mods.

[@tcantrell5301]

Amazing amount of effort to make a very common tool way better absolutely love it subbed thanks for what you're doing hopefully we can continue in the harbor freight grinder videos

[@quadflopper1012]

I like the idea of creating another sanding surface by opening up the top with the open top wheel makes it a 3 way sander, i have the HF 1x30 w/o the side disc sander but i should be able to do the same thing. i don't make knives but i use mine almost everyday for fab type work and for me the 1x30 diablo belts that you get at home depot are my go to belts, they are super tough and last forever but i don't think they would be good for knife making because they are too aggressive. thanks for sharing your mods.....

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thank you for watching

[@Bob_Adkins]

Good video! The motor and wheels are the expensive parts, you can use them for a starting place and upgrade the stiffness, versatility, and even the size with a little square tubing and a few welding rods.

[@Snugglez187]

I've been looking at one of these for entry level knife making myself and this addresses many of my concerns. Thanks!

[@phbrinsden]

I just got one today and really appreciated your ideas. Very helpful.

[@speeddemonhouston]

Im using the same grinder and ive cut a good portion of the aluminum guard off from around the disk sander so that i can get flat on the disk

[@boatingman11]

Great job, great review. I love the modification to get to the back of the belt. That's next on my list. One thing that I did was glue a hook and loop conversion kit to my 5" disc. I hate fooling around with the adhesive discs and sometimes it gets to be a real pain in the butt. Now, if I want to change grits, it's simple. I don't use the disc for precision work, mostly just cleaning burrs or rounding corners, and this works great. The kit is less than $10.00 online and takes less than 10 to install. I love it and highly recommend it.

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thanks for the info.

[@Jimgoodwin846]

The benefits of purchasing harbor tools is that you get a fairly inexpensive tool that you modify into a better tool. 😊. I made all the modifications plus some and now have a good sharpening tool. I totally agree on the sanding belt issue. I purchased a sharpening kit from PRO Sharpening Supply. The kit includes belts that go from 120 - 1000 to a leather stropping belt for sharpening to a razor edge. American made!

[@christinenorriss9675]

Good video, I am a knifemaker in New Zealand, up to now I have made all my bevels with a hand file, pretty labourious, I have got myself the same 1×30 grinder and I'm all set to try it out tommorrow, your mods look good, I'll see how mine go's before making any changes, thanks for the good info...

[@tommysmith8801]

I thank you for making this video. I'm am considering adding this next to my small shop. Had to cut some wood pieces to a precision shape. Realized I had no way to stand two pieces identically.

[@johnjude2685]

Like your modes and I'll address them issues. I just made a few to. That cover around your belt I just trashed it hold sawdust and adds to mess also removing the other side at the 5 inch disk trashed it also. Now when I sanding wood I do outside of my garage as I also weld and sawdust and welding is a fire hazard.. I cut and square the plantum giving me a straight square working surface. Building my own plantum that is square and straight and polished and has a hole located to have a pin to attach the top of plantum to hold and support during use . At the bottom of plantum ( both mine and their short one I removing the screw on the right only during change overs and the left screw is only loosen and then I can slide it out as I've opened the slot to allow it to be replaced faster without taking screw on the left completely out and later replace as needed for speeding up the change of plantum. I'll have to try that slake belt from the rear trick as you showed. I'll blow it off with compression air cleaning before returning to garage. Out of the box they didn't have any thrilling effects. Like your suggestion about tilting the table as I doing knives also. Them plastic knows we're all cracked and I made T handle for the 4 .Below the belt table as you ( But didn't say anything about it) I had replaced with a bolt and planning to make a long extention for a T wrench just for it.. I'm starting to enjoy this 1 x30 after testing it 3 years and sitting on floor thinking of giving it away almost did that. Subscribe to KZbin University and looking to listen for more information. Thanks

[@avenidagarcia2373]

great review pointing out the changes! love the cut out on the back! what a great idea! thanks

[@dillonhayes3402]

Maaate I've just got a very similar 1x30/disk to start knife making and that tool rest tilt back modification is the best thing I've seen by far I was looking at how I was going to make a jig and an all that crap but this is perfect

[@hardtailjefe]

So I’ve been looking at this for a month. I am just getting into knife making and this looks like a good tool to see if you want to stay in the hobby. Thanks for the good content!

[@slimjim3229]

I have one of these that I use for small pocket knives. Works great with the right belts. I tried several types until I found the combination. I like the 40 grit belts from Depot for hogging metal. Good little grinder.

[@TandDcajunhideawayintheswamps]

I’m 60 years old I have back problems can you pick up much Kate work need something like that to do like your video I want to start making some knives whenever I can work some days good some days bad keep your videos coming so I can learn how to make knives thank you Cajun Land church Point Louisiana thank you

[@markmaherr]

Love it! I've got my wife a list of Christmas items for my knife making venture! This is a must buy and I will surely be doing the mods you have listed! Keep it up

[@SonOfLiberty1984]

This is an outstanding review on this machine. Santa is bringing me one and now I have a pretty good idea about what I am going to need to do to it. THANK YOU!

[@matthewhelstrom09]

I’m happy it will help. Ty

[@deke2096]

Great review and even better mod vid...it convinced me to give one a try. If i can get something useful to play around with at that price and make it more usable then why not. Thanks alot.

[@watermain48]

I like your mods to the 1x30. I have a 2 x 72 now, but started on a HF and still use it time to time.

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thanks

[@lanehill6123]

I like the mods. Time to go take a look at my machine and see what mods I need. Great video.

[@ocsapy]

Some excellent mods which I will do to mine. I have already made a knife or 2 using the 1x30 setup and it surprised a few people exactly what I used. My biggest mistake was not using quality belts, at the latter parts of grinding I did buy purpose made belts. What a huge difference saves, time more accurate and precise. I have now acquired a 2x72 secondhand grinder but haven’t used it yet, I will need to go slowly with it till I feel more confident with the huge amount of power it produces. Great Clip Cheers … 😎😎😎

[@kerrycomstock9220]

Great review....I bought one of these recently myself and I will mod mine the same way you did....Thanks, man!

[@bigviper64]

I am new to sharpening also, I like what you’ve done with the back of your sander, it allows you to use the belt for both directions. I have a 1xx30 from Harbor Freight that needs to be modified, and I have another sander that has a 4” Belt as wwell as a 6” Disc that I plan on using also. So many videos with great idees, just time and money…right? Your work bench is a LOT cleaner than mine!

[@alyssagadd2185]

I hope you stay with taking cheeper tools and making them better. I'd love to learn more of how to do that.

[@benbox7329]

Yes all the drive wheels are out of true. I use a wood chisel to Tru mine. And it works great now

[@craigtravisfehr]

Fantastic thanks man, I'm picking one up next Friday. Saw this video really appreciate the mods. I'm just getting into it myself. Thanks I'm gonna do these mods to mine. Subscribed and liked.

[@nickbasher4232]

Great review and great mod suggestions

[@xxfaction6xx]

Looks great man. Thanks a lot

[@jrkorman]

Just bought mine this past weekend and am finding most of the same things you've noted. On mine I'd add that I will have to replace the tension spring as it is quite weak. Also the bolt pivot on the tensioning was way! too tight. Took about a 1/4 turn to loosen it and now it moves. I'm also going to have to put the faceplate on my lathe and true it up as it has considerable runout on the face.

[@crimsonfancy]

Excellent tips. Thank you.

[@fredchevalier2333]

Great job on the improvements, I own 2 of the HF grinders and they definitely need to be tweaked first. I agree with the platen issue, I ordered a piece of tempered glass and it elongated the platen as well. Knifemaking is a great hobby and these can definitely get you in the door! +1 sub

[@dman8585]

The cut out top portion you did you say that gives you slack for your knife handle shaping I did that years ago I don't have the little disc Sander I just have the one by 30 part but I did that years ago cut it out with a Dremel I use it more for say convexing better than against the flat portion you know where you use your little bevel jig I do like your bevel jig lean top ideas that's cool but yeah the top part that I cut out that's more for convex edges for me versus the handle but either way I do like your ideas as you say about turning the machine on and grinding on the drive wheel to true it up cuz again they're oblong they are are oblong I did that on all the wheels because you'll see your top spin the wheel your back spring well they're all over like they're all oblong my suggestion for what I did is I just basically used a rotary Dremel tool on a sanding wheel hold it up true and as it spins it'll stand away it's not necessarily the most easy way of doing it but it will profile it flat not oblong and that'll definitely make your belt truer and not oval shape in the center

[@georgeruiz1048]

Very good and helpful information. Thank you.

[@lauriemeide4326]

just bought one today.... thank you for the tips

[@lastlight05]

Looks to be an interesting channel you'll be creating. I did some knife making with files some time ago and appreciate this review of the 1x30. Also picked up a kayak for fishing recently. Keep up the work. 👍🇺🇸

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thanks

[@DarqueScape]

Excellent video thank you so much for sharing this.

[@SaintBigAl]

Thanks for sharing, very useful tips and mods.

[@robertgarza600]

I use a 1x4 piece of wood clamped down on my tool rest to extend my reach. The took some angle iron and use magnets to set my angle. Works well for me.

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Cool thanks

[@josh88113]

Robert Garza do you have a video of that

[@WereAllThatBored]

Great advice! Thanks man! Just got into making knife handles and was at harbor freight today. Bumped the price up 10 for the cheap one.

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thanks for watching

[@Coste1072]

I wanted to hear your opinion on the disc sander portion. I am deciding between this model and the one that doesn't have a disc sander. The price difference is about $30 that I do not want to spend unless it's absolutely necessary. Please comment on the disc sander portion as it relates to knife making.

[@Oklahoma75]

I’ve owned one of those for 18 months. Made 15 knives on it. It has its short coming for sure but for a beginner at that price, it can’t be beat….. I just bought the new grizzly 2x42

[@paul_schuette]

Nice modifications! I have the standard Harbor Freight 1x30 that I've been using for sharpening and knife modifying. I had to true my drive pulley and platen also, and now it's pretty decent. But, I really like your other mods too and will probably do the same to mine. I'm subbed to you channel and am really looking forward to your future videos on knife making.

[@MrMayhem58]

Love the slack belt cut out idea, Nice Video and thanks for the good idea

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thanks

[@waynesmith3318]

Outstanding video, thanks.

[@brentfowler2317]

Hey great video. I'm a woodworker, not a knife maker. However I do, do some metal working as I can. However I'm a father of 4 and I work from my woodshop to take care of bills. Therefore I'm a bargain shopper, all day everyday. Lol. Anyhow I'm looking at getting that 1x30 from harbor freight. And was wondering how good it was/is. With that said it awesome to see, that with some slight modifications I can get a good sander out of a less expensive sander. So thank you for the awesome video.

[@iamtvv]

Really appreciate this video.

[@mikenorris6769]

Great video, thanks, I have got myself a 1×30 for my knifemaking, I'm keen to try some of your ideas! Did you attach the new table to existing table. by bolting it on?I'm also keen on making a much more solid platen, not sure how I will attach it yet, anyway, thanks for the inspiration..

[@jamesanthony8438]

Love the modifications. Been looking at the version without the disc sander, too. May try and save up for the larger one like you have, though. That extra $30 for the disc sander would actually be worth it to me. =)

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thank you

[@graphguy]

Great review. Great for the beginner just starting out.

[@droppoint495]

I wonder if you could take a piece of square tubing an cut out one wall and build up a flat platton on the back side

[@buddyhutchins3782]

Like the modifications......

[@aceadman]

Thanks for this vid. Very nice useful tips and good review. I appreciate it.

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thank you

[@ranachpt33]

Thanks for sharing, very useful tips.

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thank you for watching

[@jkg2754]

I see you’re a fellow Georgian ! Good video. GO DAWGS !!!!

[@K3Flyguy]

Nice video! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@ureasmith3049]

Great hints, thanks.

[@JuicyJerm]

Harbor freight diednt have the greatest qc, but at the price point it allows people like us on a budget to be able to get into stuff like this. I havent started making knives but I make brass and copper edc prytools that I sell. I use a flex shaft rotary tool 69.99, mini ban saw 79.99, and 1×30 belt and 5 inch disc sander 74.99, all from harbor freight. Made my money back my first batch of prytools I made and sold. I would definitely recommend doing some adjustments and mods to all the equipment, and most definitely get your accessories, belts and bits, from somewhere else. I had piece of a wire brush bit for my rotary tool brake off and go under my glasses and puncture my eye. Usually they would just use a magnet to remove it, but it being brass they had to scrap off a layer of my eye at a time till it was exposed enough to pull it out. It sucked, painless sense no nerves in eye but still sucked. It was a brand new bit on the first use. The equipment are all decent, but get everything else from more reliable source.

[@kthekeeper5117]

Yup, it's inspiring, thanks for sharing.

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thank you

[@fryscountrylifechannel4437]

Great video thanks

[@robertmunguia250]

Mine is doing the same thing! Chattering and moving. What type of tubing is that? No one seems to have it. Inside diameter is always too small for tracking knob to fit.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Great post, Merry Christmas 2020

[@WildManMedia]

I got that sander but my Guide pulley just went out something is bad wrong with it it’s freezing up can’t figure out how to take it off

[@alonzoduran4216]

Does it have the same power as the harbor w no disk

[@KnightsArmory]

Very helpful!! Thank you

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thanks

[@bobbyschwarz4074]

I was on the fence about this same thing. Might spend $100 more for a bigger better one.

[@robc8468]

Funny thing about the machinery business is that you will need to spend 4 times more to get a 30% better machine no matter what you type of machine drill press lathe vise welder sander/grinder whatever.

[@electrorganix]

thank you for useful tips

[@edkirkpatrick1231]

Great tips and video. How much of an angle did you achieve by tilting the base back toward motor? I am looking for at least 25 degrees. Thanks.

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Not sure but way more than I would use for creating an edge

[@ptinne]

Where do you recommend getting the belts from?

[@jeffro657-c5h]

I just bought a 1x30 knife makers set from Klingspore. I think it has various grits up to 400. Worked out well for mine.

[@bobonysko3167]

Why not install a platen on the top rear where you cut off the guard. This way, you could sharpen or grind edge trailing without turning the machine on its' side?

[@ShootingUtah]

Awesome video! I am looking at buying one of these and it's good to know that they can be fixed up to work better. For making some knives as a hobby I was hoping this would work and it looks like you've had some success.

[@icy_bit7306]

My belt sander is the same as yours, but the item I sharpen knocks against the back of the belt sander, can u help me out!

[@mannymurillo4706]

i bought this same grinder and when i first turned it on the belt wouldnt move, it would just buzz. it wasnt until i physically tugged on it and just gave it a little push where the belt started moving. and then when i actually went to grind on it and pressed the metal against the belt, it started to shake pretty badly when any actually pressure was applied so grinding was TERRIBLY slow. is something loose on my grinder or is it just straight up broken ?

[@matthewhelstrom09]

It sounds like your belt is to tight.

[@danielvaldez3778]

Dude thank you

[@dagohinojosa8988]

Good review

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Dago Hinojosa thank you

[@robertmunguia250]

What type of tubing did you use? I can’t seem to find that diameter opening for tracking knob to fit in?

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

We have a very similar machine sold in a UK chain called Machine Mart for £84 (108 doll hairs), I looked at it and thought it and the belts they sell were junk but now I’ve seen your mods Im tempted to get one. The main concern is sourcing decent belts at affordable prices. I’m going to try and make a leather belt for stropping. Does anyone know if it’s been done?

[@zsmorr92]

There are third party companies that make belts for all sizes of grinders. If you look on Amazon for 1 x 30 belts, you can find some great ceramic belts, and leather strop belts and pretty much anything you'd need.

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

zsmorr92 there’s so much low quality crap out there I was looking for names of good brands?

[@zsmorr92]

@@thechumpsbeendumped.7797 The ones I buy are from Red Label Abrasives. I use their belts for a 1x18 grinder and just ordered them for this 1x30. I'm not a professional by any means, just a hobbyist, but I've found these belts have made grinding a lot more pleasant. They're not cheap, but they work.

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Red label has good belts. I’ve gotten a few from them

[@bob22944]

@@matthewhelstrom09The back cutout is a great idea. I did the same to mine today. took 30 minutes. Thanks!

[@Thundercat68]

Nice review. Sub’d 👍🏻

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Bold move chopping out the back area like that. Well done! Im trying to send you a PM but dont see a link on your homepage. I have some information regarding the HF 1x30 you should find interesting. :) ~Cliff

[@matthewhelstrom09]

Thanks

[@kle2217]

I have this model. My HarborFreight belt sander is giving me electrical shocks every time I touch metal and I’m only sanding a wooden handle. Anyone else have this issue and how I can fix it?

[@dyermker250]

Why doesn't HFT offer a decent 2x72 for $400 to $600 , ??

[@robc8468]

They think their only customers are either working on cars or doing home improvements they have almost zero understanding of the metalworking forging or machinist enthusiast.

[@calvinmitchell4876]

Who do you get you’re belts from?

[@TheRealCardz]

Try combat abrasives. I use them for my 1x30 belts. Good quality belts.

[@rc_33chocolatine2]

From France: merci

[@PeterPan-kz2si]

I like all the effort he put in making all these changes 👏🏼It would be great if they just made it slightly better at a slightly higher price.

[@robc8468]

That is not how Harbor Freight rolls they are more likely to take more cost out of it and make it worse in the future. Most Harbor freight machinery was must better 15 years ago than now.

[@rayjames1493]

would like to have seen the machine from a different view instead of constant side view.

[@jons2447]

Thank you. Just found this, thinking about getting one. Hope they aren't too much worse than yours was. Have a GREAT day, Neighbor! PS You still around? I'll email to see.

[@LarsKiel]

👍

[@eaglefree50]

How much was this unit?

[@matthewhelstrom09]

$30

[@pr0faker]

top tip, dont put the camera on the same surface as the machine is, when you go slapping it 20x per minute...