Should you Buy the Rikon 50-161

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#sharpener #sharpening #knifesharpening #beltsharpening #mobilesharpening #harborfreight

[@Spectt84]

Love your videos man. I love the fact that you love sharpening and your dedicated to getting it sharp as fast as humanly possible. I went from water stones, to diamond stones, to edge pro, to kme and never felt satisfied. I realized it was because they take toooo long and requires tooooo much work. If you have 5+ blades that need work you basically need to invest a days work to do it right by hand. And if I'm going to be completely honest with myself, I'm way too lazy for that. I found your videos two years ago and thought "this is exactly what I've been looking for". That day, I binged watched every single video of yours, and ordered a HF grinder, angle guide, and about 100 1x30 belts (of which I still have about 75 left lol). At first I completely botched my first to knives. But have gotten alot better to where I finally feel satisfied. I absolutely love the fact you have been a bit more active on your channel. And cannot wait for your step by step sharpening guide along with the other things you have in the pipeline (I know I may be alone here, but for me the longer-the-better as far as video length). Only regret I have is that I didn't find this system before fully investing into 3 or 4 other systems first, I wasted $1150 looking for the best way to sharpen. Thanks for all your effort.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

I sometimes feel guilty I dont use my amazing Wicked Edge more. The edge and bevel it produces is microscopically flawless. Too bad I can do it 90% as good now in a 10th of the time on a 1x30. Feels good to get your feedback, and I also feel like Im getting closer to that "ultimate" machine solution...cheap, variable, easy to maintain, precise. Honestly Ive like the WEN more since I first opened the box....its just not variable(yet!). If I can pull one last magic trick out of my bag that would be it, until then the Rikon is the new star. Watching the footage back tho I noticed the idler arm wobble in the overhead shot? Thats because its a half frame sort of thing, not a good thing.

[@Rottidog]

@@CurryCustomCutlery "Watching the footage back tho I noticed the idler arm wobble in the overhead shot" I saw that too. It makes me wonder just how much of that 'flutter' goes down the belt to the edge and the effects it has on the face of the belt to the edge. Knowing you, it's probably already fixed. Probably taken apart after or as you reviewed the video. I gots me an ideer about a full on, balls to the wall set-up. Not an easy one by any means but, some fabrication, intuition and craftiness (which you possess) could be a "how did I work without this".

[@GSooke]

With this and your other "grinder" videos I popped for the Rikon. It seemed like the best solution for this beginner without doing the whole DIY thing.I don't weld so that was not a realistic option. Limited room favored the 1 x 30 platform to. I like the higher powered motor of the Rikon vs the Wen,4 amps vs 2.3 amps respectively.

[@garryordener5731]

Yep. They make a version that screws on to the motor shaft, and on the buffer end it has a cone shaped design that accepts the buffing wheel. Should get the wheel out at least a couple more inches.

[@BrewCityRider]

Thanks, I really appreciate your videos.

[@j.d.1488]

Wow, so glad I found your channel. I was leaning towards this 1 x 30. Sharpening was a second use for it. Dumb ?. Can the disc side be extended off to fit a polishing spindle. Just a thought. Great videos you do sir. Thank you so much. Very in depth.

[@nathenwallis5664]

I have been using a harbor freight 1x30 for sharpening a few knives, but mostly lawnmower blades. I have a couple of landscaping companies that bring me all of their blades for sharpening. I have been wanting to step things up, start advertising to other companies, and also sharpen more knives. I'm not a huge fan of my harbor freight though, so I have been looking at the Wen, and this Rikon with the variable speed. From watching your reviews I think both will be an upgrade, but which do you think is better?.

[@Nekias1]

Excellent video, Cliff. Did you you ever solve the idler shaft rattle?

[@garryordener5731]

Great video, Cliff. Something you could do is add a shaft extension to get the buffing wheel farther away from the belts. You would still somehow need to cut the safety guard off.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Thanks Garry, a shaft extension is an idea I hadnt thought of! The safety guard thing does screw right off, I put it back on for demo in this vid.

[@jordanjohnson7266]

Did you ever find an extension?

[@swalker6161]

Hi I was wondering if the angel guide be used up side down when you lay the grinder on it's back

[@stephenwalther9702]

Cliff, how did you modify the disc sander in one of your later videos? Wheel is extended out further, and guard was removed. It was a comparison of several other belt sanders. Please help! Edit: just read the reply to the question after this one, you said the disc sander guard just screws off! Now I just need to find out where to get the shaft extension 😎

[@scottroth5732]

Hey Cliff, I'm sure you wont see this 5 years latter but in case, will this 3/4 horse turn the scotch bright belts. Thanks, love the vids!

[@andywest6250]

Received my 50-161 today. Can you provide l links to how you resolve the rattle and the disk cover issues.

[@monabo1]

Great video brother

[@migo-migo9503]

Does it have problems with it heating up? I have a similar Grizzly brand and even in low speed settings the motor heats up real bad.

[@joe1569]

I have several nice grinders and don't want another. Is there a three-wheeled frame I can purchase to convert one of my grinders to a 1x30 sharpener ?

[@bobonysko3167]

Cliff, I just realized that you sharpen edge leading (contrary to most other videos). I suggest you make a video dedicated to the pros and cons of both methods. With edge leading, where do look for the burr?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Next weeks video will be on just that!

[@escaflowne33055]

always good to see one of your videos. you can tell you've put thought into your reasoning for what you end up doing. one of the best sharpening channels and because of your methods(results) give beginners hope that they don't need to drop 300-400 on ONE tool.

[@escaflowne33055]

also liked the music here for some reason lol. (edit) I realized why now...it felt like I was visiting a video game blacksmith and this was the music in the shop haha. (nerd I know)

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Thank you...and agreed. Its been one of my unspoken goals to show how to get quality results without breaking the bank on overbuilt and overpriced "systems".

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Just playing around with different background musics and adjusting volume levels to minimize 3min of grinder noise. I think that tune was actually used in a game. My other(primary) business is Maui Amusement, own and operated coin-op games here for long time. Most of the High Scores were mine! :-)

[@escaflowne33055]

Curry Custom Cutlery coin-op too? Now you gotta show us a little of that!!

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

With my background in electronic repair I was able to amass almost 100 games at my peak. Had most of them out at the major hotels. It was a good deal. Opened up a stand alone location in 2007....6 months before the economy crashed. Guess what people dont do when money is tight....yeah like that. #feelsbadman kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5eVp2iqn6mdb6c

[@jasonbierwagen7985]

$220 now . Older model has 5 inch disk. Not 6 inch. If that would help

[@johnjude2685]

Like your many good improvements and Like me we both need to build our own from scratch.....you our me building a DIY for 1x30 soon.

[@valneimiranda5792]

Olá poderia mim manda link do produtor gostaria de compra

[@billybobwombat2231]

Cheers 😃

[@JGTRA]

I enjoyed your review so much I ended up buying one myself. My question is how exactly did you attach the honing wheel to the shaft? Did you just get a longer screw and two washers on the screw to hold it? Or did you find a washer to fit around the shaft? I would love to see either photos or even a video and how exactly you mounted it and how you made the wheel it was in your other video. Thank you!

[@sharpfactory3705]

Where you get your fine Belts from. ? Greetings from Germany

[@norakat]

Hello sir, in your experience, do you think there is a significantly higher quality to finished edges made by sharpening or honing with the belt running into the edge or away from the edge? Does Harbor Freight or other machines allow you to do that? Also how valuable is it to vary the speed for knife sharpening? I am trying to decide which machine to purchase. And thank you again for your great videos. 👍

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Just my opinion, edge trailing is easier n safer but you have to deal with large burr formation and its removal. Edge leading has minimal burr developed but I prefer to only do this method with an angle guide. If a belt breaks while using an angle guide the belt cant grab the knife. Varying the speed isnt as important as having a machine that sharpens at a slower speed then typically what is commercially offered, stock HF 1x30 is 3450rpm which is too fast without a very light quick pass. A better speed is down around 2000 and lower especially as you go into finer grits.

[@RodgerMyers]

Great videos 👍 . How slow will that go and does it still have power at that speed ? I tried a variable speed router control ( HF belt sander ) and takes way too much power away . Thanks in advance 👍

[@THERE4fabrications]

Thanks for the video. Do you happen to know the arbor size for the disc side of the sander? I am interested in adding various grinding and buffer wheels to it. Thanks.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Its not a traditional arbor with lock nut. Its a screw to hold the flat hone wheel in place. I removed the flat hone and extended the screw but its not robust.

[@jordanjohnson7266]

Hey! Did you ever figure out a way to do this?

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

Thanks for the great info. Is the angle sharpening guide your own design or did you buy it?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Actually did a video just on the angle guide. Check there for the information. Thanks

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

Curry Custom Cutlery thanks, I’m binge watching your videos I’ll look for it.

[@Limicola1]

A couple questions. Can the guard for the wheel be removed and did you make that angle guide or is it commercially available? TIA.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Limicola1 the right side shroud can be removed leaving just the spindle exposed. The angle guide is available. Check my video on it or Google 1x30 angle guide. Don't pay more then $35 or so.

[@Limicola1]

Thanks! Good info. I found the guide on ebay.

[@stephenwalther9702]

Can anyone tell me where to get a shaft extension for the sanding disc side, to put on a felt wheel? Thanks

[@jordanjohnson7266]

Did you ever find one?

[@jamesreagan1723]

What variable speed motor did you put on your 1 by 30 belt sander

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Penn State 1/2hp midi lathe controller motor will get you where you want to be. I offer an adapter plate and drive wheel to get it sorted from there if need be. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHPZk2SupN-Hl68

[@vdog570]

Does the lower speed keep the knife from overheating?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Yes slower is better but there is so much misinformation out there on knives and temper. Its not really a problem with light pressure and quick strokes. its just not.

[@noahpavey6504]

Hi cliff. I was wondering can you put a buffing wheel on the other side of this? Thanks.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

It is possible, but it doesn't have a traditional threaded shaft like most bench grinders.

[@noahpavey6504]

@@CurryCustomCutlery What part could I buy to be able to do this? I have purchased one and took off the disk sander. I am just not sure what I would need. Thank you very much for the help.

[@jordanjohnson7266]

@@noahpavey6504did you ever figure this out?

[@swiggamortis5521]

Is this the least expensive v.s 1x30 grinder out there?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

It is...at the moment. I have one more trick to try. Honestly I like the WEN form factor better. Its slightly smaller and feels better to me. If I can rig a vs controller to it, hands down it would be a 10/10.

[@RoyFernbach]

@10:40 you said it is 1/3HP. I believe it is 3/4HP (according to the Rikon website: www.rikontools.com/product/50-161vs ). The motor being 3/4HP and it being variable speed makes it the best 1x30 out there, IMHO.

[@fulltang1]

I'm looking at this machine to do stock removal knife making, rather than just sharpening (I know I know). Is it very unsafe to use the belt side with the disk and guard fully removed, without a cover over the little spindle?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Matt not gonna disagree...these are my first experiences with combo machines and safety is a concern. Basically trying to see what it felt like to try and as mentioned it made me nervous for good reasons.

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Matt I'd suggest looking at the WEN also. Not variable speed but had a better machine feel to me at 3rd of cost.

[@fulltang1]

Safety is my #1 concern as well, but I don't have the tools required to make a cap for the exposed spindle, although I can find something I'm sure. I'll take a look at the WEN, but as I plan to grind my primary bevels with whatever grinder I choose, I was thinking that variable speed is pretty high on the priority list? But maybe it's not as important as I think, because I'll likely be dunking the blade constantly anyway.

[@fulltang1]

Another quick question, I noticed that the belt has a tracking/wobbling thing going on that isn't seen on the WEN. Do you think that's due to the loose wheel, or inherit to the machine itself?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Matt sorry for the delay getting back to you. I noticed it too and it concerned me as well I think it's due to the body being less rigid then the original Harbor Freight machine. they tried to get cute and weaken the structure and trying to make it look cool. I swear man it's always something I'm still the most happy with my original modified machine with a variable speed DC motor

[@hereweare9011]

I watch other ppl use this, and when they sharpen knives, sparks are flying all over the place. I don't see any from you, why is that?

[@hovan2yourjunk]

Hi Cliff...does the housing on yours get EXTREMELY hot when you run it on slow for a little while?

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Similar to my variable speed bench grinder/buffer...Id say yeah. :(

[@falopio67]

hi that machines comes with that angle guide?

[@theIndoCurrys]

Angle guide is sold separate. Surgi-sharp angle guide or 1x30 angle guide.

[@falopio67]

@@theIndoCurrys thanks a lot...great explanation....

[@falopio67]

@@theIndoCurrys hi got the machine quick question is necesarry to cool down the knife while sharpen ing in the machine. with water on the side...do we need any special attention to this heating metal?

[@davem5843]

does your motor get hot? hot meaning you can't leave your hand on it

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

At slow speed because of the inexpensive speed control built in it does get toasty. I dont keep mine on for prolonged periods.

[@ureasmith3049]

I wouldn't buy that particular machine. Buying a dedicated grinder for grinding wheel or buffing is cheap. Why crowd the belt grinder? Thanks for the videos, keep up the good work.

[@redangrybird7564]

I think Cliff had in mind a mobile sharpening business and space was a limitation.

[@hollowdog7208]

Use a longer platen....

[@CurryCustomCutlery]

Interesting...at first I thought you were trolling but a 1in higher platen could eliminate interference with the motor housing. Nice tip.

[@redangrybird7564]

@@CurryCustomCutlery Sometimes I learn as much from the comments as from the video. Your videos are the best on on KZbin on sharpening with 1x30. Thanks.

[@weslyjunebarangan959]

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