Recommendation? 6 x 48 belt sander uppgrade

Alex T.

Alex T.

Beginner knifemaker
Joined
Mar 10, 2019
Messages
119
Hi,
First of, I know a 6 x 48 belt sander is not the best for knife making but this machine was in my budget and because I also work alot with wood, it seemed to be a good compromise. I must say that I am REALLY statisfied with it, it's an absolute beast at removing material. The only down side is that it is hard to find finner grit for a 6x48...
But to get back at my post, I found it tricky to grind bevels when getting close to the ricasso or if I want to do plunge lines. So do you know a way I could teak it so it would be easier to make bevel? Or should I do the bevels by hand?
It is a 6x48 from king canada. Here are photos of my belt sander and an exemple of the problem I have near the ricasso. Thank you for your help :)

http://imgur.com/gallery/rjJ5JIK
http://imgur.com/gallery/l1h5mYQ
 
I'd look into a spacer for behind the belt so you can use the edge of the belt better. You should be able to get a piece of tempered glass for a fire place that will work. If you need to cut it you can use a tile saw.
 
J-siah said:
I'd look into a spacer for behind the belt so you can use the edge of the belt better. You should be able to get a piece of tempered glass for a fire place that will work. If you need to cut it you can use a tile saw.
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Thats a good idea :) Would you glue it or use screws? And how thick?
 
I put a 1/4" glass platen on an old Sears 6" sander and it fit.

Get a 6X10" piece of 1/4" plywood. Stick it on the existing platen with a few drops of superglue ( just enough to keep it on place temporarily.)
Do a test to see if the belt will still go over it with the tension pushed back. As long as it fits, the following will work.
Pop the wood off and scrape away any glue left behind.

Get a 6"X10" piece of 1/4" mild steel. Sand the 6" ends to round off the edge a bit to prevent wearing the belts. Leave the 10" sides square.
Use JB Weld to put the new platen on the existing tin platen.

This should allow you to sand right up to the plunge.

If the 1/4" won't fit try 1/8".
 
I have a 6x48 belt sander from King Canada too just like this one. Made quite a few knives on it. Works great for wood and leather too. Kinda hard to find decent belts for metal though.
 
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You can order 6X48 metal belts for it from any industrial supplier, or from the bigger belt suppliers. I got mine from Klingspore and from Pop's.
 
Good thank you :) I am currently using zirconia belts, but will ceramic belt work on it?
 
A 6X48 doesn't run fast enough, and you can't press hard enough, to use ceramic belts. The zircomia belts are very good on it.
 
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Looney36 said:
Good thank you :) I am currently using zirconia belts, but will ceramic belt work on it?
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I’ve used Ceramic 6 x 48 belts on mine when sharpening large steel chipper blades from a tree service company. The worked great and far better than AO or Zirconia belts, get a couple, give them a try!
 
Rhinoknives1 said:
I’ve used Ceramic 6 x 48 belts on mine when sharpening large steel chipper blades from a tree service company. The worked great and far better than AO or Zirconia belts, get a couple, give them a try!
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I'll buy one to try and see if it works or not! May I ask where you bought them? If I cant find 6x 48 can I use a 2 x48?
 
Looney36 said:
I'll buy one to try and see if it works or not! May I ask where you bought them? If I cant find 6x 48 can I use a 2 x48?
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https://trugrit.com

Ive bought almost all of my Abrasives from this Family since 1996

If you have any issues, Just call them, Usually Scott or his son Ryan will answer, they do have a couple of employees too . You may try a 2 x 6, it should track fine..
 
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I use ceramic belts on mine, just rarely for any metal work.

I had the 6X48 out yesterday to do a box of wood that came back from stabilizing. I start on an 80 grit ceramic, then switch to a Norton 180 grit Metalite belt. The wood is very smooth after that. All they need is a spray coat of clear lacquer and they are ready for the show.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
I use ceramic belts on mine, just rarely for any metal work.

I had the 6X48 out yesterday to do a box of wood that came back from stabilizing. I start on an 80 grit ceramic, then switch to a Norton 180 grit Metalite belt. The wood is very smooth after that. All they need is a spray coat of clear lacquer and they are ready for the show.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip!
 
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