angle grinder vs. belt grinder/sander question

[johnnyKnives]

I saw a person on youtube grinding the shape of his knife from a blank with an angle grinder (that's what I believe it was, hand held grinder). He put it in a vice and worked the blank until it was the shape he wanted. He was able to cut through the steel with the device instead of using a hacksaw, etc.

Here is the video and where it starts with the grinder:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ysKd1cswlo#t=7m20s

(that is an angle grinder isn't it?)

With a belt sander is it the same process except in reverse? Do I get the right belt for metal sanding/grinding and, obviously, work the metal around the belt instead of the way above. I am thinking of getting the $119 sears belt sander:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...=Bench+&+Stationary+Power+Tools&sName=Sanders

I know this sounds painfully obvious. I just want to be sure and needed confirmation.

 

[Edro20]

I didn't watch the whole thing, but yes that is an angle grinder. You can grind with it or put on a cutting disc instead of the grinding wheel.

Lots of people start with a machine like you posted or you can save up and get a 2 x 72. These are much better. Many brands are available. Check the for sale forums. There is a member selling one for under $400. I would save up and get that one.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=675343

 

[arrowhead]

That's an angle grinder. I would urge you to do things a little different from the video if you are going to use one for knife making or for anything else for that matter. Don't wear a shirt that is as loose and baggy as that guy is wearing and please, use a pair of leather gloves, preferably with guantlets. If you ever get tangled up with one you will find it removes hide, hair, and flesh a lot quicker than it does metal. I've been using them for over forty years. The only time I ever let one get me I was wearing good leather gloves but without guantlets. It hurt like hell and took a lot of stitches. Almost lost the use of my left hand and have a big scar.

I use an angle grinder to remove most of the metal when I make a knife and then smooth things up on the little Craftsman sander you linked to although I've modified it quite a bit. It works great on handle material and will do your steel work too but you need patience. It doesn't have a lot of power. The short belts wear out quickly also.