Belt grinder modification?

weo

weo

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Sep 21, 2014
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Hello all. Was wondering if anybody has modified or ever considered modifying their 2 x 72 grinder to a 3 x 72?
One of my consistent problems (although I am getting better) is having too much pressure on either the thumb side or fingertip side on the edge of the belt when pulling the blade across the platen, especially with longer kitchen blades, and I think this may help to minimize the problem sooner than just increasing my experience with grinding.
I realize this would involve changing all the wheels on the grinder.
Thanks
~billyO
 
2x72 has become a "Standard" size and many companies make belts in this size. 4x36 is commonly used by folks who do lapidary(rocks and gems) and metallurgical work. 4x36 is another common size and the number of belts available is almost as big as 2x72. I have 3 4x36 sanders that I use mostly for woodworking and 1 2x72 that I use mostly for metal(mainly because the 2x72 is variable speed)
 
3" belts are available but they're quite a bit more expensive. We have a 3 x 138 in the shop for deburring, and it's a monster. I even made a couple knives on it a few years ago. But I don't think it's worth the cost of belts compared to a 2".
 
When you get right down to it sandpaper is sold by the square inch so no advantage disadvantage there. I have played around in the past with the 3" and 4" and even 6". You will find these will create even more problems if you go to them. 1" might work a bit better but is used often to achieve certain results.
 
I keep a couple 3m gator belts split to 1x72 around for when I'm having a bad day and chasing a 2" line on a chef's knife. They're thick enough to run on a 2" wide Platten, and a couple passes with that will take care of it well. I'm sure a 3" would do the same. I think the main thing (apart from grinding technique which is time well spent developing even if you scrap blades) is changing the width of the belt. I'm not sure it'd make a difference either way as long as it isn't 2"
 
While abrasives are generally sold by the square inch, so sizes are much cheaper than others. 2x72 has been the standard for years, yes a company like Phoenix will be able to custom make 3x72, but they will be more expensive per inch that 2x72 because they need to custom make them.
 
With much less variety of what's available for grit, type, backing.
 
I've noticed 2x132 is a fair bit less per square inch than 2x72, but mostly limited to jflex and roughing belts.
Odd sizes though will definitely be more expensive
 
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