Belt sander, mounting and grit size

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Hello BF,

Lately I'm looking for a belt sander to supplement my paper wheels, in order to sharpen longer thicker blades.

I have my eyes set on the Viel Tools S5-M belt sander, but I'm such a newbie at the belt sanding, I'm looking for advice on:
1. Where and how to mount this belt sander. For my paper wheel, I currently use a HF Grinder Stand: http://www.harborfreight.com/universal-bench-grinder-stand-3184.html
I currently don't have a work bench but may consider getting one, if it's not big or expensive.
2. What grit sizes belt (and brand) should I get?

Thanks!
 
The Viel appears to be outstanding and I have recommended it to many, even though I don't have one lol. I haven't found a need for it yet because I have a 2x72 on a VFD hehe. The only bad thing I have heard is that the packaging could be better and nuts and bolts are everywhere upon arrival.

I would simply mount it to a table/work bench instead of getting a dedicated stand, unless you want to wheel it around in the garage or something.

For belts, look at ceramics for low grit 36-80, and zirc or al oxide belts for 120 on up. You will probably need 36, 80, 120, 220, 400 and not much over that unless you really want a polished edge. You don't want to get too fine at too high of a speed if you can help it because the apex heats up faster the finer you go (this is common knowledge among knife makers - slow it down when going to a finer belt). I normally finish belt edges at 220 grit and then may finish up by hand.
 
The Viel is a good unit. You really don't need to mount it. Its designed to be portable. Can be used horizontally as well as vertically and is pretty stable as is. Some sort of work surface / bench / table should be fine. I have a rubber mat on my portable benches that I set my grinders on. Works well.

You will need to check or replace most of the nuts and bolts with at least nylon lock nuts. The set screw that secures the drive pulley to the motor shaft needs to be checked to make sure its tight. The 3/8 HP motor is the way to go.
 
Thank you both for the recommendations. I didn't know the unit is stable to run by itself without bolting it down, in which case, I could just use another table I have laying around. I'll have to check out the bolts and nuts after it is ordered and arrives.

About the motor, the default is 1/4 hp, 1/3 hp version costs more, and then the largest they have is 1/2 hp separate motor purchase from Viel. Is 1/3 hp or 1/2 hp preferred for 1x42?

Also looked at 2x72 and it seems to get very expensive with better motors and I wasn't looking to spend too much for my own sharpening needs. Hopefully 1x42 Viel is going to be good enough.
 
get the 1/2 horse I use a 3/4 on mine. it dosent need mounted it is on rubber cushions. get the wheel for the table and a glass platen for it . you wont regret the purchase. I make and grind folder blades with mine. been using mine for over 4 yrs with no issues at all. I have a 1 hp motor I plan on getting another wheel and reaming the hole for it to use on mine. if you use it as a sharpener the 1/4 hp will do the job for grinding you may want more.mine is on a bench made from a lowes workbench I replaced the particle board with oak 2x10's glued and pegged. its a pick up and go incase I need portability. I have the kmg and a bader I use for bigger jobs and they are 2x72. good for longer stuff but not great for 2 to 3 inch blades. sharpening is a piece of cake on them. I set bevels with final 320 and go from there by hand. I have a few micron belts I use for polishing entire blades that could be used to polish a bevel I just prefer freehand sharpening.
 
By the way you'll have to buy belts for the Viel on the internet. Buy a bunch from 120 to 400 or higher.
 
OK guys, if I order from them direct, I can get 1/2 motor for only a little bit more (or can get a local Grainger 1/2" motor). I hope the motor comes with a cord and switch?

kn4wd, I see a hand wheel (what's it for?) but the glass platen is available from elsewhere like USA Knife Makers for a 1"x5", right?
 
I would call them and ask what your really getting. I assume your ordering the unit separately from the 1/2 HP motor. I only know of the 1/4 and 1/3 HP unit assembled.

A glass platen for that unit I don't know. I wouldn't bother myself.

The hand wheel, again assuming, moves the table in and out from the platen. The table is rather an odd piece. I've never gotten a grip on its use. I rarely use it at all. Go with the basic unit and don't worry about any accessories for now.
 
the handwheel moves the table which tilts you will find a use for it. I mount an angle guide to mine it offers much other than moving a table.platen liner- usa knife maker is one texas knife, jantz, forge suppliers offer them as well if you do any flat grinding you will love it. it dosent have to be exact you can cut it with a hacksaw. I have a source for belts you can pm me for it, don't want to be accused of advertising here. that little grinder is far above harbor freight or sears. I have a speed controller that is foot operated for mine it will carry the 3/4 I have now don't know about the 1hp haven't tried it yet. the 3/4 motor is a bit fast at full speed but it is 3450 rpm the ones they sell are 1725 I think. I just today before work finished grinding a 5160 blade for a buck 110 on the viel. I got the foot control from McMaster carr and it wasn't cheap but I love it. I use ceramics for grinding and the blue zircon belt to set bevels. my pocket knives are flat ground so that is my main reason for the guide and I get them straighter than hand alone. try grinding a 3 inch blade without a handle by hand and you will see what I mean.
 
You may want to take a look at Grainger's Dayton 1x42. It's what I have been using for 3 years. Very solid, 1/2 hp. Might cost less than Viel setup plus motor.
 
If you are looking for 1x42 belts, I have done business with a place called TruGrit, and they seem easy to work with. I believe a google search will bring them up. There's another place, Supergrit, that seems to have good variety but I have never dealt with them. As to grits: If you're making knives, I suggest a 60 grit ceramic for rough shaping and 120 for refining. For sharpening I use the 3M Trizact belts followed by an old silicone carbide belt turned inside out and coated with extra fine green chromium oxide compound.
 
I spend about 8-10 hours a day sharpening on a Viel. I also have a KMG 2x72 that I rarely use for sharpening.
Many will disagree or cringe, but I use the knife guide supplied by Viel, and rotate the belt into the edge.
Having 2 or 3 knife guides is useful so you can have them pre set for the most common bevel angles. For instance, Japanese knives that are asymetrical. You can swap out the guide that fits the bevel for each side for each belt used to sharpen.
I think the table that is supplied is nearly useless, but the scissor attachment works great!
More worthless than the work table are blue Zirc belts. I order all of my belts bulk and occasionally I will try a few ceramics and what not, to see if I over looked something. R203! That is the Bevel setting mamba jamba! Last a long time belt!
PM me and I will gladly share my supplier.
My next favorite belts for sharpening are Trizacts. there are lots of variables for each knife, what its used for, steel, push cut, etc., I always have fresh and worn A45, A16, and A6.
Also think about dust collection. If it has a permanent home wrap 1"x2" board around the machine. Cut a hole underneath the belt area and have a port for a shop vac or dust collector.
 
Thanks Bazzle, please send me an email, I can't PM nor email you at this time. I'm still collecting info before purchase.
 
Basslets - I have the Viel but no attachments yet. Are the knife sharpeners adjustable? Do you have/like the chisel sharpener?
 
i just wasted a lot of money on shipping for the belts i ordered because i went to 4 different suppliers. then i found out about doug rising, he sells trisect 1 by 42 belts very reasonable and fast shipping. he also has the finer grit belts no one else seems to have. here is his email to me when i inquired:

Yes, I still sell the Trizacts. I maintain stock for the 1x42" format only, in the following grits:
A3, A6, A16, A30, A45, A65, A100 and A160. All are $7.00 ea. plus $6.00 per order S&H. Any order over 10 belts of any one grit reduces the price of that grit by $1.00 per belt. All belts are less than 6 months from date of fabrication to insure the longevity of the splice.

There is no minimum order and you can mix and match.

I use Paypal, MO or check. I ship upon receipt of funds. My phone # is 903-227-2118 and you can reach me most anytime during regular business hours. My Paypal account address is my Email address.

Call if you need clarification on anything or just want to chat.

Hope to hear from you in any event.

Regards,
Doug Rising
 
Yes. They adjust with a butterfly nut.
I have the chisel jig that slides on the table. It only works for 10% of chisels. Even if you grind a bit of the table so it gets closer to the belt, you still have problems. When you ease the chisel towards the belt, the handle interferes changing the angle. If chisels are what you are interested in sharpening it's worth starting another thread. I will share what I have learned.
 
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