Budget 4 x 36 belt and disc sander that's decent?

[SwissHeritageCo]

I'm in need of a few things for my shop and I have a local Harbor Freight which is very convenient. Was planning on going in to grab another bench vise and an arbor press (two things that are very difficult to botch in my experience) but also happen to notice they have 4 x 36 belt/disc sander on clearance from Central Machinery for $85.

I'm only looking to use it for some pretty basic handle shaping - puukkos with natural scales to be precise. My plan was to use it to do a few blanks and get a feel for handle shaping in general... and once I was proficient upgrade to a better sander if need be. Just wondering if I'm off in my logic here? Maybe someone has some experience with harbor freight belt sanders that can weigh in with some feedback. I'm not expecting it to be exceptional, but I've found some items by design are just really difficult to botch to the point of uselessness. Incidentally the sander in question has pretty favorable reviews.

Would greatly appreciate some advice.

 

[seanj]

My first grinder was a Harbor Freight 4x36. And it was not a good experience. The machine was fine. But it isn't well suited to knife making at all. I had to make several mods to make it somewhat usable. A 1" or 2" grinder will suit you much better.

Harbor Freight has a Bauer Bench grinder with a 2 x 28 for $169. I know it's more money but I don't think you would be happy with the 4x36 at all.

I just checked Amazon. And Amazon has a WEN 1 x 36 with a 5" Sanding disc for $68.00 In my opinion that or the Bauer would be a better choice than the 4x36

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

My first grinder was a Harbor Freight 4x36. And it was not a good experience. The machine was fine. But it isn't well suited to knife making at all. I had to make several mods to make it somewhat usable. A 1" or 2" grinder will suit you much better.

Harbor Freight has a Bauer Bench grinder with a 2 x 28 for $169. I know it's more money but I don't think you would be happy with the 4x36 at all.

I just checked Amazon. And Amazon has a WEN 1 x 36 with a 5" Sanding disc for $68.00 In my opinion that or the Bauer would be a better choice than the 4x36

Thank you

To be clear though I wont actually be grinding blades... it's strictly for shaping puukko handles. I've heard 4 x 36 was pretty good for grinding handles and the disc sander gets used a lot during the process too.

Regardless, this is good feedback and something to consider. Looking up that WEN now.

 

[RayseM]

I've been looking too, for the very same. Would love to find a variable speed but not happening in my price range and type of unit.

Pretty much set on THIS ONE.

This one for an extra year of warranty than the GRIZZLY versions and importantly that the belt is open on the end not trapped within a dust collecting shroud. I can come up with a way to connect my vac system to it. The price is reasonable (though quite a lift from what you are looking at - you can buy the HF twice with abrasives for this price) BUT the quality will be as good in that low end price range as possible - as far as I can tell.

Need to research what belts and discs will be available. I don't think I want the red woodworking belts to be the only option.

My 2¢

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

I've been looking too, for the very same. Would love to find a variable speed but not happening in my price range and type of unit.

Pretty much set on THIS ONE.

This one for an extra year of warranty than the GRIZZLY versions and importantly that the belt is open on the end not trapped within a dust collecting shroud. I can come up with a way to connect my vac system to it. The price is reasonable (though quite a lift from what you are looking at - you can buy the HF twice with abrasives for this price) BUT the quality will be as good in that low end price range as possible - as far as I can tell.

Need to research what belts and discs will be available. I don't think I want the red woodworking belts to be the only option.

My 2¢

All good things to consider for sure. Does look like a pretty sweet little unit.

I definitely want something that is ready out of the box. You've already done a fair few handles, what have you been using up until now?

 

[seanj]

Thank you

To be clear though I wont actually be grinding blades... it's strictly for shaping puukko handles. I've heard 4 x 36 was pretty good for grinding handles and the disc sander gets used a lot during the process too.

Regardless, this is good feedback and something to consider. Looking up that WEN now.

If that's all you are looking to do it might suffice. It's a bit under powered though.

 

[seanj]

I've been looking too, for the very same. Would love to find a variable speed but not happening in my price range and type of unit.

Pretty much set on THIS ONE.

This one for an extra year of warranty than the GRIZZLY versions and importantly that the belt is open on the end not trapped within a dust collecting shroud. I can come up with a way to connect my vac system to it. The price is reasonable (though quite a lift from what you are looking at - you can buy the HF twice with abrasives for this price) BUT the quality will be as good in that low end price range as possible - as far as I can tell.

Need to research what belts and discs will be available. I don't think I want the red woodworking belts to be the only option.

My 2¢

If I was going to get a 4x36 again that would be the one. Tru-grit has 4x36 belts

 

[RayseM]

All good things to consider for sure. Does look like a pretty sweet little unit.

I definitely want something that is ready out of the box. You've already done a fair few handles, what have you been using up until now?

I've been using my WorkSharp ELITE and a Porter Cable 2-1/2" x 14 belt sander flipped on its back with my vac attached to it. Really easy to overpower the Work Sharp - simply not the tool for this but better than nothing - barely. The PC has been very useful for aggressive work but as the ends of the belt are not exposed except for a bit of the curve, it reaches its limitations really fast. Again a "make do" tool. I think the new one will be a good add on to the shop work in general - just need to find a landing spot for it.

If I was going to get a 4x36 again that would be the one. Tru-grit has 4x36 belts

Glad for the Thanks for saying.

 

[TheEdge01]

I still use a cheapo HF 4x36 for little touch ups. I ended up adjusting the motor back to tighten the drive belt because the least amount of pressure would bind it up. They are very handy to have around and belts are easy to find.

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

I still use a cheapo HF 4x36 for little touch ups. I ended up adjusting the motor back to tighten the drive belt because the least amount of pressure would bind it up. They are very handy to have around and belts are easy to find.

So it definitely requires some work out of the box?

Part of the reason I'm considering it is just for the learning curve on the cheap. Really just want to learn how to shape handles to see if it's something I'm interested in pursuing.

Thanks for the info

 

[TheEdge01]

So it definitely requires some work out of the box?

Part of the reason I'm considering it is just for the learning curve on the cheap. Really just want to learn how to shape handles to see if it's something I'm interested in pursuing.

Thanks for the info

Mine definitely needed a little tweaking. Overall, it’s a great value though.

 

[RayseM]

A few good sharp wood rasps and an assortment of AbraNet mesh, which can be cut into strips to make little belts for hand sanding.
Quite a few were made just that way, especially the birch bark stacks.

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

A few good sharp wood rasps and an assortment of AbraNet mesh, which can be cut into strips to make little belts for hand sanding.
Quite a few were made just that way, especially the birch bark stacks.

The old ways are definitely cool but I'm wanting to see about handling some blanks as a consistent hobby, so if it is something I enjoy doing like leather work I would want to be able to streamline it. I also have some very picky ideas to what I (as a customer) would want to see.

Plus it's a long overdo item I need for the odd job around the shop

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I use my 4X36 for sanding handle blocks and sometimes working on large swords but find it pretty unsuitable for smaller blades and handles.
I would recommend a HF 1X30 with disc as a better choice for an entry grinder. Thousands of knives have been made on a 1X30" grinder.

 

[RayseM]

I use my 4X36 for sanding handle blocks and sometimes working on large swords but find it pretty unsuitable for smaller blades and handles.
I would recommend a HF 1X30 with disc as a better choice for an entry grinder. Thousands of knives have been made on a 1X30" grinder.

Having said that - there is THIS OPTION - variable speed 1"x30" belt with a 6" disc. LESS MONEY too!

I'm on the fence because I'm NOT a knife maker BUT a woodworker who plays with knives. I do make knife handles and polish blades (by hand with stones). Admittedly the 1" belt would allow for better contour sanding rather than just roughing out a handle shape. This is a tough decision for me. I respect your heavily weighted with experience opinion Sir! Thanks for your input.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

I've been using my WorkSharp ELITE and a Porter Cable 2-1/2" x 14 belt sander flipped on its back with my vac attached to it. Really easy to overpower the Work Sharp - simply not the tool for this but better than nothing - barely. The PC has been very useful for aggressive work but as the ends of the belt are not exposed except for a bit of the curve, it reaches its limitations really fast. Again a "make do" tool. I think the new one will be a good add on to the shop work in general - just need to find a landing spot for it.



Glad for the Thanks for saying

Some of my first handles and mods were with my Porter Cable..... Idk why anyone never made a base mount for it, to turn it into a nice little portable belt grinder....

Actually I know why..... Cause I Wanted to.
But their handles, and mounting locations are Not in user friendly locations to use and mount stuff to.... Which is a shame, cause it's a Wonderful unit.... I love mine..... But it could be better!


This handle for a Becker might be my first...?
I made it on the Porter Cable

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

I use my 4X36 for sanding handle blocks and sometimes working on large swords but find it pretty unsuitable for smaller blades and handles.
I would recommend a HF 1X30 with disc as a better choice for an entry grinder. Thousands of knives have been made on a 1X30" grinder.

Damn... et tu Stacy?

I'm going to have to seriously reconsider this. On the plus side it's cheaper all around

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You will always find a good use for a 1X30" variable speed sander. I don't think you will ever regret choosing that option.

 

[Mecha]

You know what they say: go big or go home!