Replies to This Discussion

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on December 20, 2016 at 16:23

I've attached Grizzly's version of the manual via "attached document" .. see above.

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They all about the same .. slight variations may exist .. I believe .. the major variation is the quality control which ea brand met. That "quality" standard is reflected in the price. Harbor Freight being about the lowest .. Grizzly somewhere in the middle .. other brands typically vary accordingly.

Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on December 20, 2016 at 17:33

Grizzly enjoys a great reputation for belt sanders because they hold up.  Even the larger versions will hold up to daily hard use.  It was a contender for us when looking for the 2 X 72

Permalink Reply by allanm on December 21, 2016 at 9:14

I went low end (for a start) with the Harbor Freight one. If I wear it out I'll be looking at other makes. 

Good call from Michael S to start new discussions within the group to separate discussions on tool types

Permalink Reply by Michael Squier on December 21, 2016 at 14:45

TY. Mine is the harbor frieght model also, it was on sale for $35 I think, hard to beat that. It does bog down a little if pressed to hard, but maybe I am expecting to much. I see a guy at gun shows near me with about 5 of them set up for knife sharpening. He is always busy. 

In MemoriamPermalink Reply by D ale on December 21, 2016 at 15:13

Gentleman .. I've a fair amount of tools that came from Harbor Freight.

There's nothing wrong with Harbor Freight ..as long as you know going into it.. better could be had for more $.

BUT

It's the more $ thingie that is the reason for my Harbor Freight tools. Especially .. when it's something that's likely going to see one time use. Or .. something I'm not sure about & want to try w/o investing an arm & a leg.

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My first 1*30 belt sander was the least expensive unit I could find at the time. When it finally died .. it had proven itself & I didn't want to live w/o one. SO0oo .. I pd the little bit extra for a Grizzly.

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It's fairly common knowledge these likely all come out of the same factory. It's the QC, final specs, & features demanded by ea brand that command the more or less $.

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I've a 4*36 w/ 5" disc that doesn't see as much use as my smaller 1*30.

Personally .. I want that highly configurable, adjustable speed, 2" * 72" that everyone raves about.

Oh yeah .. back to that $ thingie  :)

Permalink Reply by Michael Squier on December 21, 2016 at 18:52

I hope i din not sound negative on HF, I love going to the store, a new one opened near me last year. As for cheap tools when you know your going to wear it out, I knew a sign guy years ago who bought the cheapest palm sanders he could, had a trash can full of them. Asked why, he said the expensive ones died just as quickly and he used them alot so it was cheaper this way as they get thrown out anyway. for the amount I use the little belt sander it will last me a long time im sure. For the price, and they do go on sale often, its not badly made. 

KnifeMakerPermalink Reply by Carl Rechsteiner on December 23, 2016 at 6:52

If you plan to do any quality grinding you need to look at "solid" in grinders - solid bearings, arbors, frames, pulleys, motor mounts, etc. Vibration and motor torque are the two biggest issues with precision grinding with belt quality being close second. It's either that or learn to drink a lot of coffee so you can match the machine's jerkyness.

To me HB tools are like "burner phones" you see in all the cop shows. Use it and toss it....just don't hold up to professional demands. Don't get me wrong, not saying anything most of us don't already know. Our granddaddy's wisdom on buy the best you can afford doesn't mean buying the most expensive either. Just use your best judgement.

Permalink Reply by allanm on December 23, 2016 at 8:14

Of course we know you're right Carl :-) It does go without saying.

In my case, having moved from another continent with 2 suitcases per family member 18 years ago and never having replaced all my tools, just now getting into knives with kits or simple ready made blanks and who knows if one day I might be forging - I'm starting with the lower cost let's see how this works out approach. Cheap though it is, so far I'm reasonably happy with my little Harbor Freight sander, at least for my purposes. But when I came to researching table / band saws, routers and others - I quickly turned away to look at other brands.

Permalink Reply by Michael Squier on December 23, 2016 at 8:33

Agreed Carl, plus i do usually have 3 cups of coffee before sanding Good to know it helps. lol. I did a google search for 1x30 belt sanders and I could not find a high end or even beter quality one. The grizzly which looks just like the Harbor Frieght is at the higher end in assumed quality. I did find cheaper. I guess if you want netter quality you habe to jump up to a larger sander/grinder. 

I think for most of us this one is fine because we are not doing the final presision work on it. But I agree with grandpa, and my dad, buy the best you can afford it will last longer and work better.