Harbor Freight 1x30 sander

This forum is for posting step by step techniques used in the art of making, customizing, and repairing knives. Please stop by and teach a few things or maybe learn something new from the talented members of AAPK.
Post Reply
Reverand
Silver Tier
Silver Tier
Posts: 2972
Joined: Mon Oct 22, 2018 6:45 pm
Location: Pisgah, AL
Contact:

Harbor Freight 1x30 sander

Post by Reverand »

I may be late to the party, but I just discovered "Curry Custom Cutlery" on YouTube, and I am learning a lot from his videos.
I am still using a Harbor Freight 1x30 belt sander, and I love his tips on tuning these up for better performance.
I will probably not upgrade the motor or rollers. I would prefer to spend that money in building a 2x72 someday. But I do plan on tuning mine up just as he shows in this first video:

https://youtu.be/IjZWfEzJjA4
Jesus is life.
Everything else is just a hobby.

~Reverand
User avatar
dlr110
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 5370
Joined: Sat Nov 05, 2016 4:24 am
Location: North Texas
Contact:

Re: Harbor Freight 1x30 sander

Post by dlr110 »

Thank you Reverand for posting that video. That just happens to be the same brand of sander that I have except I also have the disc sander on the end.... ::tu::
20210114_160302.jpg
David R (United States Navy Retired)
Don't just count your many blessings, be the blessing others count on!
Woodburning Art by David https://www.wdbydavid.com/
User avatar
edge213
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 7758
Joined: Sat Jan 25, 2014 12:48 am
Location: The Crossroads of America

Re: Harbor Freight 1x30 sander

Post by edge213 »

Reverand wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 1:09 pm I may be late to the party, but I just discovered "Curry Custom Cutlery" on YouTube, and I am learning a lot from his videos.
I am still using a Harbor Freight 1x30 belt sander, and I love his tips on tuning these up for better performance.
I will probably not upgrade the motor or rollers. I would prefer to spend that money in building a 2x72 someday. But I do plan on tuning mine up just as he shows in this first video:

https://youtu.be/IjZWfEzJjA4
Great video.
Looks like I have a project ahead.
David
"Glowing like the metal on the edge of a knife" Meat Loaf
pauldarden
Posts: 1
Joined: Fri Nov 17, 2023 3:22 am

Re: Harbor Freight 1x30 sander

Post by pauldarden »

Reverand wrote: Wed Sep 21, 2022 1:09 pm I may be late to the party, but I just discovered "Curry Custom Cutlery" on YouTube, and I am learning a lot from his videos.
I am still using a Harbor Freight 1x30 belt sander, and I love his tips on tuning these up for better performance.
I will probably not upgrade the motor or rollers. I would prefer to spend that money in building a 2x72 someday. But I do plan on tuning mine up just as he shows in this first video:

https://youtu.be/IjZWfEzJjA4
It all sounds logical about the tensioner however with mine loosened to slide freely, the tensioner bounces back and forth against the spring causing bad vibrations in the whole unit causing it to move around on the table despite the rubber feet. I'm sure this is caused by the main drive wheel being out of round and causing the rapid pulsing/ vibrations in the tensioner wheel. The only way to stop the horrible vibration was to tighten the tensioner bolt. Then the grinder runs smoothly but it is more difficult to change belts.
User avatar
BIGHEAD
Posts: 2296
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2007 3:42 am
Location: MADISON,AL

Re: Harbor Freight 1x30 sander

Post by BIGHEAD »

I have one of these units but I only use it to turn pins down.
Reverand
Silver Tier
Silver Tier
Posts: 2972
Joined: Mon Oct 22, 2018 6:45 pm
Location: Pisgah, AL
Contact:

Re: Harbor Freight 1x30 sander

Post by Reverand »

I would like to build a 2x72 sander. Hopefully that is a project that I can make time to do someday.
Since this original post I have purchased a 1x42 Craftsman from Jimbo, aka "Oledadsknives". It was his father's belt sander, and it works great. It has a lot more horsepower than the little Harbor Freight!
I find it helpful to have more than one belt sander - one for coarse grit belts and one for fine. It is faster than swapping out belts multiple times.
Jesus is life.
Everything else is just a hobby.

~Reverand
User avatar
BIGHEAD
Posts: 2296
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2007 3:42 am
Location: MADISON,AL

Re: Harbor Freight 1x30 sander

Post by BIGHEAD »

Reverand I have a 2x72 grizzly belt grinder that you can swap the belts on in 10 seconds. I keep 5 different grit. Flex belts hanging right behind it and swap grits as needed.
https://www.grizzly.com/products/grizzl ... ffer/g1015
On sale now.
ashwinearl
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed Jan 04, 2023 4:11 am
Location: Utica, NY
Contact:

Re: Harbor Freight 1x30 sander

Post by ashwinearl »

Hi,
There is a new 2x42 with VFD and tilting option that Grizzly just put out for $400. This is probably the most incredible thing out there for a beginning knifemaker. The VFD is essential to helping you in learning to grind. the original Grizzly 2x72 would run full bore which made learning to grind tough. this one also has tilting to horizontal. this is great to work on spines.

Several seasoned makers have obtained one and seem happy. there is a thread on bladeforums where they've already started modding it.

biggest downside is 2x42 is not a popular size. 2x72 also uses has longer life.
----------------------------
See available knives at my store: www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ashwinearl
See what's on the bench at my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ash.handmade.knives/
Post Reply

Return to “Knife Related Tutorials”