A new (old) piece of equipment for the knife bench

[BrokenolMarine]

The 1x30 Sander has been a boom in shaping and polishing, since the free movement of the 1" belt allows it to wrap around the scales and help shape and smooth the handles of the knives after they are ready for shaping and polishing. However, there are a lot of times I need to polish a longer flat surface and have wished I had that section of 1" belt supported. The rigid support behind the belt was the first thing I removed when I set up the sander as well as the work table at the base of the sanding belt.

I have been watching that same Rikon 1x30 sander on Amazon and they dropped it back on sale, so I dropped it in the cart and bought a second one for the bench. At just over $100 it was a good deal. This one I set up fully, with the table and the backer for the belt so I can polish the spines and grind down the pins with better control. I use the 4" wide belt on the bench top sander when it works, but there are a number of times when the design of that sander obstructs reaching areas on the knife which the Rikon WILL reach. I consider it money well spent. Since I don't drink, smoke, or go out and party, I can afford to add the sander to the bench as the shop is WHERE I party.

added another Sander.jpg

In case it isn't obvious, the NEW sander is set up on the RIGHT...
The next knife will get to break 'er in.

[markiver54]

Nice! I can think of many times I could have used such a sander. My problem is that space is VERY limited in my little shop.

[rickhem]

I had a 4" belt sander with the 6" disc sander in my garage back in NJ. It was actually my father-in-law's, but we had it clamped to my bench. While I didn't use it much at first, it got to where that was one of the more frequently used power tools. I've been watching YouTube videos of the Harbour Freight 1" belt sanders, and how to tune those up a bit. Looks like a nice little addition, and that table on the new one will make that a great partner for your older one.

[BrokenolMarine]

A friend made a comment about the equipment I add to the shop. Most of it is not really that expensive, and I might add a couple pieces a year. During the same conversation he'll talk about taking his buddies out for a night on the town. ($300 if it's a penny.) "I don't know how you can afford to add a mini-drill press to the bench." ($159 on sale.) My shop is my escape. Just as Miss T's quilting is her place to unwind. Most of the tools in the shop are twenty years old, or more. They keep on giving.

[BrokenolMarine]

I had a 4" belt sander with the 6" disc sander in my garage back in NJ. It was actually my father-in-law's, but we had it clamped to my bench. While I didn't use it much at first, it got to where that was one of the more frequently used power tools. I've been watching YouTube videos of the Harbour Freight 1" belt sanders, and how to tune those up a bit. Looks like a nice little addition, and that table on the new one will make that a great partner for your older one.

It's amazing how you don't think you'll ever use a tool, until it's there.
When I bought the angle grinder, Tina didn't think it would be all that useful. Then she needed to cut some cattle panels. (Wire Fencing.) She had cut them with bolt cutters for years. I brought out the angle grinder and burned thru the cuts like a hot knife thru butter. We have used it a LOT. The key broke off in the locking head on the Draw Bar pin for the trailer hitch.

"That isn't coming off." Tina stood there shaking her head.

I put my huge Vise Grips on one side so the PIN didn't turn. The new disk on the Angle Grinder went thru the hardened steel pin like it was plastic.

"Don't that beat all?"

Never know you need something until you need it.

[BrokenolMarine]

Another tool I bought for a specific job that the boss thought we'd never use again was one of those oscillating multi tools with the interchangeable blades. Home Depot had the kit on sale with the tool and a boat load of blades.

Bought it to cut off a pipe under the sink, no room for the hacksaw.
We use it all the time to get in tight spaces and make tight cuts.
Flush cuts on the steps... whatever.
They put a blade pack on sale just before Christmas... great buy.