If you want to make the most of your belt sander, you should build a knife sharpening angle guide. It’s a simple project that could breathe new life into your dull blades.
A belt sander is a simple tool that can easily sharpen your knives faster than many other types of sharpeners. However, you should take care to use it properly.
Set up the sander.
Few tools save you more time and effort than a stationary belt sander. Their straight-line cutting action removes stock quickly and smoothly. They’re also useful for trimming to a scribed line (photo), sanding rough surfaces, leveling floors and freehand rounding and shaping.
When using a belt sander to sand a flat workpiece, keep the backstop installed so the workpiece contacts a straight sanding surface. Otherwise, it can dig in and make a divot that will require more sanding to fix.
Keeping the platen (the flat metal surface that runs under the sanding belt) clean and free of dust is important, too. If it gets too clogged, the belt will break prematurely.
Often, a wide belt sander problem can be traced to improper abrasive storage. Ideally, hang your abrasive belts vertically for at least 24 hours before use so they don’t absorb moisture and lose their shape.
Load the abrasive belt.
A knife sharpening angle guide is a simple tool that lets you get the right edge angle every time. It’s foolproof, and it only takes a minute to set up.
You can use it on a belt sander or a bench grinder with a standard platen. It’s adjustable from 10 degrees to 45 degrees, and it’s made with a superior yellow zinc coating that resists corrosion.
Getting the correct edge angle is key to the smooth operation of your blade. There are several ways to find the proper angle, but a simple way is to measure the distance from the spine of your blade to the edge at the heel.
Take this number and divide it by three, which will give you the magic angle for sharpening your blade. This is the best angle for most knife edges, but it also depends on your particular situation. If you’re sharpening an edge that cuts softer materials, you should use the lowest possible angle to minimize damage or breakage.
Sharpen the blade.
A knife sharpening angle guide is an easy-to-make project that makes it easier to pick the right sharpening angle. This can be especially helpful if you’re new to sharpening on stone and need a reference point.
A good angle determines the sharpness of a blade, but it also affects how durable it is. Steel hardness, yield strength and blade thickness all impact a knife’s sharpening angle.
Generally, harder metals have a higher yield strength than softer ones, so they can be sharpened at a lower angle. However, this can lead to a blunter edge because the blade’s edge will be less durable.
The best way to sharpen a blade is with a whetstone or a knife sharpening tool. Regular sharpening maintains the blade’s cutting ability and keeps it healthy.
Cool the blade.
During sharpening, it is important to cool the blade so that it does not get overheated. This will prevent it from getting damaged and will extend the lifespan of the blade.
One way to do this is by storing the knife in water. This will help it to cool down quickly and reduce the risk of damage.
To do this, simply soak the blade in water for a few minutes. After this, it will be ready for sharpening.
A belt sander is a great sharpening tool because it can get the edge on a knife faster than most other sharpening devices. However, it requires some practice to use properly.
You can get a knife sharpening angle guide to help you maintain a consistent angle during the sharpening process. This will make the process easier and allow you to achieve a razor-sharp edge every time.