grinding belts for wood

[Scott Roush]

I have a run of stock removal type knives I'm doing that all have thick scales that need to be ground down... what is a good long lasting belt for hogging and rough shaping wood?  Either for my 2x72.. or it might be cheaper to use my Craftsman 2x42?

[Lin Rhea]

I use the Klingspor blue 36 grit belts. 2 X 72

[Scott Roush]

okay... that's what i have. i will start buying some for dedicated wood use...

[Ragnarok Forge]

I use my old worn 36 grit belts for hogging off wood.  They aren't great for steel anymore but cut wood down nicely.

[Wampus]

I do the opposite, use brand new belts for wood and then use them for steel after they get a little (but not much) worn.  Wood seems to get too hot using worn belts for me.

[Scott Roush]

That is what I used to do... I used the worn 36 grit... but then, as you say, they burn the hell out of the wood and it takes forever to remove anything.  I was using a hand-held belt sander upside down in a vice because the belts are cheap and local.. but then it burned out.  So I'm gonna try fresh, dedicated 36s and see how long they last. Pop's has some excellent 36 grit blue belts that are very similar to the Klingspor at half the cost...

Or maybe just use a rasp.

[Lin Rhea]

Scott,
       Coincidentally, I ordered a Nicholson #50 cabinet maker's rasp. I'll give a report on it after I try it. Karl told me about it and then a fellow employee let me try his and I have to have one. Talk about move material!

[Scott Roush]

I've been wanting that Nicholson ever since I started making bows and have just never pulled the trigger. Karl showed me how well his removed even the dense tropical stuff....

[2treks]

That nicholson will sure do a job for you. I started using them for bow work years ago and try to get guys to get them if they are serious about bow work. They are not cheap but will last a long time.the one I use now is 8-10 years old.
I am wanting one of the KMG 2X72,I also use the blue zirconia belts. Good luck

[KHALVERSON]

Originally posted by Two Tracks:

I am wanting one of the KMG 2X72,I also use the blue zirconia belts. Good luck [/QB]

chuck
ya gonna start makin knives

[Scott Roush]

I don't see how I never tried it before but I rough shaped all those handles in 10 minutes using a fresh 36 grit blue. lol... I just always felt the fresh ones were to valuable for wood. but I guess my time is more valuable...

[kbaknife]

Originally posted by Scott Roush:
I don't see how I never tried it before but I rough shaped all those handles in 10 minutes using a fresh 36 grit blue. lol... I just always felt the fresh ones were to valuable for wood. but I guess my time is more valuable...

Correct.
Use a brand new 36 and you can remove considerable material without getting the material HOT! - which is your biggest enemy when it comes to dimensional instability later on.
I just do the basic removal of the excess material, then finish with files like mentioned above. This, of course is easy, with my through tang assembly an no lateral pins.
I also shape my sheaths after stitching with the same belt.
I do my knife making full time, like you know Scott.
I've used the same 2X72 36 grit belt for the entirety of 2010.
I'm actually  afraid the connection tape will wear through before the belt dulls.

Don't worry about expense.

[2treks]

Kevin, NO knife making for me,I am just pleased as punch to covet all the knives you fine crafters make.The KMG would do some nice bow work for me though.Maybe if I get one I can try a kni... nah!!!
Karl,You used the same belt for removal of WOOD stock? or wood/metal stock?
Chuck

[kbaknife]

Originally posted by Two Tracks:

Karl,You used the same belt for removal of WOOD stock? or wood/metal stock?
Chuck

Chuck, I keep a designated belt for basic WOOD stock removal of handles and for sheath shaping.
I have only used ONE belt for the entire year.
It never touches steel.
After I have the basic handle shape, I finish with files.
Easy, inexpensive, full control, the handles never get hot and I don't have a shop full of fine handle dust flying around.

[2treks]

Rodger that Karl,Dust is not our friend.
ps. Them club knives you posted are SWEET!
Thanks.
Chuck