Belt sander for knifemaking? Help!

[Draven]

howdy folks! Recently I've delved into knifemaking a wee bit, and I'd like to get further into it (namely, making higher quality blades in less time) and since my dad's clearing out one of the rooms and allowing me to turn it into a workshop, I'd like to get a belt sander!

I recall this thread where Shing suggested a raised bit of glass for making plunge cuts, and I expect that would help with getting nice flat bevels, as well.

So I've looked at a few belt sanders in my price range and I wanted the views of someone more experienced!

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axminster-AS408-Belt-and-Disc-Sander-21337.htm

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Axminster-AWEBDS46-MkII-Belt-and-Disc-Sander-725061.htm
If anyone has any experience with that one, does that vertical wall come off?

http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Perform-CCS130BD2-Belt-and-Disc-Sander-462327.htm

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/cs4-6c-belt-disc-sander/path/belt-disc-sanders-2
This is probably my favourite, with the tilting belt, but it says it's not for ferrous metals. Does that really matter? I'm not planning on grinding any big lumps of steel into BBs, just knife bevels

And would I be able to stick the raised bit of glass under any of these?

Help would be highly appreciated

Cheers folks!

 

[Shing]

I think any of them except number 3 will be OK. You stick the glass on the platen so they should all be OK too. I use double sided sticky tape

 

[Bernie Garland]

I'll post some pics tomorrow of one of my set ups, so you can see how easy they are to adapt.

Bernie

 

[Draven]

Cool Shing, thanks Number three wasn't a favourite of mine anyway, only listed due to the cost

And that'd be great Bernie, thanks

Peace!

 

[Bernie Garland]

Here's some pics of one of my setups a converted belt sander,hope it helps.

Bernie

 

[g4ghb]

Cool! - I have been meaning to adapt my sander for some time but your 'bed' is such a simple idea / concept it is inspired!!!! :You_Rock_

I was going to make a jig to hold the blades but I assume all you do is hold the blade flat on the bed and it naturally gives you the correct grind angle