7 Best 2X72 Belt Grinder (Almost) for Knife Making Reviewed in 2023

Making knives is not an easy task. It requires both skills and the right equipment to forge the best there can ever be in your creation. Having a belt grinder for knife making is crucial for any workshop. Whether being a bladesmith is an inherent ability for you or a skill you are trying to get, you must have a belt grinder machine.

A 2X72 belt grinder for knife making operates at an impressive speed. At least most bladesmiths can swear by that. But, this is not to say that all the other belt grinders underperform.

Though using any belt grinder can meet your forging task, there comes a time when we need specifics. Here are comprehensive reviews on the best 2X72 belt grinder for knife making.

Related: best belt grinders

Our Picks for Best Belt Grinder for Knife Making

1. Best Overall: Grizzly G1015 2X72 Belt Grinder/Sander for Sale

Grizzly G1015 2X72 Knife Belt Grinder/Sander

Item Weight: 59.9 Pounds

Voltage: 110 Volts

Motor Speed: 1725 RPM

Belt Speed: 3600 FPM

Belt Size: 2 x 72 -76 Inches

Horsepower: 1 HP

Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0

This 2X72 belt grinder is one of the best belt grinders you can find on the market. It’s a versatile knife belt sander that features a 110 V single-phase motor.

The robust motor runs at a speed of 1725 RPM, ensuring enough horsepower for you to sharpen or grind knives. The quick-release belt mechanism allows you to change the belt in seconds. A belt of 2X72-76 inches in size is available.

Besides, the auxiliary arbor works well with sanding drums, buffing wheels, or flap wheels to help you make the best use of this 2X72 belt grinder.

Pros

  • A belt sander with multiple woodworking uses
  • Best 2 x 72 belt grinder for knife making
  • Quick-release belt tension
  • Fully tilted bet arm
  • Easy assembly
  • Value for money

Cons

  • The item may be delivered in several boxes and arrive separately

2. Best Value: Shop Fox W1843 2X72 Knife Belt Grinder/Sander

Shop Fox W1843 2X72 Belt Grinder/Sander

Item Weight: 59 Pounds

Voltage: 110 V

Motor Speed: 1725 RPM

Horsepower: 1 HP

Belt Size: 2 x 72 -76 Inches

Belt Speed: 4500 FPM

Warranty: 2 Years

Rating: 4.2 out of 5.0

With close attention to detail, the Shop Fox knife belt sander is designed to offer trouble-free service and reliable, safe operation, making the 2X72 belt grinder a popular belt buffer among knife makers.

The high-quality belt grinder is equipped with a single-phase 110 V motor and a 2X72 abrasive belt. The extended wheel shaft makes full-access buffing a reality.

Thanks to the adjustable tool holder, consistent results are guaranteed by a stable platform. The sanding arm assembly can be tilted horizontally, making it more convenient for certain sanding or grinding operations.

In addition, the W1843 2X72 belt sander comes with a wide range of applications. It is good for knife sharpening and buffing as well as different woodworking uses.

Pros

  • Versatile
  • All ball-bearing construction
  • Convenient use
  • Consistent good results
  • Value for money
  • Cast-iron body

Cons

  • Some customers complained only half parts arrived

3. Premium Pick: Jet J-4103 2X72 Belt Grinder Squal Wheel

Jet J-4103 2X72 Belt Grinder Squal Wheel

Brand: Jet

Horsepower: 1 HP

Warranty: 2 Years

Rating: 3.4 out of 5.0

If you are looking for speed and perfection, the J-4103 2X72 belt grinder is the right machine you should go for. It features a platen setting that provides a perfect angle for high speed. It is also ideal for precision flat and level grinding.

With all the hype that comes with it, this 2X72 belt grinder machine has not compromised vital details. One such detail is the refinishing cylindrical shapes. Its yoke surface is for a smooth even finish.

There is more to this 2X72 belt sander machine, like the serrated contact wheel. This wheel is for removing heavy stock during forging. It is also used for cleaning up a weld. Some more ambitious people also use this serration for snagging a casting. All of these are acceptable because it makes for an excellent option.

Pros

  • One of the best finishing machines available.
  • Easy to operate.
  • Versatile with perfection to detail.
  • Fast, efficient, and precise.
  • Excellent for cleaning up a weld.

Cons

  • Its shipping has limited coverage.
  • It is one of the most expensive available in the category.
  • Grind is difficult to reach some diameters.

4. Best Budget: Palmgren 2X42 Benchtop Belt Grinder

Palmgren 2X42 Benchtop Belt Grinder

Item Weight: 35 Pounds

Voltage: 120 V

Motor Speed: 3500 RPM

Horsepower: 1/3 HP

Belt Size: 2 × 42 Inches

Warranty: 2 Years Parts and 1 Year Labor

Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0

This tool is an excellent combination of belt and disc finishing. Yes, all in one versatile machine, what more can you ask for! This power tool machine is ideal for general purposes. You can use it for sanding and a lot more you would want in a fairly perfect belt grinder for knife making.

Investing in this belt grinder machine is certainly not a bad idea. Compared to most other machines in this category, it is one of the most affordable ones. The appealing price tag does not compromise on its functionality and key features.

There is so much you can do with this belt sander. This includes but is not limited to; surfacing, finishing, sanding, polishing, and deburring. This tool also has a long shelf life, with its heavy-duty construction details.

Pros

  • It is bigger and stronger. It is also highly powered.
  • It comes with a decent budget.
  • Belts are easy to change and contour in tight places.
  • Easy to set up and use even for beginners.

Cons

  • It has a single speed.
  • Sometimes it is difficult for the belts to align and stay on the rollers.
  • It is underpowered with a slow motor.

5. Best for Sturdiness: Jet H-41002 2X42 Bench Belt Grinder

Jet H-41002 2X42 Bench Belt Grinde

Item Weight: 60 Pounds

Voltage: 115 V

Motor Speed: 3450 RPM

Amperage Capacity: 6.5 Amps

Belt Size: 2 × 42 Inches

Warranty: 2 Years

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0

You will most definitely love the mechanics of this one. It features a deluxe miter gauge that turns and locks from the same angles.  This heavy-duty machine features a steel base, rubber feet, and cast iron construction. All these attributes make for a solid and reliable body.

The functionality of this belt sander is not compromised either, despite the appealing features. It sands, grinds, and gives an excellent finish that is almost glossy. Some say matte. But at the end of it all, it works on the curves and odd shapes of your knife.

Its three-in-one nature makes this belt grinder much more appealing than it already is. It can do the work of a jigsaw, coping saw, and hand file. That means it can refine and remove unwanted materials from the blades and edges for an impressive finish.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty construction.
  • Very versatile and works three-in-one.
  • It sands well.
  • Easy to assemble and use.
  • It has a solid build.
  • Made from quality materials.

Cons

  • The motor can easily burn out.
  • Had to get full-speed momentum.
  • Non-adjustable tension.

6. Amazon’s Choice: Bucktool 2600 2X42 Belt Sander

Bucktool 2600 2X42 Belt Sander

Item Weight: 39 Pounds

Voltage: 120 V

Wheel Speed: 3450 RPM

Horsepower: 1/3 HP

Amperage Capacity: 3.5

Belt Size: 2 × 42 Inches

Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0

As far as good features and functionality are concerned, this tool is highly efficient. It also has a heavy-duty construction. It is well equipped with an induction motor to ensure a continuous power supply when the machine is in use.

This versatile machine is an excellent combo for grinding and sanding. 

It has a high-quality metal sanding belt for that smooth, excellent finish. The grinder, on the other hand, deals with the usual belt grinder’s work.

You will love the general mechanics of this belt sander tool, especially the belt fitting. Besides that, it has an adjustable eye shield and LED light. It also features a quick-release tension and a tracking mechanism. All this makes the machine easy to assemble and put into use.

Pros

  • It is an excellent performer.
  • Fairly affordable and easy to acquire.
  • Efficient combo of grinder and sander.
  • The belt tracks well, and the solid build is a plus.

Cons

  • Inefficient shape for a paperweight.
  • Hard to adjust and tighten the mechanism.
  • The power in the motor is not efficient enough.

7. Best for Powerful Motor: Happybuy 1500W 2X82 Belt Grinder for Knife Making

Happybuy 1500W 2X82 Belt Grinder for Knife Making

Item Weight: 157.7 Pounds

Voltage: 120 V

Belt Speed: 2800 RPM

Horsepower: 2 HP

Belt Size: 2X82 Inches

Warranty: 30-Day Free Returns

Rating: 3.9 out of 5.0

The Happybuy belt grinder machine features a fast grinding speed with three different grinding types: arc grinding, circular grinding, as well as flat grinding.

The robust motor brings 2 horsepower and works smoothly to ensure a stable and quiet use. Owing to an all-steel structure, the belt grinder is always solid and sturdy enough for you to do any knife making, woodworking or tool polishing.

The best part about this 3-in-1 belt grinder lies in its wide application. Apart from knife making and grinding, you can also use the belt sander to grind materials like wood, metals, and acrylic. Many building materials or parts factories select this grinder machine for industrial use.

Besides, adjustable speed is available in this belt sander. A frequency converter will be offered for you to adjust the speed with no effort.

What is in the Package

  • 1 × electric belt grinder
  • 1 × flat grinding rack
  • 1 × toothed rubber wheel
  • 1 × frequency converter
  • 2 × concare grinding wheels
  • 1 × concare grinding rack

Pros

  • 3-in-1 belt grinder
  • Powerful motor
  • All-steel structure
  • East to use
  • Various speed
  • Wide application

Cons

  •  Expensive

What Should You Look for in a 2X72 Belt Grinder for Knife Making?

If you are a beginner bladesmith wondering where to start with the equipment, you might be tempted to pick anything that looks fancy and promising on top of the shelves. That is not how this works. You must thoroughly examine and understand every brand. This is to ensure that you are getting value for your money.

Here’s a list of some of the key features you should take a look at when buying a 2X72 belt grinder for knife making.

Power

Steel grinding and forging consume a lot of power. It requires much more than wood would. It is helpful to have a high-powered 2X72 belt grinder. However, you should also consider the ones with variable speed options. This will be convenient for when you want to change the tune in your forging.

Thinner Belts are Better

Belt grinders with thinner belts are way much better, especially for reliability and efficiency. You might not accomplish your grinding needs 100% if your grinder doesn’t have the correct belt. A general rule of thumb dictates that the size of the belt will determine the final outlook of your knife.

Stability

You need a compact grounded 2X72 belt grinder for your knife-making adventures. Shaping is everything when cutting out the blade of your knife. Any slight tremor might alter the precision of the shape you wanted. While we all love compact and portable, heavier and quality come in handy regarding stability.

Round and Flat Grinding Surfaces

A belt grinder with variable surfaces is the best you can ever go for. Most of the 2X72 belt grinders have both round and flat grinding surfaces. This allows for the versatile shaping of your knife blade. Its mechanics tilt to create and give a platform for the shape you want to get in the long run.

Quick and Easy Belt Changes

The constant change of knife belts is both inconveniencing and slowing down. But there is a way you can go around that. Go for a belt grinder that enables you to change the belts quickly and easily. Once you get this feature out of the way, you can settle into work.

Frequently Asked Questions about Belt Grinders

1. Which Type Do You Want: 2X42 or 2X72 Belt Grinder?

As to 2X72 Belt Grinder:

  • The better of these two
  • Integrated motor control
  • Over-sized drive plate
  • Forward/stop
  • The reverse is all the same

As to 2X42 Belt Grinder:

  • An ideal combo multi-tool
  • Abrasive belt unit
  • Adjustable dust deflector
  • Odd-shaped workpieces

2. Should You Use a 2X42 or a 2X72 Belt Grinder for Knife Making?

A 2X42 belt grinder is a great machine. Because it is for general purposes, you can’t be limited in its use. The 2X72 belt grinder, on the other hand, has a high-performance level. It accommodates a wide range of accessories, unlike its former counterpart.

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