Yes, a belt sander can be used in knife-making to shape and grind a knife blade, not just for sharpening. Belt sanders are powerful tools commonly used by knife makers and blacksmiths to remove material from the blade's surface, creating the desired shape and bevels.
Here are the general steps involved in using a belt sander for knife-making:
Cutting the rough shape: Start with a piece of steel that will become the knife blade. Use a hacksaw or angle grinder to cut out the rough shape of the knife. Be sure to wear appropriate safety gear like goggles and gloves.
Annealing: Heat the rough-cut blade with a torch until it reaches a critical temperature and then let it cool slowly. This process is called annealing and helps to soften the steel, making it easier to work with during grinding and shaping.
Grinding the bevels: Secure the belt sander to a workbench or sturdy surface. Use the appropriate grit belt (typically 36 or 60 grit) and carefully grind the bevels of the blade on both sides. The angle of the bevel determines the knife's sharpness and cutting performance. This step requires precision and attention to maintain symmetry.
Refining the shape: After grinding the initial bevels, switch to higher grit belts (80, 120, 220, etc.) to refine the shape of the blade and remove any scratches left by the coarser grits. This process will gradually smooth out the blade's surface.
Heat treating: Once the blade is shaped, it needs to be heat-treated to harden the steel. This involves heating the blade to a critical temperature and then quickly quenching it in oil or water.
Tempering: After heat treatment, the blade may be too hard and brittle. Tempering involves reheating the blade to a lower temperature to reduce its hardness and improve toughness.
Finishing: Once the blade is heat-treated and tempered, use higher grit belts (400, 600, 1000, etc.) or other finishing tools like sandpaper or stones to achieve the desired level of polish and sharpness.
It's important to note that knife-making requires proper safety precautions and skills. If you're new to knife-making or using a belt sander, consider seeking guidance from experienced knife makers, watching tutorials, or taking classes to ensure safe and effective knife-making practices. Additionally, always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection and gloves, and work in a well-ventilated area.