The Daily Grind

The right belt grinder can make a huge difference in creating a sleek, beautiful blade. There are different machines to choose from, some of them better-suited to certain knife making processes than others. 

Cutting your own drum sanding strips is an easy way to save money without jeopardizing the quality of finished workpieces. You can cut sanding strips from sanding rolls or sanding belts. Cutting from sanding rolls is the more ideal solution. The key is to trim the leading edge so that the angled edge matches the drum circumference.

With abrasives, there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution. Not only is it available in a variety of grain (grit) sizes and types, but there are also two primary types of coating. Choosing the right one for your project will make your abrasives last longer and help ensure a high-quality finish.

When your goal is optimal performance, how you store abrasives like sanding belts, cutting discs, and grinding wheels is just as important as how you use them. Done correctly, the abrasives work harder for longer. 

Looking to repair your vehicle's body? The sandpaper you select for grinding, polishing, and finishing makes a huge difference. Learn how to choose the right abrasive for your auto body repair job.

Maker Spotlight: Jordan LaMothe - Advice for new knife makers, abrasives, and where he found his passion for knife making.