Home built 2x72 belt grinder

[PHPaul]

I realize this forum is intended primarily for tractor-related implements and attachments.

However, many/most of the projects here are built from steel and steel fabrication requires grinding so there IS a connection.

I had to buy a piece of 25mm shaft (McMaster-Carr), four 3x3.25 load rollers (Surplus Center) and six 47x25x12mm bearings (Amazon). Total cash outlay was $85, not counting an assortment of grinding belts. The rest was built from stuff I had laying around and the motor came from a freebie yard sale treadmill.

More pictures and a blow-by-blow description of the build here.

 

[strantor]

That looks very nice! I also built a 2x72 belt grinder from scrap, but I was at a different station in life and didn't have things just laying around to build it with. I also barely had any tools. So mine looks like a Bangladesh special. Here it is: Home Made 2"X72" Belt Grinder - YouTube

P.s. I still have that old piece of crap rolling around in my shop and I still use it from time to time. I can't believe it hasn't fallen apart.

 

[downsizingnow48]

Very nice!

 

[dieselscout80]

Very cool!!!!!!

How critical in the speed control feature on your grinder?

I have a table saw motor that might work for Home built 2x72 belt grinder, but its only a single speed?

 

[EddieWalker]

What is the use of something like this?

 

[Big Barn]

Nice job. Making knives? Those treadmill motors are ideal for variable speed on projects such as this.

Just wondering why the load wheels are so wide?

 

[PHPaul]

What is the use of something like this?

Supplements (and largely replaces) a bench grinder. Easier to change grits. Wider so easier to maintain bevel on long pieces. Hard platen behind belt so you can deal with narrow/pointy stuff without worrying about gouging the wheel and having to dress it. Platen and work table are adjustable if you need to maintain a particular angle.

Very cool!!!!!!

How critical in the speed control feature on your grinder?

I have a table saw motor that might work for Home built 2x72 belt grinder, but its only a single speed?

Primarily for convenience. Faster speeds for faster material removal, slower speeds with finer belts to avoid overheating the material and losing temper. There are plenty of single-speed examples out there tho.

Nice job Making knives? Those treadmill motors are ideal for variable speed on projects such as this.

Just wondering why the load wheels are so wide?

No, not into knives. Yet... Do a fair bit of "yard art" so odd shapes are pretty common.

Used those rollers because they were cheap. $6.95 each from Surplus Center. Kits with Custom 2" rollers were approaching $100, plus bearings.

 

[EddieWalker]

Do a fair bit of "yard art"

Do you have any pics of your yard art?

 

[TractorGuy]

We had a 6" belt sander at work. It was invaluable for metal and wood work.

 

[Big Barn]

We had a 6" belt sander at work. It was invaluable for metal and wood work.

I have a 6” also. The OP’s has the advantage of sanding radiuses with the contact wheel.

Here are mine. I am unable to do “slack belt” sanding though. Probably build my own similar to the OP’s someday (maybe)