fabricating a 2" x 72" belt grinder

Chipper5783 said:
A design I have seen, that is similar to yours as far as the grinder portion goes, is to cabinet mount it, with the motor down in the cabinet and a belt drive.
Click to expand...

Something to consider, for sure! I wanted to avoid any form of v-belt in the drive because it would require pillow blocks and extra shafts, but reducing the footprint might be worthwhile. Although the motor I plan on using is totally enclosed so abrasive dust should not be a problem.

As it stands now, I believe I have found enough scrap steel to proceed. My steel inventory was totally lacking 2" square tubing so it looks like I'll use 2"x3" tubes. I also have received the skateboard wheels and bearings.

Matt
 
How do you adjust the tension in the belt? The KMG type design has a handle you can push down on while locking the bar down. Do you simply push down on the vertical post?
 
Alan H said:
How do you adjust the tension in the belt? The KMG type design has a handle you can push down on while locking the bar down. Do you simply push down on the vertical post?
Click to expand...
Correct, I was planning on having a stout spring under the vertical post so when you push down, you can quickly swap belts, then the spring will provide the tension on the belt when released. I might add a locking knob to this vertical post if necessary but I was hoping the spring would do the job.

Matt
 
I suspect to change belts you will have to release it and then change the belt. Otherwise you may not be getting enough tension. I know that's what I have to do on my KMG.

The layout of the KMG, Bador, etc. uses leverage on the spring. Therefore the actual deflection of the spring is less than the movement of the idler. The deflection of your layout will be linear (spring to idler). It should work but just understand that the force to tension the idler will be different since you have no leverage.
 
Good point Alan H. I guess my version depends on what spring I find in my scrap bin. If I have a long stiff one, ;) it might work out well, but if it's short...well, that's another story.


Matt
 
I had to do a slight re-design due to lack of materials. I am now substituting 2"x3" rectangular tubing in place of the 2" square material. Over the weekend I had a little time so I got started with cutting material and some of the welding. I made another quick video and hopefully I was able to answer some of your previous questions.
Take a look and if you have any further recommendations, please let me know. Thanks everyone!!!


Matt
 
I think I like this design. I have been pondering a belt sander build and had been looking around at people's designs. A simple weld together design appeals to me over a heavily machine one as my mini mill table is small...
I didn't realize that these grinders spin so fast!
How is the progress so far?
 
Hi, informative vids..:encourage:

I'm following this with interest, have you made any more progress with this project.?
 
Im a little late to the party. Have you considered a hinge that would allow the belt orientation to change from vertical to horizontal. I have been researching building a grinder myself and that feature seems like it would be worth the effort
 
what is the status of this build. I thought it is interesting.
 
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