Belt sander conversion

[WesPete66]

I brought this little belt sander home recently. It has no markings on it that I can see other than the motor tag. It is a 1" x 42" belt sander.
It hadn't been used for years, but started right up. Coworker said he used it some 30ish years ago to clean up on PTO pump end plates.
Anyway, my thought is to change it up to a 2" belt. I see lots of 2" belt sander builds. Is it worth the effort to switch this unit over from 1" to 2" belt? Has anyone else done this?

 

[GeneT45]

I'd try it out as a 1" machine and see if you ever think that extra width is needed. If I were grinding knives I might want a 6" wide belt, but since I don't my other belt sanders 3" & 2" seem fine. I think a 1" might be just as good in my shop. That's a lovely machine, reminiscent of big $$$ burr kings (I have a less glorious burr king, with all manner of useless features (reversing motor? You bet!)). My Burr King uses a Dayton motor - you might have the real thing there.

GsT

 

[woodchucker]

Not worth it imho, the 1" will be very handy. I use mine 1x42 all the time.

 

[Jake M]

I wouldn't even bother. That wider belt won't get you near as much as you'd think. Of course the first job you put on that will be an inch and an eighth across, so two inch will seem better. But after you do that, the first job you're gonna put on it inch and a half pocket that you can't get it in to.

One inch is a very useful size. I'd run it as it is. Maybe a new sanding belt and motor belt if it's sat for 30 years, but I'd leave it be.

 

[GeneT45]

Motor should be totally enclosed - no need to replace it unless it stops working.

GsT

 

[Ken from ontario]

I would also agree with staying with 1"x 42" belt size, Lee Valley sells all different grit polishing and sharpening belts, they are quality belts IMHO:

https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/sharpening/sheets-and-belts/66268-3m-trizact-sharpening-belts

 

[projectnut]

I'd try it out as a 1" machine and see if you ever think that extra width is needed. If I were grinding knives I might want a 6" wide belt, but since I don't my other belt sanders 3" & 2" seem fine. I think a 1" might be just as good in my shop. That's a lovely machine, reminiscent of big $$$ burr kings (I have a less glorious burr king, with all manner of useless features (reversing motor? You bet!)). My Burr King uses a Dayton motor - you might have the real thing there.

GsT

I would agree. A few years ago, I was looking for a 2 x 42 or a 2 x 72 belt sander to compliment my 6 x 48. I came across a 1 x 42 Kalamazoo at a local used equipment dealer. At first, I thought about converting it to a 2 x 42 but thought I'd try it out first. I'm happy I didn't spend the time and money to make the modifications. It gets used on a regular basis for grinding radiuses, sharpening mower blades, deburring, sharpening chisels and lathe tools and a host of other things. I use belts from McMaster. I have 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 grit aluminum oxide belts.

Here are a few pictures. I mounted it to a hunk of scrap 8" channel iron to make it more stable when pushing hard against the belt.

 

[WesPete66]

Survey says... Well I guess I won't be so quick to mess with this machine. I'll clean it up good and give it a go with 1" belts. Thanks for the responses!