Almost Finished with 2" x 72" Belt Grinder Build

[tmate3]

This was a kit supplied by Brian House that included the plans, a few metal brackets, and some hardware. I furnished the square tubing and did the necessary machine work and welding. I used a 2 HP Baldor 3 phase motor and a KBAC VFD.

I would guess that I have about 20 hours in the project, spread out over a week. As soon as the wheels and belts arrive I will be in business.

[tmate3]

Got the wheels today. Still waiting for the belts.

[DURTBAG]

way awesome !

[tmate3]

All finished!

With a 7" drive wheel top speed is just over 6,500 sfpm (surface feet per minute). I haven't tried grinding anything yet above maybe 3,000 sfpm, but with a 36 grit belt even that was scary fast at removing steel.

[DURTBAG]

even more awesomer!!!

[tmate3]

I wanted to add a bit of weight to the 2x72 grinder cart for stability purposes, and put an old 70 lb. plate off a press brake on the lower shelf. Then my eyes fixed on an old scarred up Walker Turner drill press table I had replaced that was leaning against the bottom of my lathe.

As it turned out, when I placed the table upside down on the brake plate, it fit perfectly between four 7/8" dia. dowel pin holes. The webbing compartments on the bottom are perfect for keeping wrenches, spacers, and other grinder related items handy. I now have 100 lbs. of ballast which makes the whole works feel a lot more solid.

No, that isn't a square hole in the middle of the drill press table. I put a small square of plywood in there so it would be flat.

[wizard69]

Great post!

Another form of ballast, maybe not as useful as that table are old electric motors. I have several that are good for nothing but dead weight. In my case I often use them when gluing things up. The tendency people have with junk electric motors is to throw them out but the are so useful for dead weight that I've collected a whole bunch.

[DIYer]

Thanks tmate3! We've added your Belt Grinder to our Belt Sanders and Grinders category,
as well as to your builder page: tmate3's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Belt Grinder by tmate3

tags: belt grinder

[tmate3]

I threw together a plywood cover for the grinder, which I hope will partially contain the debris and soften the noise a bit. It lifts off in seconds for belt changes, etc.


Motor is a TEFC unit so I don't think it will be affected as long as there is plenty of air circulation around it. Cover should also provide some protection in case a belt disintegrates.

[DIYer]

Thanks tmate3! We've added your Belt Grinder Shroud to our Belt Sanders and Grinders category,
as well as to your builder page: tmate3's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Belt Grinder Shroud by tmate3

tags: safety, belt grinder, dust cover