Twin 30" Belt Sander/Grinder

[Carlos B]

In keeping with my previous post "Dual Fuel Furnace", this is my latest casting project. I took a cheap underpowered 6" grinder and converted it to a twin 30" belt sander/grinder. It has lots of power in this format and is very usefull around the shop, shaping,sanding and grinding small wood and metal parts. The V rest does a good job of cleaning and touching up drill bits and other small tools. Here are some pictures of the construction including all the pre-assembly parts.

For complete build documentation visit my site at the following link:
Hobby Workshop Projects

Cheers Carlos B

[DIYer]

Thanks Carlos B! We've added your Twin Belt Sander to our Metalworking category,
as well as to your builder page: Carlos B's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Twin Belt Sander by Carlos B

tags: belt sander, motor

[rossbotics]

Hi Carlos
You done a great job, very well executed, keep up the good work

[Carlos B]

Thank you for the positive feedback rossbotics.

[bvd1940]

one heck of a nice job, now I gota build one lol

[mr95gst]

That is fantastic and inspiring! Did you have to mill the back of your castings flat or lots of sanding? Your finished pieces look clean and uniform. I always struggle with making a uniform appearance with my finished castings. I usually end up machining every surface because I haven't found a good way to blend a cast finish into a machined surface without it looking odd. Whatever you did looks good.

[Carlos B]

The castings had a reasonably good finish coming out of the mold, just a couple of shrink spots. The castings got a good wire brushing and some filing to blend in a few rough spots. Aluminum is easy to work so I sanded the flat side on a 12" disk sander for a nice flat finish. The mounting collar did get bored out for a close fit to the grinder housing.

Carlos

[John Durose]

That's really neat, I trust you have different grit belts, a very nice piece of equipment to have in your workshop. I might make one to use for sharpening my wood turning gouges.
Cheers John

[Carlos B]

Thanks John, Yes I went with the 30" because the belts are easily available in any hardware store and relatively inexpensive. The duel belt design was attractive because you can go from coarse to fine instantly. Yes I have touched up my turning chisels and numerous other tools on it. Its quick and easy to set up.

Carlos

[John Durose]

I currently sharpen my wood turning tools on an eight inch whetstone which gives me a hollow grind which has its advantages however there appears to be a move to flat grind with some commercial grinders on the market. I must say I enjoy the challenge of making my own tools and jigs related to wood turning. I am not into casting but I am sure I can fabricate a successful system.
Have fun!!
John