Belt Sander madness

[Kumdo]

So I just bought a Sears 2X42 belt sander to use for doing handles and maybe I'll start playing with making blades too. Of course I can't do hollow grinds on that setup, but my friend came up with an idea that has me wondering. He asked me why I don't just cut away the top part of the casing that covers the upper wheel and use that for hollow grinding. So assuming that it can be effectively modified to expose the wheel (I can't pick it up until Friday- it's on back order), could I put the grinder on the floor and stand over/in front of it to grind on the top wheel? Any thought? Am I nuts?

 

[Crayola]

I have that grinder myself. As a newbie hobby maker, I'd have to say you're nuts! Use the machien to flat grind and save $$ from your knife sales for a better 2x72 with all the trimmings!

e-mail me for some mods that I've done to mine. Good luck!

 

[Chang]

Unless your wheel is 8" or bigger in diameter, I'd say its not worth your effort.

 

[Kumdo]

Thanks guys. I don't know how I ended up posting in this section. It was meant to go in the Shop Talk forum.

Anyway, you are both right. I think it would be especially dangerous to try to grind on the top wheel of a vertical belt sander.

Crayola, I want to pick your brain. I know you have the same grinder/sander, and want to ask you a few questions if I could. I'll email you when I have a chance, if you don't mind.

Moderators: you don't need to bother moving this thread, since I have my answer already.

 

[Crayola]

E-mail me whenever you want. I love getting e-mail from forumites. And I'm happy to help.

My main safety worry about the "grinding on top" idea was that the blade could catch the belt wrong and then it would be shot TOWARDS your body!!!!!! OUCH! Not so good. I bet the wheel would wear fast anyways, as it isn't a contact wheel designed for grinding.

Merry Christmas!