belt sander questions?

S

Sammy Mickel

Joined
May 11, 1999
Messages
61
I've heard alot of guys talking about making homemade belt sanders. I'm very interested being that I'm just getting started but have a few questions, can you build one for alot less and with confidence that it is as good as a Baider. I would like to hear your answers and some quotes and pictures if possible. Thanks for you help.

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depends on the quality of the materials and parts you buy, how long you work out bugs, how percise your adjustments are like bearing block or flange alignment, type of motor, and ease of parts changing like how fast you can switch from platen grinding to hallow grinding. the most important part is how well it tracks. put alot of thought and time into both the design and building process. it also helps to have advanced metal working knowledge, or someone to tell you what to do.

[This message has been edited by magnum .44 (edited 04-03-2000).]
 
Sammy,
Let’s face just the fact that we even consider making knives tells us that we like to tinker and be inventive. Now if we had back orders on knives it would be a different story. Then we wouldn’t take the time to home build a grinder. For that matter we probably wouldn’t take the time to make sheaths we would keep our nose to the grinding wheel. But lets face it with the hi cost of a quality grinder almost forces poor boys like my self to be inventive. I have been following the magazine articles in Blade it started last month (April 2000) the May issue included on that cost the builder
(Wayne Goddard) $16 but is only 1X he
claims by the end of the series he will improve the quality of the machine to that of
production pro models at a fraction of the cost. I too am going to attempt to build a
grinder for my self and have been gathering info here is a bit of what I have found on the Internet so far if you hear of any thing that might be of interest to me feel free to drop me a line at johnnaranjo@yahoo.com
http://www.mstarling.com/The_Craft/Tool_Plans/_Belt_Grinder/_belt_grinder.html
http://www.contactrubber.com/
http://www.customcutlery.com/grinders.html


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john n<><
 
The grinders that we built are very simple and cost effective. They consist of a 1 hp bench grinder from graingers, a 10" serrated contact wheel from Contact Rubber Corp and an idler from koval. Put a set of 10 - 12" buffs on the other side and you have one hard working long lasting basic machine.

I have set up the three machines shown on the web page and on the oldest of them is the on I started grinding on back in 1985 and I still use it the most of all the equipment I have to choose from including a Bader III 1 1/2 hp fixed speed, although I did just place an order for another Bader III but this one is 2 hp variable speed.

I would have to say that if you are looking for a simple, affordable way to get into grinding with power tools you can't beat the 1 hp grinders like ours. The cost of ~$600.00 is much prefered over the $2200.00 I just spent for the new Bader III.

You can always add more grinders as your knife sales increase.

Just my thoughts ... however random they may be.

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Jim

www.customcutlery.com
 
the grinder i'm making is easy to use, and change set ups. it has cost me less than a new HardCore grinder, though. i have drawn many designs, and have spend about 3-4 months developing the current design, but still changed many things during the making of it, and i'm almost done now. just waitng to recieve so parts.
it's complete with a pedistal, 1.5hp variable speed motor, platen, and quick change belt system, and easy tracking and tension adjustment.
i'll be able to change from platen set-up to contact wheel in approx. 1 min.
the forumites also know that i've asked many questions about how to do certain things.
the best advice i can give you, is research your design, and get help from forum members.
 
Sammy I have made two grinder frames for about $150. Canadian each add in $200 for a 1.5 hp motor, $65 for a 8in contact wheel, anouther $60 for belts and pullys yes belts and pullys give me variable speed.
Most of the materials were obtained at a scrap yard and you have a grinder similar in style to a BIII for under $400
Check it out in shop photos at http://members.tripod.com/knifeworks/index.html

Robert
 
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