building another belt grinder

[ltcray]

good evening-

Has anybody had experience (good or bad) in modifying a "mold on" neoprene castor for use as a contact wheel on a belt grinder?
Yes I'm cheap... I just can't see spending $225+ for a factory made 10" contact wheel. Any ideas?

thanks!

LtC Ray

 

[Ripper]

LtC Ray,

I've never tried that myself, but there are some folks that I have done that it that way.

I put together some info, photos and links, about homemade grinders into a MSN group; http://groups.msn.com/HomeorshopmadeGrinders. You can find some info on the subject there.

You might also want to check out Grizzly Industrial; they sell a 10" contact wheel for their G1015 grinder at about $75 shipped. You can also order the standard 8" wheel ( Parts list ) through customer service for even less. The Grizzly wheels have a hub that tapers to a 2.5" diameter on outside edges and is 1.46" thick (measured side to side, through the arbor hole). The arbor hole fits snug on a .75" diameter shaft. There are no bearings. You would need a shaft and pillow blocks to mount it.

Regards,
Greg

http://gbrannon.bizhat.com/

 

[Dijos]

Man, you need to buy the $50 knife shop by Wayne Goddard.

 

[ltcray]

thanks, Ripper and Dijos-
I'm still using my old 3-in-1 grinder I built about 20 years ago, using a contact wheel and tensioner from LEA Abrasive. The contact wheel for the 2x72 side is 9" and is made up of rubber segments (looks like something off a combine tractor attachment). Finger grooves are done on the 1x42 side using a 1" contact wheel. There's also an 8" satin finish wheel from Anderson Abrasive. The motor came from a tool and cutter grinder. So far, I've made in excess of 300 knives on this beast, so I guess it's held up pretty well.
Ripper, I did go to the site you mentioned and got some good ideas. It's in my favorites file now.
Dijos, I've got the book you mentioned. It's been good for some new ideas, and if Wayne G. doesn't mind I might help write the next volume. (hear me Wayne? ) I'm a master machinist and design engineer by trade, so I tend to build what I need instead of paying the big bucks.
My shop definitely looks like some "moonlight creation" takes place there. If I can ever figure out how to use this program I'll post a picture sometime.

 

[Cougar Allen]

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