Craftsman 2x42 belt grinder mods?

J

J. MacDonald

Joined
Jun 8, 2000
Messages
3,140
I have one of these machines with 8" disc on the side and a 1 hp motor. These seem to be fairly common first grinders from what I can tell. My question is, has anyone tried getting a half size drive wheel made to cut the belt speed down? Is there enough travel in the tensioning mechanism to keep tension on the belt once this is done?

Any other ideas?

jmx
 
talk to rob frink (beaunmont metal works) he is great at this kind of stuff. dont have his contact info, he posts here faily offen.
 
Here's the link to Rob: http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/

Take a look at his sander, too. It's something to keep in mind for the future. Everyone who's bought one raves about it. I'm going to get one as soon as my wife lets me...uh, I mean as soon as I tell her I'm getting one and that's the way it's gonna be whether she likes it or not. :p

Bob
 
I'm quite aware of Mr Frink's fine reputation and actually figured that he'd probably be the guy that would be able to make the part correctly after I fail miserably a couple times with my buddy's lathe (used to be OK with a lathe, but that was 20 years ago).

My question was really about whether the proposed mod makes sense to do?

On my list of possible grinders to buy when i'm in a position to buy a real grinder, the KMG-1 is near the top. The others up for consideration are a Bader BIII and a Hard Core. To be honest, I like the fit and finish on the Hard Core, but I like the easy adjustability of the Frink and the Bader. I have to qualify that statement by saying that I've never ground on any of them, this is based on reputation and percieved functionality.

I guess my point is, instead of recommending a great fabricator/ machinist to make the parts I need, has anyone actually done something like this on a similar machine?

Thanks for your input.

jmx
 
but since i have a coote, hardcore, and rfink disc grinder, i will say that they each have their points, and i will most likey get a KMG from rob next, so hapy grinding.
 
JMX,
I'm not familiar with the Craftsman 2x42 unit. However if it is the one pictured, I don't think you will have enough movement in the tensioner to utilize a smaller drive wheel for speed reduction.
20023132022157592230020.jpg

Let me suggest that if the entire belt section is removable (it looks like it in the picture), take it off and mount it on a base.
Then put a flange mount pillow block on it, have a shaft made for the exsisting drive wheel and use pulleys to drive it at variable speeds.
20023134319001523613602.jpg

Hope this helps,
Greg

P.S. Excuse the art work and the images are from eBay
 
This is an avenue I hadn't considered. I know spending much money on this thing is like putting purfume on a pig, but If I can find a way to slow it down cheaply I think it would help my grinding.

I wonder if a 1HP Harbor Freight grinder could be sacraficed to provide the extra motor needed? It would be cool to have my disc grinder seperate from my belt. It would give me a more space efficient option in the setup of my (modest) machines because I wouldn't have to allow enough space for me (large guy) between my drill press and my disk grinder.

I certainly want a trick grinder, but I'm in the middle of a refi (locked at 6.5% for a 15 year, ya baby!)on the house and trying to affect a couple home improvements which will prevent me from spending that kind of cash for a while. My plan: Improve house which adds value and pleases wife, then buy more knife making tools. We really do need a new patio, dual glaze windows and carpet before I need a $1500.00 grinder.

Thanks for the idea, that's what I was looking for. BTW, yes, that's the same machine.

Thanks again


jmx
 
Here's what I've been grinding on for the last couple of years, not much of a machine, but does remove metal.

I replaced the motor as a quick fix when the original burnt out unexpedly. I was planing on investing in a good grinder, but with a recent lay-off and now thinking of moveing cutting away more of the belt houseing and moveing the motor back to acomidate a 2x72 belt. I've thought of ways to mount a small wheel asembly, and havent found one that would be relitivly easy. I'm to the point of building a fractional horse power detail grinder just for finger groves and such.

1000032522_3172002113220PM0.3978235.jpg

Hope this helps
 
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