Craftsman grinder overhaul...Ideas and suggestions???

[allwayzfishin]

I picked this older 3 wheel grinder(left photo) up pretty cheap and was wondering if I should try and convert it to a 2x72 like the frankingrinder someone made out of this machine. Or should I just keep it stock and save money and buy a kmg, or similar diy grinder? Belts wear out pretty fast when used for stock removal. I can just use it for handles and what not if I decide on a 2x72.

Your thoughts fellas

 

[Shaw Blades]

I have the exact same grinder. The only modification I've done is cut the right side of the worktable off and jb weld a piece of pyroceram on the platen. Are you able to use that large contact wheel in the second picture?

I don't know if you have seen this video but here are some other suggestions:
[video=youtube;bZwemN7t45g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZwemN7t45g[/video]

 

[ernestrome]

I changed out my motor for 1.5hp Baldor. I used a threaded arbor adapter on my drive shaft extend it sufficiently to pass through the cast grinder body and mount the wheel. https://sites.google.com/site/alexnharvey/home/knifemaking/craftsman-2x42-grinder

More recently I welded a 3/8 steel plate to the platen and glued a pyroceram face to that. I glued inner tube on my drive wheel to prevent slip.

To extend to 72" there are several options I have considered or seen elsewhere but I have not implemented myself.

1. Slot or cut away the body so that the motor can be moved backwards.

2. As per your frankengrinder picture Add (bolt/weld) KMG style receiving tube where the current platen is. Then the belt can extend forward to 72", or beyond. You can then use all KMG style accessories, platen, rotary platen, small wheel adapter, caffrey platen.
You would need to cut away some of the body to allow the belt to run forward from the tracking wheel and back to the idler wheels.

3. Add a further idler behind the machine or contact idler in front of the machine. An idler behind would reduce the belt wrap though. You also need to cut away the body for this one.

 

[allwayzfishin]

The tool arm is 1.5'' square right, so would the mounted tube be 2''? The 2'' square tube could then be mounted on the base to the right of the drive wheel. The machine then can be used as a 2x42 still. Actually, in theory, it would be a 3 in 1 grinder, because of the 8'' disk. I think this might just work. The platen for the 2x42 version setup needs to be fabed up solid for flat grinding. Looking for some ceramic tile and steel plate to weld to the 2'' angle iron that exists already. I have to fab up a tool rest for the contact wheel too. Should I go with a 8 or 10 in wheel? Serrated or smooth? I may try and find a set of step pullys or try this FM50 Series Sub-Micro AC Drive IP20 and NEMA 4X out?

I know this is a long shot, but does anyone have any spare parts they would be willing to donate or sell?