Grizzly grinder modification

S.Alexander

S.Alexander

Joined
Jul 7, 2013
Messages
2,614
I'm waiting on some supplies for my bowie project so that is kind of stalled at the moment. I decided to finally fix the tracking issues that I've been having with my grizzly grinder. When pushed laterally the belt would nearly fly off the wheels. It was causing poor plunge lines and was hard to handle at times.

I tried numerous other things to fix it. I added tape to the tracking wheel to increase the crown, used a square to make sure the wheels were aligned, and even added an extra spring to the belt tensioner. None of those things worked that well.

So I added a 2 wheel platen to the grinder. I used the stock platen and cut the angled pieces from the top and bottom. I had my brother weld an extension to the tool arm. This allows clearance from the drive wheel, and increases the amount of belt that touches the platen wheels.

The wheels are 51mm long board wheels with abec 3 bearings. The wheels are adjustable to allow a platen liner (in the near future). This can also be used as a slack belt attachment as the flat platen is still removable. The plate that holds the wheels in place was shaped with drill bits and an angle grinder.

So far it tracks WAY better than before. I can't wait to grind my next blade on it.





Shane
 
grumpy_grinder said:
Could you give us some feedback? I'm curious to see how this worked out for ya
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I ended up selling the grizzly and upgrading.

This fix worked out pretty well for the tracking issues I had. I was never happy with the work rest on the grizzly, but I did not fix that issue.
 
Thanks , I've really been thinking about another grinder but it's hard to justify when it's a hobby amongst your other million hobbies. I already bought an Allen Bradley powerflex drive for a TDM grinder I had my eye on. I guess my wife has to let me get it now. In the mean time I'll try your mod. Thanks for sharing.

Cheers
 
I have a Grizzly belt sander and used for about 6 years now. I've NEVER personally had a tracking issue! PERIOD! Just saying. Maybe I've been lucky. With that said I fight the not having variable speed. I think if Grizzly made it with a3ph motor with VS IT WOULD BE THE ULTIMATE CHEAP BELT SANDER!
 
LCoop said:
I have a Grizzly belt sander and used for about 6 years now. I've NEVER personally had a tracking issue! PERIOD! Just saying. Maybe I've been lucky. With that said I fight the not having variable speed. I think if Grizzly made it with a3ph motor with VS IT WOULD BE THE ULTIMATE CHEAP BELT SANDER!
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From what I've read, some people have no issues with their grizzlies. Mine had tracking issues, no matter how I adjusted the alignment. I guess it happens with some of these grinders.
 
The only thing I ever found my grizzly useful for was the control arm used on my surface grinder for the belt conversion.
I bought mine in '98 and never thought it more than a $400.00 pencil sharpener.
Bought my Bader in 2000 and never looked back.
 
My Griz has tracking issues as well. Mostly, it doesn't hold it's tracking when exerting lateral force on the belt. That is where additional idlers would help a lot. Haven't really touched mine since I got the TW-90.
 
i4Marc said:
My Griz has tracking issues as well. Mostly, it doesn't hold it's tracking when exerting lateral force on the belt. That is where additional idlers would help a lot. Haven't really touched mine since I got the TW-90.
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I put lots of tension on the belt. After that, no problems at all. A little tricky to get belt on tho.:)
 
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