Help me build a 2x72 grinder

fast14riot

fast14riot

Joined
Oct 27, 2010
Messages
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Well I am going to try and make myself a belt grinder. I have been collecting information for a while and asking people for different materials. So far I have a good usable motor, Dayton 1hp 3450rpm, and today I just got some 1.5" square steel tubing. This was all free! I would like a 3 or 4 wheel setup with options for two arms I think. I also have plenty of 4x4 steel tubing I can cut for a base if needed. I am on a budget (read: cheap!) And my only real limitation is I can't and don't have access to anyone who can weld, other than a professional. (Read: expensive!)

So, what should I do? I have two 37+ inch pieces and one 24+ inches of this steel, I know of some 3 step pulleys I can get, and will buy the appropriate wheels when needed. Anyone have a setup with similar materials and construction I am considering?

2012-02-04123857.jpg



-Xander
 
AVigil said:
You need to look at the "No Weld Grinder"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfkXQITJeic
Click to expand...



I agree, but

If you are being cheap and using found materials,

Then buying the plans is 25$ that you could use somewhere else, especially if you don't follow them exactly anyway.



Start with the free KMG clone plans and youtube videos to see what others have done with tracking.
http://www.metalwebnews.com/manuals/knife-grinder.pdf

The only important dimension is the belt length.
get a 2x72" belt and use it to mock up your design.

The most expensive items on any grinder are the wheels.

start with them0 the frame has to fit them.

If you have access to a lathe, or someone who does, you can make up drive and tracking wheels.
The cheapest contact wheels are the sunrays that Tracy mickley sells at usaknifemaker, or the grizzly contact wheel (if you can put bearings in for free)
 
If you have something smaller or interesting to trade I have a set of plans for the NWG that I am not using. I ended up doing a GIB build. Let me know

Nathan
 
I built {am building} a 2 x72 grinder also. but mine is a 2 wheel setup, I have it running and working now, and am making tweaks to the design before I finsih it.

I started with the motor and ordered a few belts {good idea, since I broke one when my first tracking wheel didnt work right}, then I built the whole thing out of wood. I just used some poplar from home depot for the frame, upright, and tracking arm and platten arms. I did make a steel tracking arm, and platten. Wood is easy to change, and tinker with. once I get all the bugs worked out, I'll transfer the design over to steel from the junkyard.

My whole grinder, with the steel for the permanent design, motor, drive wheel, tracking/idler wheel, platten, everything, was less than $100.

The only thing Id change, is Id have done this a long time ago. those longer belts last alot longer than the 2x48's I was using, and with the 1hp motor it really rips the steel off.

Id yahoo grinders, and print out the pics of the ones you like, and keep studying them, sooner or later you will figure out how to put yours together.
 
Besides the plans for a NWG, look at Tracy's grinder section at USAKnifemaker. He sells all the individual parts already cut. It might help you visualize what you need.
You can do it!
good luck!
 
Thanks guys, I have seen the NWG and looked closely at pics. Freds thread from a few months back with the "show us your grinder" giveaway had many good ideas and solutions as well.

Nathan, I'll shoot you a message and we'll go from there.

Count, that is a very good point about the wheels. On that note, anyone have a worn out belt they wanna send me to mock this thing up? I am in no hurry finish this thing and so far holding out for free stuff has been ok.

Still would like to hear peoples ideas, though.


-xander
 
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