Is it worth building a grinder for these belts

JTknives

JTknives

Joined
Jun 11, 2006
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So after moving to the new shop I discovered my stash of 3"x132" 50grit blaze belts. If memory seaves me correctly I have 2 boxes which have 26 belts each (box says 25 but it's 2 stacks of 13). I know I have cut one belt up to wrap on sanding sticks for handle shaping. but we are still talking about 50 belts that are normally $25-$35 each. I am wondering if it would be worth my time to cobble togather a belt grinder to use these. I don't think I need variable speed or even reverse. Just make a hogger so to speak, but where would I find wheels for such a beast. Any ideas on what to do?
 
Well , with what I read here I believe that making a machine won't be a big deal for you. As well remember you can get more made in the sizes you want. Klingspore isn't a great choice for me . I understand they will make up whatever you want in length and grit.
Frank
 
I'm planning on putting together a 3x132 in the not too distant future, if you shop around a bit on belts they can be substantially cheaper to run than a 2x72.
As for wheels Bader makes a commercial 3x132 (the spacesaver) so they'd be able to supply contact wheels up to either 18 or 20" All the other wheels would be easy enough on a metal lathe.
 
If they are old, they may come apart when you try to use them. The joints don't last but so long ... especially on the heavier low grit belts. I would send some to someone who has a 3X132 and have them check them out before building a new grinder.
 
JTknives said:
So after moving to the new shop I discovered my stash of 3"x132" 50grit blaze belts. If memory seaves me correctly I have 2 boxes which have 26 belts each (box says 25 but it's 2 stacks of 13). I know I have cut one belt up to wrap on sanding sticks for handle shaping. but we are still talking about 50 belts that are normally $25-$35 each. I am wondering if it would be worth my time to cobble togather a belt grinder to use these. I don't think I need variable speed or even reverse. Just make a hogger so to speak, but where would I find wheels for such a beast. Any ideas on what to do?
Click to expand...
if you have a 2x72 set up like a Wilmont where your platen and guide wheels are mounted on an adjustable 1 1/2" square bar, make an extension of square tube. might work. mine is adjustable in length, but going for 2x72 to 2x69 or 2x75 is a little different than go 2x72 to 2x132. maybe see if someone could convert the 3x135 to 1 1/2 x 66.
 
I like the sound of a couple ideas presented above. Send a couple to somebody to run to make sure the belts will hold together for extended grinding. If so, then make an extension arm long enough for your grinder to run the 132" belt, then rip each belt in half making a 1.5" wide by 132" long belt. Not sure how well it would run at really high speed with those long distances between wheels, but it might be worth a try.
 
Ken H> said:
I like the sound of a couple ideas presented above. Send a couple to somebody to run to make sure the belts will hold together for extended grinding. If so, then make an extension arm long enough for your grinder to run the 132" belt, then rip each belt in half making a 1.5" wide by 132" long belt. Not sure how well it would run at really high speed with those long distances between wheels, but it might be worth a try.
Click to expand...
Would the length between the wheels be that much more than a two wheel 2x72?
 
All good ideas. I got these awhile ago at the same time I got a crap ton of 2x72 blaze and I'm just now coming to the end of my 2x72 blaze and I have not had one come apart. I'm thinking 10 years ago but could be off. My plan at the time was to build a big grinder that's why I got them but I never got that far. I got them befor the blade started having the black funk issues lol so thy are good ones ;)
 
I'd bet the splices will be fine. My dad bought a pile of cases klingspor belts for woodworking back in the early 90s, and the splices only started failing 3-4 years ago
 
I just checked today on length of tool arm required for a normal 2X72" grinder to make use of those 132" belts - looks like the tool arm would be sticking out almost 48" or so depending on diameter of contact wheel, or height of platen. Might be a tad too long for much stabilizability.
 
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