Making your own belt sander

[Emd160]

Hi guys new to the forum but been reading up on stuff for awhile. I didn't see a place to introduce myself as a new guy but I'd like to get into knife making to pass my time in the winter. I bought a blade already ground and beveled which was a mistake because know I want to try my hand at making one from flat stock. I am an avid woodworker and have various tool that include drill press, various grinders and sanders, bandsaw and other tools but I don't have a belt sander. What I do have is an electric motor (2.5 and 5 hp) and good fabrication skills to make one. I can design one but any pointers would be appreciated, I guess the biggest question is where do I get the wheels that the belt rides on and what sizes should I use? Any help is well appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Tom Lewis]

Go to, Sawmilcreek.org then click on "Shop made tools and machines" forum. There is a example of a home made belt grinder.

 

[Brett Mathews]

I suggest you check out USA knife makers supply. There crrry most every thing you need to get your grinder built at a reasonable price.

Brett Mathews
Esteem Grinders

 

[bronyblacksmith]

I just got my grinder made a few days ago I got my motor and vfd from Wayne Coe and my bearings from USA knife maker.

 

[Emd160]

Thanks guys, putting a parts list together now

 

[PT Doc]

Use grinder not sander when searching. You will get much more appropriate info. Search on kmg, burr king, tw90 and you will come across all kinds of info and vids. Polar bear forge, wilmont, are other long established names that should provide you with hours of reading.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Look up the EERF grinder plans ( FREE spelled backward). They will give you all you need.
Also, there is what is called a GIB (grinder in a box). It is a box of all the pre-cut parts. It requires assembly and some other work, but the cutting and critical holes are done. IIRC, Polar Bear Forge sells one with several additional parts available.

 

[12345678910]

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...to-build-first-folder?p=14063914#post14063914

see the grinder section

 

[Ken H>]

If you're interested in building your own, check this thread: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1234634-New-Grinder-for-me

I was able to order the aluminum cut to length for most of it, and I'd sure go with a direct drive with VFD after using both. No comparison how much smoother the direct drive is compared to the step pulley setup.

Ken H>

 

[Drew Riley]

What kind of motors do you have? AC/DC? TEFC? single or 3 phase?

The 2.5 HP will be more than enough power, whether it will work well with a grinder build depends on a few other criteria.

 

[01rhv]

niceee

 

[MarkJeffrey]

Here's one I made, I just gathered a bunch of various pictures from google and went at it. You'd want the wheels and belts on hand though to make sure everything will go together smoothly I think. I've since changed the pully set up, but still want to add a vfd

 

[John Katt]

If your going to go with a large contact wheel go with a 10" or a 12" I went with an 8" and I regret it