no weld grinder question.......

[ryan9977]

hey everyone....i met with my friend last night who is helping me build a no weld grinder.....i got the plans from tracy......i was just wondering if anyone has any experience with alternatives to the aluminum wheels tracy sells from beaumont metalworks....does anyone have the sunray wheels?.....any other cheaper options that would hold up......i am looking fo rthe next best option i guess.....i don't think i can afford the proper wheels now.....i am just wondering if i should hold off or use the next best thing.....any thoughts would be appreciated.....ryan

 

[viktorkrupp]

I tried just about everything to avoid buying a few hundred bucks worth of wheels. Casters, mower wheels, turning round stock, etc. I gave in and bought my drive, idler and small contact wheels from Tracy. I got a 10" contact wheel from Grizzly. Even with these wheels you have to wring out machine to keep your belts rolling smooth. Sunray wheels can cost a bundle when you compare apples to apples, also they have a few week lead time to make your wheels.

When it comes down to it, when you're troubleshooting you want the fewest possible variables. Is it my wheels, spacing, motor, etc. that is causing problems? If you can remove a variable it really helps.
If you buy just the drive and idler, then get a 10" contact from Grizzly you're looking at around $200. It will save you a lot of frustration!
Just my .02

 

[gixxer]

I have a Sunray drive wheel and it works nice so far. It is brand new so I do not have hardly any miles on it.