Operating belt grinder in very cold conditions

M

miden

Joined
Sep 9, 2005
Messages
835
Hi Guys,
I was just wondering if storing and operating a belt grinder with a 1HP motor in 14 degrees F or even colder will ruin it? The grinder has a contact wheel. Does anyone have experience in working on a grinder in these conditions?
Thanks
 
As far as the grinder goes, storing it in the cold weather probably won't hurt it. You might want to let it run a few minutes before putting on a belt and using it to allow the lubricant In the bearings to warm up and do its job. If you are worried, cover it with a tarp, put a 100w incandescent light bulb in a three pound (1.36kilo) coffee can and put the can under the grinder if possible, or aside it under the tarp. You will be surprised how warm a 100w bulb can keep a small space.
I'm not sure how stiff the belts are going to be at 14°f. You might want to keep them in a warm place until you are ready to use them.
I've never tried to or even considered working in 14°f weather. You are a brave man my friend! LOL
 
I don't understand. If you can run a grinder, you can run a heater. Get an oil-filled radiator heater and use it.
Working in weather that cold is dangerous-you won't be as alert as you need to be. Your contact wheel will be as hard as a rock-and could possibly disintegrate.
 
14F is -10C. Since he is in Canada, probably what he was referring to.

Running a cold machine is just like running a cold car/truck. Let it warm up a bit. If the shop has a heater you fire up when working, fire it up an hour before starting the grinder. When you start the grinder, let it run slow for a few minutes to allow the grease to warm up, bearings to warm up, and rubber wheels to soften up a bit. After that it should be fine to grind on.
 
i wet grind steel in an unheated shed through the winter, when its under 20F is when it starts to get extra challenging, lol. I bought the little heater attachment that attaches to a propane tank, that keeps my hands warm while im wet grinding. Yeah, let the grinder warm up on slower speed for a few minutes....mine would stall and trip breaker under a load if I did not allow it to warm up. If you are running a heater like that make sure you are ventilating properly.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
14F is -10C. Since he is in Canada, probably what he was referring to.

Running a cold machine is just like running a cold car/truck. Let it warm up a bit. If the shop has a heater you fire up when working, fire it up an hour before starting the grinder. When you start the grinder, let it run slow for a few minutes to allow the grease to warm up, bearings to warm up, and rubber wheels to soften up a bit. After that it should be fine to grind on.
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Grinder should be fine on -10 but I m not sure about user :eek:
M miden my friend ...............go hunting :)
 
Thanks for your input Gentlemen. I know that my question sounds a bit odd but I used to have my grinder in the basement and no matter what dust extraction one uses, it just seems wrong and my wife shares that opinion quite strongly so I am moving the grinder into the unheated garage. I have a pretty good heater that I figure will keep me warm, I was just wondering about the grinder, belts, contact wheel and all the other factors that are present and you guys have given me much food for thought.
Stacy, yes, I work in Celcius and I used -10 degrees as a ball park figure and I know that you folks in the US work more in F. Hence the 14F.
Thanks guys, Good replies.
Mike
 
the moving belt kicks up a surprising amount of wind and that wind chill is uncomfortable.

I've tried those rubber type "mechanic's" gloves and they help, but give you better feel, without problems of getting wet.
 
12345678910 said:
the moving belt kicks up a surprising amount of wind and that wind chill is uncomfortable.

I've tried those rubber type "mechanic's" gloves and they help, but give you better feel, without problems of getting wet.
Click to expand...
Well if you think that belt kicks up surprising amount of wind ...you should see what my 17 inch contact wheel do ............... hurricane 4 category :DI grind hollow only in summer ... :)


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I wear the Copper fit finger tipless gloves pretty much all the time now with my Finger Skins over my index & Thumbs so if they get caught the skins get pulled off and not my finger/hand into the machine. It’s a rude awaking to have your digits take the trip under the belt & around that 10” contact wheel... Ask me how I know!:eek: So while I don’t work in the frigid temps you do.. I’m sure your equipment, will be fine. It’s you that have to triple up on your concentration to work safely in those temps where your reaction time focus, etc can be slowed... Stay safe & have fun!:thumbsup:
 
more les s your dip bucket and you are goingn to be the biggest isssue. before i built my shop i was in an un insulated un heated (till i got therere ) shed. blasted the K blaster to take the edge off (shoud have had a moniteer running )
 
In all my years in Alaska I never had a grinder give a damn about the cold. The user is a different matter. If you're working the grinder in those temps it is very much uncomfortable. Best of luck to you.
 
Thanks for all the additional replies and advice guys, I appreciate the interest and concerns.
Mike
 
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