Platform Size for Oregon Blade Maker?

T

The Mighty Ginsu

Joined
Aug 11, 2016
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258
I lost my mind and ordered an Oregon Blade Maker grinder. I figured I could make my own grinder chassis for $400 or buy one for $500, so I gave up and placed an order. I could have made a drive wheel, but they sell them for $40, which is probably cheaper than my price for the aluminum.

Can anyone here tell me how big a platform (length and width) this thing needs? I assume I'll be sticking it on a piece of 1" plywood, probably affixed to a Harbor Freight base. I have a big 2 HP motor and a VFD sitting around, so that's what I plan to use.

I am trying to figure out what belts I need. I've been using 60 grit on my 1x42 grinder, and I'm thinking it might be good to get something coarser for roughing. It seems like people recommend 3M and Norton, so I am rooting through the Tru-Grit site looking for stuff. Man, it's confusing. There are SEVEN 3M belts below 60 grit, and Norton has six. I don't mind getting belts that cost a little more, if they're worth it, but right now I would have to put on a blindfold and throw a dart at the monitor.

Based on Googling forum posts, I believe I should rough with something like 40 or 60 and then more or less double the grit number three or four times, so I think I understand how that works, but it's impossible for me to choose between different models of belt in the same grit. I know it must be annoying to see people asking this kind of thing over and over, but any help would be appreciated.

I was thinking I might continue using the small grinder for finer work and polishing, since the belts are narrow and easy to work around.

It's too bad I can't find what I want on the Sears or Home Depot sites. Great places to use credit card points instead of my bank account.
 
Sorry to respond to my own question, but I just learned that Home Depot sells Diablo belts. Has anyone had experience with them? The site says they are either aluminum oxide or a combination of AO and zirconia.
 
I have the Oregon blade maker grinder with 2hp and VFD. Couldn't be happier so far. The footprint is small, I have mine mounted to 3/4" mdf. I believe it's about 18 3/4" X 22". I too bought the harbor freight base and it's a great working height. You'll be happy. Just take your time to make sure all wheels are aligned. Take your time!!!! Square is key.
 
Btw, if you can just make the mount for the grinder/motor out of 1/4 steel. That's what I'll end up doing.
 
Btw, if you can just make the mount for the grinder/motor out of 1/4 steel. That's what I'll end up doing.
 
Norton blaze in 36, 60, and 120 grits to rough grind, then trizac in x200, x100, x65, then x45. After that hand sanding, or of you have a 9" disc, use that to avoid some hand sanding.
 
You screwed a steel plate to the MDF and then attached the motor to the plate?

I guess I should get a 2' square of whatever and buy the HF base. I probably got the Harbor Freight idea from something you wrote.

I saw that people were giving great reviews to Red Label Abrasives belts, and I can buy those with points, so I think I'll start with 60, 120, and 220. A dozen each. That ought to get me through a week.

The grinder seems like a really good buy, considering what metal costs.
 
I mounted mine to a 16"x22", 1/4" plate. I mounted that to 1 1/2" of plywood( for height) on a recycled Rockwell table. Two hp Leeson, with the motor base mounted flush with the grinder chassis. KB vfd as well.
 
I appreciate the help. I'm working on it now. The motor blocks the rear of the tool arm slots, so I'm not sure if I'll have to fix that.
 
You can order cheap belts from Tru-grit, preferred abrasives, usaknifemaker. Get good belts, even VSM or Merit are okay for rough work. Get some nice Norton belts. My Norton 80 grit finishes nicer than a VSM 120. But they are three times the price. Tru-grit is my go to, fast shipping and great service.
 
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