Thoughts on a belt sander conversion...

rayban

rayban

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Apr 14, 2007
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... take the Craftsman 2 x 42, 2-wheel assembly.....imagine cutting the assembly in two just under the guide wheel/belt tension thingy, extending the two wheels apart to accept a 72" belt, hook up a 1-1/2 HP motor.........any reason why this would not work?
Would a bigger drive wheel be required?
In my head, it seems too simple...what am I missing??
Someone I know has upgraded to another belt sander, and is using his motor from the Craftsman for something else. He's trashing the rest of the Craftsman and asked me if I would haul it away for him....... just wondering if I can convert it to a 72"
Thanks!
 
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What size is the existing drive wheel? I'd suggest replacing or upgrading it to one of Tracy's of his no weld parts and maybe a larger motor. Heck, you could even make it a VFD while you're at it :thumbup:
 
TekSec said:
What size is the existing drive wheel? I'd suggest replacing or upgrading it to one of Tracy's of his no weld parts and maybe a larger motor. Heck, you could even make it a VFD while you're at it :thumbup:
Click to expand...

The existing drive wheel is 4 1/2"....I'm on the look-out for a larger motor now....
 
It's actually a pretty good idea. It think that would be a pretty sweet setup!
 
That was a very informative thread....got me to thinking....why not keep the Craftsman configuration intact, then add a third wheel on a frame to accommodate a 48" belt......then a fourth wheel to accept a 72"!!??
Would that make a Redneck KMG or what!!??
I'll be giving that one a lot of thought.....:thumbup:
 
Why would you want to inventory 3 different sizes of belts? I'd put the money/effort into making it variable speed and stick with one size belt. I think you could also convert the disk-sander side into either a bigger disk, or a buffer.
 
I've thought about making a 1" small wheel attachment that will bolt on where the current platen goes, and will accommodate a 2x48 belt. Haven't done the math yet to figure out how far out it would have to stick for the 48" belt to fit.
 
I think you would want to beef-up the aluminum casting that mounts the existing wheels. It flexes and vibrates. I can grab the top of the grinder with one hand and torque the entire casting 5°.
 
Several years ago I did exactly what you are asking about. Shortly after buying my KMG I thought it would be nice to have a dedicated small hweel grinder. So got the bright idea to seperate the belt grinder protion of the Craftsman 2 x 42 from the origonal motor and frame and add an extension arm to mount the small wheel attachment to.

I mounted the old 2 x 42 grinder frame to a 1 hp dc motor and now have a great small wheel, variable speed grinder. I've not noticed any flex or vibration issues. It works GREAT!

It could just as easily been modified to use a flat platten or a contact wheel of just about any size you want and any horse poower you might think you need.

It really is an easy conversion and definitely worth the effort.

-Mike-
 
micad said:
Several years ago I did exactly what you are asking about. Shortly after buying my KMG I thought it would be nice to have a dedicated small hweel grinder. So got the bright idea to seperate the belt grinder protion of the Craftsman 2 x 42 from the origonal motor and frame and add an extension arm to mount the small wheel attachment to.

I mounted the old 2 x 42 grinder frame to a 1 hp dc motor and now have a great small wheel, variable speed grinder. I've not noticed any flex or vibration issues. It works GREAT!

It could just as easily been modified to use a flat platten or a contact wheel of just about any size you want and any horse poower you might think you need.

It really is an easy conversion and definitely worth the effort.

-Mike-
Click to expand...
Mike,

Can you post some pics of your setup? Thanks!!!
 
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