Wet Belt Grinder?

A

abakker

Joined
Apr 22, 2011
Messages
5
I saw a lapidary belt grinder the other day, and something clicked in my head. I have long used a standard "low end" belt grinder for knife making and was wondering if anyone has ever seen or used a water cooled belt sander.

It seems they would have multiple advantages:
1. Less Heat-you wouldn't ruin the temper as easily
2. Less dust/No Dust or fumes- you would not need a respirator for all grinding/it would be better for you if you already don't wear one
3. your belts should last longer as they will be better cooled.

I haven't been able to find out anything about this idea from searching all over the web, so I figured I would ask here. Thanks!

-Alex
 
Wouldn't that be a bit messy? :D How would the water not get splashed all over the place when its picked up by the belt?
 
Those are used very frequently by jewlery makers. I've thought about getting one too at times. They also make cutting wheels that basically run through water so when cutting CF/G10/Stabilized wood you get no dust & reduced heat as well. The water can get nasty in a hurry. Not sure how one would go about recycling it. Usually there is a thick sediment that needs to be trowelled out otherwise there really is a mess splattering everything.
 
I'm going to try to do a very hasty adaptation of my 6x48 beltsander this weekend. I will just use a tank and a water pump and see what the actual process feels like. I will post my finding and some photographs. Expect this to be kludgy.
 
How in the heck are you going to keep from electrocuting your self with a rigged 6x48 inch grinder?

Also, how are you going to slow it down enough.

Seems like any advantages you would gain by having it wet, would be outweighed by having it super slow and less efficient, and messy.


I like the thought though!
 
Bigfattyt said:
How in the heck are you going to keep from electrocuting your self with a rigged 6x48 inch grinder?

Also, how are you going to slow it down enough.

Seems like any advantages you would gain by having it wet, would be outweighed by having it super slow and less efficient, and messy.


I like the thought though!
Click to expand...

Since he is going to rig his rig, might as well and add a resistor or 2 to the AC circuit. You could also change to a lesser RPM motor.
 
I think Norton used to market a wet belt grinder for the butcher trade. The one I saw/used had a horizontal belt about 3" wide that moved away from the operator. The thing worked so well that we dubbed it the 'Handlemaker".
 
I know there's been discussion of one in the works at the USN board... There's a vid of the prototype if you look up "Sofa King" grinder on youtube.
 
I've used Kool Mist on grinders and discs a lot. The big thing is making sure the abrasive and backings are suited for use with water. I like it, keeps fingers and edges cool and abrasives don't clog. It doesn't make much mess on a belt grinder and keeps dust way down especially on finer grits.
 
I am doing just the opposite of what you are going to try.
A few months ago I picked up a lapidary belt grinder on CL for 100 bux
It uses a 3 x 60 belt. I got a 2 x 60 and it works fine. I have to put a dfferent platen on it, but it is a work i progress
 
travis wuertz said:
I've used Kool Mist on grinders and discs a lot. The big thing is making sure the abrasive and backings are suited for use with water. I like it, keeps fingers and edges cool and abrasives don't clog. It doesn't make much mess on a belt grinder and keeps dust way down especially on finer grits.
Click to expand...

Is this the kind of thing you mean?

http://littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2966&category=2122081959

Just squirt it at the belt? Assuming the belt is ok with being slightly damp.

Looks like a good idea, I currently dip my blade in water after each pass on the belt, most of teh water gets thrown off and the belt doesn't get wet anyway.

I might buy that and give it a try.
 
Yup that's it. I use an ammo can for a tank, just drill a hole for you pickup. I have a dedicated kool mist for both my drill presses, mill, lathe, and another that floats from grinder, to disc, or for hand sanding. They also work great for hand sanding. Your paper will cut faster and won't clog. The cool mist also wont rust the underside of you blade while you finish the opposite side like water, simple green etc. Anyway they help out almost any cutting tool with less mess than oil.
 
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