Tip for those who tinker.

[Julian]

Found a good source of speed controlled motors in the shape of running machines.

Just picked one up today and I now have a 500w motor (this was a small, bottom of the line machine others have much bigger motors) C/W flywheel and pulley and a mounting bracket, what I assume is an inverter speed controller giving 500 - 3700 rpm, a little control panel with stop/start speed readout and speed up and down buttons, plus a load of steel tube, bearings and rollers.

This one was a bargain at just £1 (no one else bid).  The going rate seems to be around 30 - 40 quid, but even at that price it's good value.

[Julian]

 I've just dismantled it and can add to the list of useful parts a sheet an 18 x 36 sheet of what looks to be 10mm Tufnol from the deck.

[kamaangir]

If you want to make a belt grinder you have most of your parts in one running machine, you even have some pulleys and other bits. Lots vids on you tube about belt grinder builds from treadmills.

[Julian]

Hit the nail on the head!

This is the second running machine I've bought.  The first had a massive motor and a mechanically operated variable pulley drive.  It wasn't quite what I wanted but I was tempted to keep it for other projects, but sold it in the end.  Just wondering if this motor is a little on the small side.

All the videos seem to emanate from the States where a 2 x 72" belt seems to be the norm.  Not so here, so I need to do some research as to what's commonly available and length of belt vs. rate of ware ... I don't have too much room for a massive machine.

Interesting project ... interchangeable platons and beds etc. or could combine with a disc sander.

[kamaangir]

when britishblades was running (seems to have been down fro a few months now) there was a guy called john something who sold all sorts of belts in all the sizes so finding 2x72" ones is not a problem.

I have also looked at building one, the best build I have seen is by a young guy in the US, his one could completely flip over.

500w will get you started but you are right you need something about double that. I had a small one I bought from B&Q it was a 1" machine and had a 350w motor. If you pushed the work piece too hard into the belt you could stall the motor. I can see the lack of torque being an issue with a 2x72 belt.

Good luck, and let me know if you want me to track any vids down for you for ideas.

[K.H]

I have one which is meant to be used as a guess what - Running machine!
might as well be scrap tho 

[Julian]

That'll explain the Burgers and Beer physique.

[Dickjotec]

Add ons to a belt sander.
I have an old probably Clarke, one I got free on my bench and have replaced the sanding disc with a wire brush and fitted a flexible drive shaft for, mainly, a cylindrical flap wheel. It is probably my most frequently used "machine" tool.

[Julian]

Of all the videos I've watched this is probably the most versatile design ...  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkmLRwj4Kd8

Not keen on the ali construction though.

[kamaangir]

I like this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_RlL1O-bK4

[Julian]

Yes, I saw that one ... useful for grinding the corners off Sherman tanks.  I recon daddy must own a steel stockest!

That said, I have an excess of 50 x 50 x 6 angle at the moment so that's likely to be the basis on mine.

[photoman290]

Yes, I saw that one ... useful for grinding the corners off Sherman tanks.  I recon daddy must own a steel stockest!

That said, I have an excess of 50 x 50 x 6 angle at the moment so that's likely to be the basis on mine.

now that is what i call a workshop. i reckon a college. bit too tidy for a industrial workshop,unless they
 are very short of work.

[Julian]

Wow, I've just looked at the date of the last post and it's been almost a year … am I really that slow at getting round to making things!

Anyhow, as it's a bit quiet, seems to be the norm these days, I thought I'd post up the finished belt grinder for those who are interested.





All made from materials to hand.  The only bits I bought were the drive belt, the sanding belt, a new capacitor for the motor and the paint which was the most expensive item!  In all total cost less than 20 quid.

[Dickjotec]

A good looking machine. I have two belt sanders, one in the workshop and one on the bench outside. They are a very useful tool and surprisingly effective on metal and wood.

[dgs]

A neat and tidy job Julian.