keane
Member
Thanks for the advice
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Affordable grinding/sanding implements?
- Thread starter keane
- Start date
I have a set plans for 2x grinder from one of the blade forums, from years ago.. Plus some others that are free and floating around the net. Likely everyone has seen them. I can share it if people are interested. Building a 2x grinder is still in my mind after these years. My little PA grinder sander has been through some tough use. Be nice to have something big enough to get the work done.
On the smaller scale, has anyone seen plans for a 1x32 (25x762mm) or Wx48" along the lines of these Chinese ones, but ideally given the Phil Vandelay touch? I've come to the conclusion a 2x72 is too much for my needs, at least my immediate needs. Those big boys have the power to hog steel like crazy, but I'm after something that is lower power, smaller footprint, but specifically for sharpening & dressing & light metalwork.
I've watched some YouTube videos of this one (or its clones). Despite the so-so quality, they actually look useful for my purposes. Belts are abundant including same size finishing & stropping. But I think I could do a better job producing components & fixtures from my own design if I had a head start from good plans. Its small enough to be made on my machines and/or a few select items jobbed out to local cutting service or PCB Way or whatever. But seems like the bigger 2x72 are 90% of the plans & kit market out there for whatever reason.
I've watched some YouTube videos of this one (or its clones). Despite the so-so quality, they actually look useful for my purposes. Belts are abundant including same size finishing & stropping. But I think I could do a better job producing components & fixtures from my own design if I had a head start from good plans. Its small enough to be made on my machines and/or a few select items jobbed out to local cutting service or PCB Way or whatever. But seems like the bigger 2x72 are 90% of the plans & kit market out there for whatever reason.
DPittman
Ultra Member
I have an old busy bee 1x42 machine that I've owned fir about 36 years (since new). I've been very happy with it and it is very handy. Yes I would like a big machine also for real metal removal but I make do with other methods.
I'd be happy to take pictures or measurements if you think it might give you ideas on how to or how not to make yours.
One day I am going to make a grinder like fireball tool has with the go cart tires. Something like a 6" wide belt. I have a spare 5hp 3ph motor sitting here. The idea being having something that can quickly clean up torch cuts on plate. A 2" wide belt wouldn't be suitable for my needs most of the time, but would be great for deburring/chamfering. I wonder if a dual station grinder would be feasible.
TorontoBuilder
Sapientia et Doctrina Stabilitas
They look tempting but the 1" width is a non starter for me. The grinder belt attachments also look tempting at times too, but I already bought my metal stock for A 2X72
Sure, fire away. I don't want to swing the discussion to my own selfish needs but the post subject seemed kind of wide. I've seem some guys retrofitting (fixing) the Harbor Fright 1x42 & their clones. That's what makes me thing just scratch building one would be money better spent. Maybe people with more space & money just go straight to the 72" because a heavy machine can do everything a light machine can, but not the other way around. But the cost goes up proportionately - the frame is bigger as are the accessories, motor, VFD... I think the 30" might be on the small toy size vs a 42" but that's just eyeballing videos like these
Or maybe I should just 'miniaturize' a 2x72 set of plans & adjust what needs to be adjusted. I'm not sure if the hardware kits (pulleys mainly) are as common or accessible as 72" either.
BaitMaster
Ultra Member
The reason I went with a 2x72 was I got to try a 1x42 in my friends grandfathers old bladesmithing shop.
He sold all of his major large tools like his 2x72 and his big forges and anvils just because he had a bunch of money sitting around in it.
He let me try the grinder and then told me about the 2x72 he used to have. Basically, the 1 inch grinder sat in the corner when he had his 2x72. The 1” was fine and functional, but it did feel “mini”.
He said it was easy enough to change belts and sharpen on the 2” unit, and also it was much more useful for hogging material or other general purpose metal/wood working tasks like chamfering/deburring/squaring.
So I set my mind on the 2x72.
The thing about cost though, if your going to build a 1” grinder with a stout frame and solid mechanical parts, you’ll probably spend 5-600$ when you are all said and done.
A 3/4hp or 1 hp motor is still 250$ new, and a vfd, even from Amazon is 100$.
Used you could cut that in half, maybe, but things add up super fast.
Unless you are going for a single speed single phase motor, then the build might cost you significantly less. Light switch to turn on and off and a 30$ marketplace motor…..
You’ll likely have to make your own wheels for the 1x grinder. A nice lathe project.
He sold all of his major large tools like his 2x72 and his big forges and anvils just because he had a bunch of money sitting around in it.
He let me try the grinder and then told me about the 2x72 he used to have. Basically, the 1 inch grinder sat in the corner when he had his 2x72. The 1” was fine and functional, but it did feel “mini”.
He said it was easy enough to change belts and sharpen on the 2” unit, and also it was much more useful for hogging material or other general purpose metal/wood working tasks like chamfering/deburring/squaring.
So I set my mind on the 2x72.
The thing about cost though, if your going to build a 1” grinder with a stout frame and solid mechanical parts, you’ll probably spend 5-600$ when you are all said and done.
A 3/4hp or 1 hp motor is still 250$ new, and a vfd, even from Amazon is 100$.
Used you could cut that in half, maybe, but things add up super fast.
Unless you are going for a single speed single phase motor, then the build might cost you significantly less. Light switch to turn on and off and a 30$ marketplace motor…..
You’ll likely have to make your own wheels for the 1x grinder. A nice lathe project.
DPittman
Ultra Member
Ideally I'd have both. While I obviously don't do heavy metal removal with my little guy, I do an awful lot of small touch up/clean up with mine that I wouldn't want to start and run a 5hp motor for. Of course for wood it is much more suited for, and I do a fair bit of that for the crap I build and cobble together.
I probably agree with the cost/scale comments. My hope (maybe a fantasy) is a completely bolt together frame, maybe more aluminum based which would be even more rigid than the sheet metal fittings (on the 1x30). The intent would be to focus on better accuracy, more/better bearings, reduced running vibration, better fixtures, that kind of thing. On the motor front there are similar but slightly better Chinese motor/speed control packages that come in incremental sizes above the 550watt sewing machine setup on the 1x30. I just don't think general sharpening is going to tax that power level. My old Delta 1x42 will 'grind' to an extent that would obliterate any tool edge on only 1/3hp AC (I think) but its fixed RPM, non reversible, perpetually filled with ignitable sawdust...
Buy ya, there is a risk of dropping $500 on a cute toy & it becomes a part time sharpener because that's all its really capable of. I did see one video where a guy pushed a 10mm steel rod into the belt for a nice spark show. The motor bogged but nothing broke. Not that I think the machine is intended for that. This is why I still break out the Japanese water stones & sharpen my knives by hand & just go Zen (for a couple hours).
Buy ya, there is a risk of dropping $500 on a cute toy & it becomes a part time sharpener because that's all its really capable of. I did see one video where a guy pushed a 10mm steel rod into the belt for a nice spark show. The motor bogged but nothing broke. Not that I think the machine is intended for that. This is why I still break out the Japanese water stones & sharpen my knives by hand & just go Zen (for a couple hours).
You're going to build a Phil unit?
DPittman
Ultra Member
Modern day zirconia belts make my belt sander much more aggressive (and longer lasting) than it was in the first 25 years of ownership .
BaitMaster
Ultra Member
@PeterT i mean it would be a super cool project. And if you built it nice it would be a pretty sweet little unit.
The major costs of both the grinder sizes I think is the motor/VFD.
500$ is a lot for a 1x30 though, even if it is a sweet one.
I mean I might build one if you come up with plans just as a deadly little sharpener, only because I may stumble on a motor one day and I have a drive for a half horse on the shelf.
The major costs of both the grinder sizes I think is the motor/VFD.
500$ is a lot for a 1x30 though, even if it is a sweet one.
I mean I might build one if you come up with plans just as a deadly little sharpener, only because I may stumble on a motor one day and I have a drive for a half horse on the shelf.
DPittman
Ultra Member
Pictures of my 1x42 for anyone looking for build ideas. My unit is very basic and would be fairly easy to replicate with the exception of the cast pivoting mitre table for the sanding disc.
The top belt wheel has a cover that I never have in place cuz it rattles. Hasn't been a problem without it and it helps keep the uni-brow from growing in to thick.
If I would change one thing it would be to use a bigger disc (and then motor too) mine is a somewhat odd 8" disc.
The top belt wheel has a cover that I never have in place cuz it rattles. Hasn't been a problem without it and it helps keep the uni-brow from growing in to thick.
If I would change one thing it would be to use a bigger disc (and then motor too) mine is a somewhat odd 8" disc.
Attachments
Sander/Grinder - Lee Valley Tools
www.leevalley.com
BaitMaster
Ultra Member
That seems like a bargain.Sander/Grinder - Lee Valley Tools
TorontoBuilder
Sapientia et Doctrina Stabilitas
Yes sir. I have already imperialized the drawings, purchased my metal, purchased a 3 HP motor and VFD. I've been house sitting for the past 3 weeks but as soon as I get home I plan to rebuild my garage storage system, move my lathe and hook up the drive system, and then I'll be able to start on the grinder.
BaitMaster
Ultra Member
The Phil unit seemed like a overly ambitious endeavour for me, but the end result will be a superior machine in most every way.
It will take a better machinist then I to build it, was my analysis.
I would love to see it done though.
I hope you are considering taking the time to record your project on here so that us hacks can marvel.
TorontoBuilder
Sapientia et Doctrina Stabilitas
Im a hack too... I'll record as much as I can under my conditions.
I was almost going to see who wanted to buy the main plates cut via waterjet as a group thing but shipping wud be a deal breaker.
In the end I decided to go with hack saw and bridgeport to prove that anyone can indeed make this version