Affordable grinding/sanding implements?

[PeterT]

I've been eyeing this VRT shop 100% bolt together design. Of course there are some things I might do a bit different but I suspect all these grinders inevitably get a personal touch in some manner, or have to be modified on basis of motor selection, space limits, whatever. Of course if you have a welder there are lots of places where it would be beneficial, so use it. But I'm trying to visualize issues where a bolt together would not be satisfactory. Maybe my brain just wants to see if an IKEA 1-hex wrench design is possible haha.

description on Etsy here
https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/1801679329/2x72-tilting-belt-grinder-metric-plans?click_key=9c39407d9dbe3bc464942832bcc0660d648ddbbc:1801679329&click_sum=9b93f35e&external=1&rec_type=cs&ref=landingpage_similar_listing_top-8&sts=1

YouTube channel elaboration here

VRTshop

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www.youtube.com

Where is the best place to buy belt wheel components (for a Canuck)? Seems like those are items not worth self-fabricating unless you had a real custom design. Nexus has parts but maybe more orientated to his own kit? Seems like good one stop shopping for belt grinder supplies but some of the drive components & electrics seem spendy (although I havent really sat down to compare).

Nexus Grinders And Knife Supply

We carry Stainless Steel, High Carbon Steel and Tool Steel for Knife making. We also have G10 liners, handle material, and hardware. We sell 2x72 Belt Grinders that are well designed, practical and rugged. Our 3 arm grinders are one of the most affordable chassis on the Canadian market.

nexusgrinders.ca

 

[BaitMaster]

I found a set of wheels on Amazon that had 1/2” ID bearings and a 5” drive wheel.

The welded designs in my mind seem like a lot less work then a bolted only design. I can throw down some serious weld in the time it takes me to measure, align, drill and tap a whole bunch of bolt holes or threaded holes. I also have welders and can weld OK for an amateur.

The welding seems like such an easier option to me, if I hadn’t bought a mig welder, I would buy one for the project and sell when I’m done.

But there are definately people that are better at milling/drilling/layout then I am by miles.

In my mind though when I do the time spent calculation, the welded option is easy street. And the drilled/milled/bolted option is much more laborious. Could be wrong though.

It might just be what I am comfortable with.

 

[PeterT]

Yup, its always about the tools you have (or justification to acquire haha). 90% of this 2D plate work, especially with slots & radius & spot hole locations would be perfect for outsourcing to CNC water jet or laser depending on material. Holes are easy once a computer has spotted them & adds little to the cutting time. But outsourcing is another cost to be factored.

 

[djberta]

Just some from my book marks.

Bolt Together 2 X 72 Belt Grinder

Bolt Together 2 X 72 Belt Grinder: I have been wanting a 2 x 72 belt grinder ever since I started making knives on my wimpy 4 x 36 belt sander. After looking around at some designs I figured I could probably make one myself. I had access to our scrap bin at work that often had square…

www.instructables.com

Free 2 x 72 belt grinder plans - 2020 version

Hello, I have been designing and building my own version of a 2x72" belt grinder for a number of years and I made some modifications over the years to where they are now. Recently, a talented CAD user (who was building a grinder off my plans) was courteous enough to model the grinder and each...

www.bladeforums.com

Pictorial Guide to DIY 2x72 Belt Grinders

Information and ideas for DIY 2 x 72 belt grinder / sander making for woodworking, metal, and knife making

www.cnccookbook.com

Don't forget all the ones on grabcad if your not to bad at cad design.

2x72 belt grinder plans pdf download

l➤ 2x72 belt grinder plans pdf download 3d models ✅. 2x72" (5x180cm) belt grinder design suitable for your work, all measures and details for every piece are define precisely in this model and it can be use as plans for fabrication.

www.stlfinder.com

On our sister forum in the US I have been following this current thread. Why buy when you can cast and make the parts.

50x2000mm Belt grinder, metric equivalent of 2x72"

Too many projects active as usual so might as well start another one. Been wanting to build one for myself for 4+ years but always pushing it forwards despite the fact that it would have made a lot of my other projects easier. Finally got the push I "needed" when my dads health started declining...

www.hobby-machinist.com

 

[Crosche]

If you're looking for a good grinder for a decent price, then try https://nexusgrinders.ca/

 

[BaitMaster]

If you're looking for a good grinder for a decent price, then try https://nexusgrinders.ca/

I guess they are in Raymond alberta?!? Only about a half an hour from me as the truck drives. Wish I knew about that before I bought a bunch of the stuff for my grinder build.

 

[PeterT]

Same place I mentioned in post #41.

I dunno, you guys tell me. Is $825 (cheapest option) no electrics, no belts, smallest tool rest... a good price for what you see?

 

[Crosche]

I know a couple of guys who own these units and they are quite happy with them. IMHO, It seems like a pretty solid little grinder for the price.

 

[BaitMaster]

@PeterT it is not a tilting design, so it’s simply a vertical grinder.

It’s also more money then I am spending on Jer Schmidt’s design that I am building right now, although it is a complete unit so no building involved.

It seems like a decent unit though, but for me, the tilting feature was a must have, as I have no desire to own two belt grinders, but think the horizontal mode would come in crazy handy, especially with a small wheel attachment.