Tool David's 2x48 grinder build

[David]

Thought I'd start a thread on this little project.
From the time I entered this rabbit hole of metal working I've struggle to find a decent belt grinding solution.
The need arose from wanting to grind HSS lathe tooling. Because I have a small shop I wanted a kind of do it all tool.
Bought a janky as heck belt/wheel grinder that went back to the store the next day.
Replaced it with a Dayton disk & 2x42 belt combo that's been OK but really lacks power and and rigidity.


The 2x72 grinders are just too big for my shop but a 2x48 would be just about right. When @bhowden posted this video I knew I had found the machine.

With free dxf file for laser or waterjet cutting it was a no brainer.
Proceeded to order the parts. Cut from 1/4" hot rolled for a cost of $185.
I already have a 2Kw VFD so I scouted out a 3600 RPM, 1.5 HP 3-phase motor from E-Motors Direct.
I thought that a single phase motor would be less expensive but that turned out to not be the case.

 

[YotaBota]

I thought you were doing the 2x72, I wonder if it would have saved $ by doing two sets?

 

[David]

I thought you were doing the 2x72, I wonder if it would have saved $ by doing two sets?

I don't have room for a 2x72.
I can have two sets done if you want.

 

[YotaBota]

Like I don't have enough projects,,,,,,, but what's one more ,, I'm in.
Are they shipping or are we driving?

 

[David]

Like I don't have enough projects,,,,,,, but what's one more ,, I'm in.
Are they shipping or are we driving?

I asked if they would deliver and he said yes so long as I wasn't in a rush. Which I most definitely am not.

 

[YotaBota]

Probably more cost effective to ship than spend a day driving. I'm in no hurry as well.

 

[phaxtris]

good choice, ive had both 2x72 and 2x48, makes no difference, they both grind equally well

 

[Dan Dubeau]

Looking forward to seeing this come together. I like that design of his. Nice, compact, and mobile too.

 

[Tom O]

One of the problems is the space it will take up every shop has to play with this I have been debating the same thing and am leaning towards a modular stationary ( possibly fold away) base mounted to a cabinet or table that would enable you to switch between different machines or devices that could be removed/stored when not in use.

 

[David]

One of the problems is the space it will take up every shop has to play with this I have been debating the same thing and am leaning towards a modular stationary ( possibly fold away) base mounted to a cabinet or table that would enable you to switch between different machines or devices that could be removed/stored when not in use.

I'd be curious to see what you devise!

 

[YotaBota]

I think I'm going to try these wheels.

5 Inch Aluminum Wheel Set 5/8 Bore

5 inch Aluminum Wheel Set 5/8 bore Our Nexus Aluminum Grinder Wheels are CNC lathed and made in Canada and exclusively used on our 2x72 Nexus Grinders. The set consists of: Two, 2" diameter x 2-1/4" wide precision CNC lathe turned aluminum Idler Wheels with 3 stacked sealed 1/2" ID bearings...

nexusgrinders.ca

 

[jcdammeyer]

So what's being delivered? The 1/4" cut plate pieces?

 

[David]

So what's being delivered? The 1/4" cut plate pieces?

Yes.
@YotaBota is also getting a set of cut plates.
Wanna join the fun?

 

[jcdammeyer]

Yes.
@YotaBota is also getting a set of cut plates.
Wanna join the fun?

I have no room for that. The foundry furnace would have to go. But if I need one in the future I now know where to find one...

 

[David]

If only I had room for the foundry

 

[skippyelwell]

I think I'm going to try these wheels.

5 Inch Aluminum Wheel Set 5/8 Bore

5 inch Aluminum Wheel Set 5/8 bore Our Nexus Aluminum Grinder Wheels are CNC lathed and made in Canada and exclusively used on our 2x72 Nexus Grinders. The set consists of: Two, 2" diameter x 2-1/4" wide precision CNC lathe turned aluminum Idler Wheels with 3 stacked sealed 1/2" ID bearings...

nexusgrinders.ca

Damn, I just spent $173 usd for the same wheels from KnifeGrinderParts, I wish I had known.
Good candidate for the Buy Canadian thread.

 

[YotaBota]

Taxes and shipping come to $212ish.

 

[David]

This is a start.

 

[YotaBota]

Are those the Vevor wheels?

 

[David]

Are those the Vevor wheels?

Yes, they are very nice quality, bearings are silky smooth.