Almost Finished with 2" x 72" Belt Grinder Build

**tmate3** · Jan 18, 2021, 09:06 PM

This was a kit supplied by Brian House that included the plans, a few metal brackets, and some hardware. I furnished the square tubing and did the necessary machine work and welding. I used a 2 HP Baldor 3 phase motor and a KBAC VFD.

I would guess that I have about 20 hours in the project, spread out over a week. As soon as the wheels and belts arrive I will be in business.

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**tmate3** · Jan 20, 2021, 12:53 PM

Got the wheels today. Still waiting for the belts.

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**DURTBAG** · Jan 21, 2021, 02:59 AM

way awesome !

**tmate3** · Jan 23, 2021, 11:53 AM

All finished!

With a 7" drive wheel top speed is just over 6,500 sfpm (surface feet per minute). I haven't tried grinding anything yet above maybe 3,000 sfpm, but with a 36 grit belt even that was scary fast at removing steel.

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**Saltfever** · Feb 24, 2021, 04:15 AM

Originally Posted by tmate3

(edit . . . ) With a 7" drive wheel top speed is just over 6,500 sfpm (surface feet per minute). I haven't tried grinding anything yet above maybe 3,000 sfpm, but with a 36 grit belt even that was scary fast at removing steel.

I have always used the yardstick of 4,000-4500 max FPM and 1HP per inch of belt width. It is a beautiful and versatile grinder design, but as you indicate, 74 MPH seems a bit much.

**DURTBAG** · Jan 24, 2021, 03:19 AM

even more awesomer!!!

**tmate3** · Jan 24, 2021, 03:54 PM

I wanted to add a bit of weight to the 2x72 grinder cart for stability purposes, and put an old 70 lb. plate off a press brake on the lower shelf. Then my eyes fixed on an old scarred up Walker Turner drill press table I had replaced that was leaning against the bottom of my lathe.

As it turned out, when I placed the table upside down on the brake plate, it fit perfectly between four 7/8" dia. dowel pin holes. The webbing compartments on the bottom are perfect for keeping wrenches, spacers, and other grinder related items handy. I now have 100 lbs. of ballast which makes the whole works feel a lot more solid.

No, that isn't a square hole in the middle of the drill press table. I put a small square of plywood in there so it would be flat.

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**wizard69** · Jan 28, 2021, 08:52 AM

Great post!

Another form of ballast, maybe not as useful as that table are old electric motors. I have several that are good for nothing but dead weight. In my case I often use them when gluing things up. The tendency people have with junk electric motors is to throw them out but the are so useful for dead weight that I've collected a whole bunch.

**tmate3** · Feb 18, 2021, 02:45 PM

I threw together a plywood cover for the grinder, which I hope will partially contain the debris and soften the noise a bit. It lifts off in seconds for belt changes, etc.

Motor is a TEFC unit so I don't think it will be affected as long as there is plenty of air circulation around it. Cover should also provide some protection in case a belt disintegrates.

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**bobs409** · Feb 20, 2021, 08:13 AM

Nice! I did one myself but made all the pieces myself including the wheels! It added to the time line but was a lot of fun. My 2 x 72 can be seen here:
2 x 72 inch Revolution Belt Grinder (aka The Metal Muncher!)

If your like me, next you will be building all kinds of accessories to go with it.

I did everything but a buffing wheel and surface grinding attachment. I too did the 7 inch wheel and it's CRAZY fast! Too fast I think, I usually run only about 1/2 way.

I see your trying to control the dust. That's a big issue with these! I take mine outside every time I want to use it which is a pain. I was thinking of building a tent over mine but I like your idea of a box. Rig in a shop vac and you might just have something there!

Well, don't let me keep you, get back to work. lol