Howdy from Oklahoma

[Shotgun12]

I've just found this site, and can't wait to begin asking dumb questions.
Pretty much all my life, I've loved building, fixing or modifying various kinds of things.
Several years ago I began making knives, as a hobby, but had to first build the belt grinder and heat treat forge before the knife making process could commence.
Recently I re-built my grinder, and I'm wanting to change the motor to a variable speed setup, as long as it does not cost a fortune.
I was told recently by someone that DC (tread mill) type motors do not have enough torque for the job???
I noticed there are videos on this subject and will be watching them soon.
In the mean time, if anyone has done a similar project, I'd appreciate any and all of the first-hand advice and opinions I can gather.
Looking forward to hearing from you folks, and learning a bunch.

Steve

[old_toolmaker]

Shotgun12,

Welcome to the forum!
This is a very good group of like minded people.

[Jon]

Hi Shotgun12 - welcome to HomemadeTools.net

Sounds like you'll fit in well here. We have a great belt sander page here: Homemade Belt Sander

There are many treadmill belt sander builds out there. Another trick is to use the treadmill incline motor (that simulates running "uphill") as a belt tensioner. And the metal from the treadmill frame becomes the belt sander frame.