Howdy from Oklahoma

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

Shotgun12,

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

Hi Shotgun12 - welcome to HomemadeTools.net :welcome:

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.