That's really cool, what was your total investment?

 

I spent close to $1K with all the accessories, but I went top shelf on the motor controller. The one I used cost $372, but you can get simpler ones for under $100.

The motor I used is a 1.5 h.p. 3 phase, 230 Vac motor. Don't let the 3 phase part of this scare you since the variable frequency drive motor controller will take care of the single phase to 3 phase conversion.

The lower cost motor controllers will drive this motor off of single phase 230 Vac, and this works just fine. The KBAC 27D variable speed motor controller that I am using will drive this motor off of either single phase 115 Vac or single phase 220 Vac. It also has a speed doubler capability that lets me run the belt from zero to 4400 sfpm, which is really nice. You can get real aggressive with the grinding when you need to.

Unlike the lower cost motor controllers, this unit is also hermetically sealed, and keeps the grinding dust out.

One of my future projects is to build a stand for the belt grinder and motor controller. It is nice to have the variable speed knob close to where you are working.

 

Nice!
I build mine too many years ago, I use it all the time.

 

That looks professional! 👍

 

Nice work on the belt grinder.

 

I built one several years ago. If i had known how much I would use it i would have built one 20 years ago. It is so much faster than grinding And so much more versatile.

 

I built one several years ago. If i had known how much I would use it i would have built one 20 years ago. It is so much faster than grinding And so much more versatile.

That's a great design. I like your stand too!

 

Built four different grinding heads, flat platen, slack belt, 12” wheel and 1/2” to 1 1/2 rollers.

 

Nice JOB

 

Another addition I made not shown in the photos is a second drive pulley. I had machined a 4 inch drive pulley but for nonferrous materials and wood I wanted a faster belt speed. I machined a 6” pulley and use that most of the time unless I have a lot of steel to grind.

 

what controls the tracking of the belt? Now I feel like my commercial belt sander I've had since 1974 is junk!

 

Jeff,

On my unit, this is the tracking wheel. Just rotate the black handle one way or the other to adjust belt tracking.

To change belts, you just pull forward on the same black handle to release tension on the belt. It only takes a few seconds to change a belt.

 

I had wondered what all the talk was with these 2x72 belt sanders. I purchased the plans the OP has and just figured the build was more than I wanted to deal with. I purchased the frame from OBM , got a 1hp 3 phase Baldor from Ebay and the same controller the OP is using. Had some 1/2 AL plate for the base.

Put on the 40 grit belt and watch this thing EAT metal!!! I have had 1 1/2" thick steel and round corners and shape it like nothing I have even done before! Belt changes in seconds, get a metal conditioning belt also, it looks like a scotch bright pad. Had an late 70's Rockwell/Delta 6x48 belt sander, sold that off!

If you weld, grind and fab at home you really need a sander like this, true game changer for the shop. I also have a tilt work platen and the small wheel adapter.

Kevin