JimCrawford Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 Anyone have any suggestions for a bench mounted belt sander for a small workshop in my basement. Grizzly looks good, as do Kalamazoo, but I've no idea which is a better bargain for quality. -Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don A Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 Jim, What is going to be the primary purpose for your sander? If it's just for de-burring and routine shaping and clean-up on steel and wood, one of the $99 Delta 4"x36" with the 6" disk on the side is mighty handy. However, if you are looking for a good blade grinder, price is going to be your determining factor. On a budget, I have heard good things about the Grizzly, but it is a budget alternative. If you can afford the price, you can't go wrong with a KMG built by Rob Frink at Beaumont Metal Works:Beaumont Metal Works, Manufacturer of Industrial belt grinders and finishing equipment I can't afford one yet, but I have seen them demo'd many times at Ron Claiborne's hammer-in, and they are awesome machines. Don p.s. Rob has 2 Youtube demos on his main page. They are well worth the time to watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimCrawford Posted July 17, 2007 Author Share Posted July 17, 2007 I have the delta already, but the aluminum disc backer seems to be fused to the shaft. I can't get it off in order to replace the belt that broke, so I'm thinking that replacement might be in order. Life is grand sometimes. -J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don A Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 Jim, Please don't think I'm being a smart@@@, but have you found the set screw that holds the disk on the shaft? It's a little allen-head screw... hard to get at. Also, there might be a couple threaded holes on the face of the disc on either side of the shaft hole. If you can find some bolts or all-thread to fit these, you can rig up some sort of wheel puller. A squirt of Breaker or W-D probably won't hurt either. Ask me how I know all of this :cool: Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 I use my belt sanders for blades, I have two. One is the grizzley that you mentioned and I use it a lot. however I do not use it to hollow grind blades. Sich the wheel is mounted on the end of the motors shaft the motor itself gets in the way of a blade that has the handle to the left of the wheel. My other is a high priced machine made by Hard Core. I do all of my blade grinding on it. Here are some things I like: 2"x 72" belts are easier to shop for price and a wide selection. I like access to both sides of the wheel. A variable speed is a must for me. Mine has a dc motor and dial control. A changeable pully set up would be fine also. Some things you need slower speeds and some faster. A nice flat platen set up is really useful for a lot of things. Belt grinder are a great additon to a shop and also a big investment. I think you can find some on-line how to plans if you feel like taking on another project.. have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Salvati Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 I would HIGLY HIGHLY suggest getting a B3 from the Bader company, it's the most versatile grinder on the market, they make a bunch of different attachments for it, it tilts up or down, and is just overall a great powerful machine. It is such a simple machine, with a metal cutting saw, a torch and a drill press you can make alot of different custom attachments for it yourself. I have used both the B3 and the space saver(larger machine), and would recommend no other machine higher than a Bader, I guarentee you will be satisfied.Stephen Bader & Co., Inc. - Manufacturer of quality belt grinders, polishing and finishing equipment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 I learned from a swordmaker who used a Bader; so I bought one as soon as I was able to. A joy to use. Thomas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jacob Posted July 18, 2007 Share Posted July 18, 2007 I've also heard good reviews of Burr King. I bought a Grizzly and it works well enough. I may tinker with it one day to make it a 3-wheel setup or make some attachments. Otherwise I might just build a second one. Building one shouldn't be that hard IF you have a complete fabrication shop already. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clark-kentski Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 I looked at that Bader website and i see he has a portable belt grinder that can attach to a metal lathe,does this sound like a good idea?anybody have one?seems like it would spew alot of grit all over a sensitive machine :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 A good point abouit the dirt and grit, espcially on days that I rough grind blades before heat treat I make a LOT of dirt and grit...I have alathe and it is on the other end of the shop covered up... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted July 19, 2007 Share Posted July 19, 2007 Clark, I would want at least a canvas or leather apron covering the ways, tool holder, and tail stock. But it would be interesting to see. Idea reminds me of the "Shopsmith" wood working system. Lathe, drill press, belt and disc sander all in one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forging1 Posted September 29, 2007 Share Posted September 29, 2007 Ive got some blueprints ready for building a belt grinder. These can be dropped off and made by builder or buy the stock and do yourself. VERY easy to follow! As soon as Glen and I work out the technicalities they will be available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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