I just got this finished up and so far I'm quite pleased with it. It's not perfect but it works well and works way better than my cheap 1 x 42 I had before. You guys let me know what you think and if there is anything about it you like and want to copy for your build go ahead most of it's not original with me. I did a lot of researching before I started. The fixed platen I used a piece of glass glued with jb weld to a piece of angle iron and so far I like it. The plates behind the belt and the disc are to help stop sparks from flying everywhere. The quality of the pictures isn't that great as my camera is on it's last legs but they will give you an idea what it looks like.

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Wow it looks awesome, congrats! I need a drive wheel and some time and ill be starting mine! Well done, i like the disc sander addition, worth the extra time i think

Sweet! I'll definitely borrow some of your ideas!!!

Zach,

Nice job. Like the bent iron offset and the aggressive high traction wheel, very resourceful and well executed. Nice work.

Peter

Looks like a professional job, Zach. If it works the way you want it to then good onya!

Dave

Thanks for the kind words guys. And yea for me the disc is definitely worth the extra work it took to get it.

well done I like the sanding disk set up on the side !!! GOOD extra tool ! :D

What size motor did you go with and is it open or enclosed?  The treadmill motor I'm going to use is open, but for $20 with the controller I figure I'll just replace it as needed but shielding it should help.

Nice. I started one yesterday and will be stealing shamlessly:-)
Did you buy the rubber contact wheel? I have been vainly trying to
Come up with something that could be repurposed

My motor is a farm duty motor so it is sealed up pretty good. I ended up going with a 1 1/2 hp I tried a 1 hp because I had it but it didn't have enough power. I bought the contact wheels the big one on ebay and the other from usa knife maker.