Hi Guys,
After a lot of other projects I finally am back on track to complete my DIY 2 X 72 Belt Grinder. I currently have a small one that fits on my bench grinder and use it a lot while doing my other machining projects. I did considerable research in order to make the best and most versatile DIY 2 X 72 Belt Grinder.
My friend shared some of his CAD files with me and I transferred them to my ONECNC XR5 Mill Professional CAD/CAM program. I had most of the basic design work done and cranked up the Ole HAAS TM-1P Milling machine Sunday afternoon and made some of the parts. He really loves his Belt Grinder and says it was one of his best tool projects as far as usage around the shop. Thanks Don!
Another friend of mine works for a local metal recycler and was able to find most of the material needed for the project.
This unit will be a 90 degree model that easily switches from Vertical to Horizontal operation. It will have an 8 Inch contact wheel, dual wheel platen attachment, a small wheel attachment and possibly other attachments as time goes on. I would also like to make a tool bar that would have a jack shaft that would allow me to mount a deburring wheel and maybe even a polishing wheel to the left side of the tool bar.
It will be powered with a 2 HP 56C Frame 3 phase 1725 RPM inverter duty motor with a VFD that has a 2 X option that will allow the motor to run at up to 120 HZ instead of the normal 60 HZ operation. Basically, it will allow the 1725 RPM motor to run at 3450 RPM which should give me a nice speed range and plenty of power. At this time my intention will be to put a 220 volt 3 phase MALE twist lock plug on the grinder and put a 220 volt 3 phase FEMALE twist lock plug on the VFD unit. That way I can use the VFD on other tools in my shop that have 3 phase motors of like 3 phase HP i.e. 2 HP or less. Just trying to make this VFD as versatile as possible.
I will try to provide plenty of pictures and documentation with my build.
I will first give you some pictures of the 2 X 72 belt grinder that my friend built to give you an idea of what my goal will be. I will probably make a few refinements along the way if possible, such as pulley sizes and adding a small wheel attachment.
So far:
1: Machined the 56C motor mount frame with cutout for motor and associated mounting holes
2: Drilled and tapped 1/4 X 20 holes on various sides and positions in 2" square tube for mounting the necessary plates, brackets etc.
3: Machined the thumb screw locking mechanism plate, vertical belt tracking plate and 2" aluminum angle that will be welded to my rotation arm plates.
Hope you enjoy!
John