Tmate
Member
- Messages
- 62
- Location
- U.S. Maryland
There are a number of kits available for building a bench grinder using a 2" x 72" (2.5 x 183 cm) belt. I bought one from Housemade Products a year or so ago. Below are a few build pictures.
I could have bought all the steel needed and cut the parts out myself with my plasma table. However, I would have had to buy it in larger quantities than I needed, and preferred to save time and just use a kit.
I used a 2 hp Baldor 3 phase motor with a KBAC-27D VFD. The VFD converts single phase current into 3 phase for the motor. There is a rule of thumb (arguably) that you need one hp for every inch of belt width.
The long belt helps reduce heat build-up in the part being worked. With a coarse belt, the things removes metal like crazy. I made a plywood cover to help contain the dust and debris. While the grinder does produce sparks, there has never been a hint of a fire issue. Just to be safe, I have a fire extinguisher handy.
I use a disk bench sander for lighter work.
I could have bought all the steel needed and cut the parts out myself with my plasma table. However, I would have had to buy it in larger quantities than I needed, and preferred to save time and just use a kit.
I used a 2 hp Baldor 3 phase motor with a KBAC-27D VFD. The VFD converts single phase current into 3 phase for the motor. There is a rule of thumb (arguably) that you need one hp for every inch of belt width.
The long belt helps reduce heat build-up in the part being worked. With a coarse belt, the things removes metal like crazy. I made a plywood cover to help contain the dust and debris. While the grinder does produce sparks, there has never been a hint of a fire issue. Just to be safe, I have a fire extinguisher handy.
I use a disk bench sander for lighter work.
