Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

This forum is for posting step by step techniques used in the art of making, customizing, and repairing knives. Please stop by and teach a few things or maybe learn something new from the talented members of AAPK.
User avatar
zed6309
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 3031
Joined: Fri Mar 04, 2011 8:07 am
Location: poole,dorset,uk

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by zed6309 »

Mike I'll be following this closely as I've wanted to improve my belt sander for a few years ::tu::
Paul,

friendship is a rare and precious gift,
A day without a pocket knife is the day your need it,
User avatar
Meridian_Mike
Posts: 4981
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:36 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Hey everyone....
I am a little bit behind in my projects so this one hasn't moved in a while.
.
I have almost all the parts now so construction should start soon.
I will try to take pictures as I go so I can show my success (or failures).....

:D
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
ReidJustin
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:12 pm

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by ReidJustin »

ReidJustin wrote: Mon Feb 15, 2021 8:00 am Hmm ... an Interesting scheme, but I'm not sure how good your sander will be. Usually, such tools are of high accuracy and quality, which is the main thing when creating such a tool.
I do not have enough skills to create such a tool on my own and I think that it is not cost-effective, since it takes a lot of time and consumables. It seems to me that it is much easier to buy a finished product that will be guaranteed by the manufacturer. As a woodworker, I always choose quality sanders for myself, as these tools show the results of my work. All you have to do is visit this site and get the best recommendations for choosing a sander that meets all your conditions.
Tony_Wood
Posts: 1368
Joined: Sat Jan 06, 2018 5:06 pm

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by Tony_Wood »

Looks like a great start to the project.

Can’t wait to see it finished. Those hollow tool arms will vibrate. I filled mine with a 2x2 that is cut to fit and drove inside. That helped with vibrations.
https://m.facebook.com/sheepsfootknives/?ref=bookmarks

Instagram: #sheepsfootknivesbytwood
User avatar
Meridian_Mike
Posts: 4981
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:36 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Tony_Wood wrote: Sun Feb 21, 2021 12:27 am Those hollow tool arms will vibrate. I filled mine with a 2x2 that is cut to fit and drove inside. That helped with vibrations.
Thanks for that advice Tony!
I can go ahead and do that from the start!

::tu::
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
ReidJustin
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2021 12:12 pm

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by ReidJustin »

ReidJustin wrote: Mon Feb 15, 2021 8:00 am Hmm ... an Interesting scheme, but I'm not sure how good your sander will be. Usually, such tools are of high accuracy and quality, which is the main thing when creating such a tool.
I do not have enough skills to create such a tool on my own and I think that it is not cost-effective, since it takes a lot of time and consumables. It seems to me that it is much easier to buy a finished product that will be guaranteed by the manufacturer. As a woodworker, I always choose quality sanders for myself, as these tools show the results of my work. All you have to do is visit this site and get the best recommendations for choosing a sander that meets all your conditions.
User avatar
Meridian_Mike
Posts: 4981
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:36 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Yes, that thinking is true.
.
BUT... I have all the tools to do the drilling and welding and, I work at a steel company so the frame steel was free.
.
AND.... I just want to do it..... you know... The craftsman in me wants to "build my own".

::tu::
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
WhiteUn
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2021 8:01 pm

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by WhiteUn »

ReidJustin wrote: Sun Feb 21, 2021 12:16 am
ReidJustin wrote: Mon Feb 15, 2021 8:00 am Hmm ... an Interesting scheme, but I'm not sure how good your sander will be. Usually, such tools are of high accuracy and quality, which is the main thing when creating such a tool.
I do not have enough skills to create such a tool on my own and I think that it is not cost-effective, since it takes a lot of time and consumables. It seems to me that it is much easier to buy a finished product that will be guaranteed by the manufacturer. As a woodworker, I always choose quality sanders for myself, as these tools show the results of my work.
Could you tell me some more information about it? Let’s talk in PM
User avatar
Meridian_Mike
Posts: 4981
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:36 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Well..... it has been a while but I did find a few hours yesterday to start assembly of my belt sander.
I didn't take a lot of pictures but maybe if y'all want to try it, I can at least answer questions.....
Here is most of the pieces I started with......

IMG_7018.JPG

I got a few pieces like the wheels and such from Origin Blade Maker.....

First thing I did was assemble the frame plates and set the hole for the tool arm so it would move in and out easily with as little slack as I could build in.


IMG_7019.JPG

Then a good bit of work slipped on by before I took another picture....
I set up the pulley shaft and bearings, and put on the belt drive wheel.
I set the location for the upper wheel and bolted it on the upper tension arm.
I also set up the platform for the motor.

IMG_7024.JPG
IMG_7023.JPG
IMG_7025.JPG

The next parts I put on were the backing plate and wheels and the mounting bracket for the platen.
SO..... with all the wheels in place, I had to load a belt on to see what this contraption was gonna look like....

IMG_7026.JPG

I made a bracket for the tension piston and got it welded in place. My drill battery died so I figured it was time to call it a day.
Well on my way to having a "sure 'nuff" 72" belt sander!!

IMG_7031.JPG
IMG_7032.JPG
IMG_7029.JPG
More to come when I can get back out there and finish up....
:D
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
User avatar
Jeffinn
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 2002
Joined: Fri Nov 10, 2017 3:16 am
Location: Roseville, Mi
Contact:

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by Jeffinn »

That’s looking really good Mike! Thanks for keeping us updated.
Jeff
Hey … it’s a pocketknife for gosh sakes. I’m not selling the Mona Lisa….Bullitt4001
https://www.jfinamoreknives.com
http://www.secondlifeknives.com
User avatar
Meridian_Mike
Posts: 4981
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:36 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Thanks Jeff!
:D
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
User avatar
glennbad
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 7353
Joined: Mon May 15, 2006 11:13 am
Location: NH

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by glennbad »

That sure looks like it's coming along nicely!
User avatar
cudgee
Posts: 6185
Joined: Thu May 16, 2019 7:21 am
Location: Victoria. Australia.

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by cudgee »

Meridian_Mike wrote: Mon Jun 07, 2021 3:05 pm Well..... it has been a while but I did find a few hours yesterday to start assembly of my belt sander.
I didn't take a lot of pictures but maybe if y'all want to try it, I can at least answer questions.....
Here is most of the pieces I started with......


IMG_7018.JPG


I got a few pieces like the wheels and such from Origin Blade Maker.....

First thing I did was assemble the frame plates and set the hole for the tool arm so it would move in and out easily with as little slack as I could build in.



IMG_7019.JPG


Then a good bit of work slipped on by before I took another picture....
I set up the pulley shaft and bearings, and put on the belt drive wheel.
I set the location for the upper wheel and bolted it on the upper tension arm.
I also set up the platform for the motor.


IMG_7024.JPG
IMG_7023.JPG
IMG_7025.JPG


The next parts I put on were the backing plate and wheels and the mounting bracket for the platen.
SO..... with all the wheels in place, I had to load a belt on to see what this contraption was gonna look like....


IMG_7026.JPG


I made a bracket for the tension piston and got it welded in place. My drill battery died so I figured it was time to call it a day.
Well on my way to having a "sure 'nuff" 72" belt sander!!


IMG_7031.JPG ::tu::
IMG_7032.JPG
IMG_7029.JPG

More to come when I can get back out there and finish up....
:D
Wow, ::woot:: , you have done some work, very impressive.
User avatar
Meridian_Mike
Posts: 4981
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:36 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by Meridian_Mike »

cudgee wrote: Wed Jun 09, 2021 2:11 am
Wow, ::woot:: , you have done some work, very impressive.
Thanks!!

I hope I get a few minutes back in the shop this weekend so I can finish it.....

:D
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
User avatar
cudgee
Posts: 6185
Joined: Thu May 16, 2019 7:21 am
Location: Victoria. Australia.

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by cudgee »

Meridian_Mike wrote: Wed Jun 09, 2021 12:05 pm
cudgee wrote: Wed Jun 09, 2021 2:11 am
Wow, ::woot:: , you have done some work, very impressive.
Thanks!!

I hope I get a few minutes back in the shop this weekend so I can finish it.....

:D
Hope so, and we all want to see some of your work. ::nod:: ::tu::
Reverand
Silver Tier
Silver Tier
Posts: 2984
Joined: Mon Oct 22, 2018 6:45 pm
Location: Pisgah, AL
Contact:

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by Reverand »

Have you anything to update on this project, Mike?
I have started collecting a few parts to make a 2x72 myself, and am very interested to see how yours turns out!
Jesus is life.
Everything else is just a hobby.

~Reverand
User avatar
Meridian_Mike
Posts: 4981
Joined: Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:36 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: Home built 2" x 72" belt sander project

Post by Meridian_Mike »

Reverand wrote: Sat Jul 03, 2021 11:55 am Have you anything to update on this project, Mike?
I have started collecting a few parts to make a 2x72 myself, and am very interested to see how yours turns out!
I haven't done a lot. I have been out is the yard with my wife helping her so no updates.
I did get my tool rest cut out. I have to get it bolted in place next. I will make sure to get some pics when I do.

::tu::
"Life is tough.... but it's tougher if you're stupid."....John Wayne
Post Reply

Return to “Knife Related Tutorials”