Thread: Introduction and Forging a Razor from a File

Actually no it wasn't slipping, I could see the motor itself coming to a stop vs. the grinder wheels stopping. That was when I was using the small step that I had cut into where the treadmill belt used to attach. So instead I ground a groove into the flywheel and then adjusted everything to run that way.

I apologize for the bad pictures, if they were larger and clearer I think it would be apparent what I mean. I plan on doing the same as you did skipnord in using the treadmill controls so that I have variable speed.

As I recall, I put the V pulley on the other end of the motor. I think you would be better off with a real pulley, than trying to use the flywheel with a groove cut in it. JMO. If you put a pulley on the other end of the motor, you will have to reverse the motor rotation, but that is just a matter of reversing the leads on the motor. The biggest problem with using a treadmill motor is that they are not "sealed". and metal dust can get into the guts and short them out. That is what finally happened to mine. Putting a piece of nylon stocking, or some similar fine mess over the openings in the motor may prolong things. Again, good luck.

Thanks. I figure this is a stop gap until I can get an enclosed motor.

I really like your grinder & your file blades. One concern to me is your base might need a little more mass. You might think of putting another upright as close to the front of the grinder as you can. I found in years as a blacksmith, welder & machinist that having the base of a tool be it an anvil, vice or what ever as solid as you can get it will make your job easier & more precise. Looks like you are going to put wheels on it, will you really have a need to move it? if not I wouldn't put wheels on it unless you have a good way to mount it to your shop floor.
Hey, it's all good. Great looking work. I am wanting to get a forge set back up with a 100Lb. Little Giant power hammer to forge blades & pattern welded stock. I have carpal tunnel & cubital tunnel problems so a power hammer is about my only way to get back into forging.

Dave "Slawman" Huffman