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Well I was gonna build a NWGS. But I happened on a 1/2 hp 1 x 42 belt grinder for 5 bucks. The thing was dirty, and it's not variable speed, but so far as I can tell nothing else is wrong with it. The main problem that I'm seeing is that it wants to walk all over the place. So I'm here to ask if that's an alignment issue, a loose belt issue, a bearing issue, or if I just need to bolt the thing into the ground. Thanks fellahs.
For starters it would help if you tell us what model or brand 1" x 42" belt grinder you have. But bolting the grinder to a table would be a good start either way.
"It wants to walk..." do you mean the whole unit or the belt tracking because those are two different issues. Belt tracking will depend on how you can adjust the alignment and spring tension on the belt itself. Loose belts simply stop when you push anything against them, or bad smells from the drive wheel not gripping the inside of the belt. Bearing problems are annoying noises or other sounds like the motor about to die, even with hearing protection in place.
Screw it to a solid base, or use C-clamps. To get any metal removal you need something to push against. My first grinder was a 1x42 on a high speed router motor. The belts would remove metal for about six seconds and all the abrasive was gone. :)
Pix would really help.
Oops, sorry fellahs. I meant the unit itself will wander all over the table. It vibrates terribly. I've replaced the bearings in the tracking wheel. Interestingly a direct replacement bearing was just as wobbly brand new as the original old one. Too bad. Now in the photo you'll see I've removed most of the guards for ease of belt changes. But I kept all the stuff just in case I decide later that it's too risky to use without them. I also removed two idler wheels that were used for interior sanding. I might also put them back on later if I find a need for interior grinding capability. Anyways, with these pics, you know as much about this grinder as I do. Which is to say, very little. I couldn't find anything online about it. My Dad says they used to be sold by a rural supply store in the midwest called Rural King. Not sure. I can't find it anywhere. Looks just like the Deltas though, although the idlers run on bronze bearings, and the drive pulley bore measures out at .690" instead of 5/8ths like the Delta.
You got all the important parts there, try to find a nice true 6-8" caster wheel, wrap it in tape and you got yourself a grinder!
I just converted my grinder to 1x42 because its so easy to get belts.
Great score!
What I need to invest in now is one of those. Awesome how grats
The tough part is not being able to see it run, but for what you describe I don't wonder if the motor shaft has become unbalanced. That could mean bent, or that the disk grinder on one end is bent or problematic or the drive wheel to rubber belt to 1x42 belt drive wheel on the other end.
It may also explain why you got it so cheap as the last guy didn't want to try to fix it. The first thing I would do is take the belt off and run it. If the wobbling is still present then take off the drive belt to the belt drive. If the wobbling is still present then its the motor or disk. If the wobbling goes away it's the drive wheel or V belt wheel and drive wheel for the belt that's the problem. That's all my head can think of right now.
Funny thing Mike. I did all that. But I did it all with the grinder clamped down. Then I unclamped it, turned it on, and posted this question. haha. The only out of place noise I'm hearing are happening on the v belt side of the machine, so I'll have to go back and do it all again with thing NOT clamped down. Doh! Thanks!