Thread: Started my 72" belt grinder build.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Bearings in a drive wheel ?

Yep... Bearings in the contact wheel and the drive will hopefully they'll be here soon

Some new pictures. Still some things to do but I'm getting her slow but sure. Limited in the amount of space I have in my shop. But it'll work.

Have you figured out how you are going to mount the tension spring on your idler wheel arm?

That's huge, can't wait to see it when it's finished.

Not sure if I'm going with a spring. I may go with a 35# gas strut.

12" 35 Heavy Duty Nitro Prop Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Rod Arm 35lb 12 Inch | eBay

I would go with springs, struts at some point in time just give out.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Bearings in a drive wheel ?

That's an interesting idea

Originally Posted by officerdread

Not sure if I'm going with a spring. I may go with a 35# gas strut.

12" 35 Heavy Duty Nitro Prop Gas Strut Shock Spring Lift Rod Arm 35lb 12 Inch | eBay

I have been thinking of switching out the spring on mine for a gas strut, I am waiting to here how it works for you, I think it is the smart way to go.

Charlie

I just want to toss some thoughts out here and see what happens. I love your design and I am wondering if you have thought about a few things.
1. If your drive shaft is spinning and your drive wheel has a bearing in it, what makes the belt go round ? I am picturing a bearing spinning inside a drive wheel that doesn't move. Doesn't the wheel have to be fastened to the shaft ?
2. Your tubing looks beefy enough for sure but if it's not a tight enough fit will the contact wheel vibrate or worse yet move under the pressure of grinding? I am sure the pressure of the locking bolt will hold it from moving side to side but what about up and down ?
3. The gas shock sounds like a great idea however I am wondering how long a belt will last before it slaps you in the face at 35lbs. of pressure. I would think 5lbs would be more than enough. Some of which may be reduced or increased depending on where you mount the shock. (Think leverage here).
And finally. It looks like your 3" grinder is hanging by the wheel pushed into a crack on your bench? I had one one those fly apart and stick in my chin bone once because it was cracked and I didn't know it. They crack real easy so be careful with that if what I am seeing is what I am seeing. If I drop one of those onto the work bench nowadays, I don't even risk it, it goes in the trash. (Yes, I was wearing a face shield but looking down and then up, raised it enough to expose my chin.)

Originally Posted by spazola

I have been thinking of switching out the spring on mine for a gas strut, I am waiting to here how it works for you, I think it is the smart way to go.

Charlie

Thanks Charlie. I'll let you know and keep you updated How the gas cylinder works out