PA Multitool Belt Grinder on Craftsman Block Grinders

[McBrownie]

McB - How very timely your post is.

Yesterday I was thinking what should I do with a Block or 2 that need wheel guards and/or covers.

Then it hit me! A McB style BlockMeister.

Thank you for enabling the Torqueman.

TM.
Yes, an expensive and very useful fix for a missing wheel guard.

 

[JEdA]

Just an FYI, the 2x48" Multitool is on sale this month.

http://www.trick-tools.com/Multitool_2_x_48_inch_Belt_Grinder_Attachment_MT482_307#.VPjcxfnF-y4

Disclaimer: I don't work for Trick Tools or Multitool. I just got this in a customer email and thought I would pass along the info.

Thanks. I've been meaning to order one of there for a while. The sale swayed me to go ahead and do it as well as order the 48". Also the miter table was on sale for $50 instead of $75. Saved me $55.

 

[torqueman2002]

I got past my normal procrastination and pulled the trigger.

Got this today from Van Sant Enterprises, Inc. | Trick-Tools.com "Good news! Your order #17 has been fully shipped."

 

[JEdA]

Me too.

Hi Jed,

Good news! Your order #xxxxxx has been fully shipped.

 

[torqueman2002]

Me too.

Hi Jed,

Good news! Your order #xxxxxx has been fully shipped.

Whoohoo!

 

[McBrownie]

JEdA and TM,

Congratulations! Please update this thread with how you fit them to your grinders. I think you'll really like the Multitool. I still use a wire wheel (have a stainless steel 8" Anderson showing up this week) to get in to tight curves and corners, but I do all my grinding on the belts. I like them better than stones. Looking forward to your updates.

 

[JEdA]

I'm hoping fitting it will be pretty straightforward since I have the same 1hp Jet grinder that they sell.

 

[torqueman2002]

Nothing new to report on fitting to a Block.

But, I found this article interesting and thought of this post.

Sorry if this is a hi-jack, as it's not my intention.

Rather, it is offered as another idea to use a belt sander at a slower speed.
http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Luthier/Tools/SloMoSander/slomosander.html

 

[McBrownie]

Nothing new to report on fitting to a Block.

But, I found this article interesting and thought of this post.

Sorry if this is a hi-jack, as it's not my intention.

TM, no problem. That is a cool idea. I also like the fact that a smaller hp motor works just fine due to the "gear" reduction.

 

[McBrownie]

Now that the weather has warmed up, it's time to make a better stand for my block grinder Multitool combo. I've used the Multitool a fair bit and have run into situations where I miss not having a tool rest. This should solve that problem:

http://www.trick-tools.com/MT-Workrest-Multitool-Belt-Grinder-Workrest-7991#.VUO3pyFHDZ4

However, for this to be usable, they pair it up with a stand (for another $100) that allows the grinder to be tipped to one side. Not a bad deal, but too much for my home solution, and I didn't want to have to bolt it to the floor. So I'm going to build the stand with a larger base from some left over lumber and make the "tilt" bracket out of some left over sheet metal. Then I'll put the whole thing on a set of locking casters. In the end, I will have something mobile and should have some fun building it. Oh, and I'll probably save around $8 too (not counting labor) when all is said and done. Isn't that always the case?

I'll post pictures as I move along.

 

[nine4gmc]

saving money and getting to DIY is what it's all about right?

 

[McBrownie]

saving money and getting to DIY is what it's all about right?

In my neighborhood, we have a "stick it to the man" measurement concerning DIY. In other words, how much do you really save by DIY'ing. The long standing champion is a neighbor of mine and his son who fixed a $360 climate control module in a BMW for 47 cents and some solder. They figured out what component needed replaced and picked one up at Radio Shack. To date, no one has topped that.

 

[DanielC99]

I'm an avid reader of all posts in this forum, but have only posted once before. But reading this I had to say something;

"The long standing champion is a neighbor of mine and his son who fixed a $360 climate control module in a BMW for 47 cents and some solder."

Now that is impressive. I would think that will never be topped. It certainly is something to aspire to.

 

[McBrownie]

Daniel,

Glad I got you to post a comment. Hope to hear more from you on this and other threads.

So, it was warm and sunny today as advertised. I got a little done and then the mower started calling.

First of all, the attachment arrived yesterday and I thought I would put some measurements and pictures up here since there aren't many on the Trick Tools site. It was a little smaller than I expected at 4 1/4" x 7 7/8", but it is a good sized work surface and I wouldn't want it any bigger.

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Here is how it attaches:

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This picture is a little blurry, but you can see how it just sides over the wheel mounting bracket on the MultiTool and then clamps with the screws.

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[McBrownie]

My casters showed up this week too. My third set of these and I really like them. 4" and nice and solid for less than $30. I get them here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-4-Swive...er-Wheels-Brakes-Non-Rust-Cart-/271850138584?

And, I managed to get part of the base built.

This isn't going to be furniture, but it will be functional.

View media item 50421

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: always good to see you working on the Blockmeister. Good luck on the new stand too.

Daniel: nice post and feel free to make more posts even if confirming some of our comments or just a well done or well said so some of us don't quit posting that post often. Cheers

 

[McBrownie]

McB: always good to see you working on the Blockmeister. Good luck on the new stand too.

Thanks Drives. Mine is obviously going to be "no-weld" stand. Can't wait to see what you start turning out once you get a welder going.

 

[McBrownie]

Did a little work this morning to figure out the Center of Gravity on this beast. I haven't weighed it yet, but it's a handful. By the way, I'm planning on putting something in the base for ballast. Don't want this thing to tumble if I hit a crack. So, the goal of this stand is to have the grinder to flip/rotate from horizontal to vertical. The Workmate seemed like the best surface to determine the CG and it was. Workmates and Block grinders work well together. The pipe is a scrap piece of plastic plumbing. The CG of the horizontal position is just inside the right side of the center tin:

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The vertical CG was a little more difficult to handle. This would have been way easier with two people. I had to use the old workmate top to slip over the spindle with the left hand guard cover removed. Turns out the CG was about 5 1/4" off of the base.
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Picture taking was a little tougher in this position:
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It turns out that the Center of Gravity shifts 8 1/2" between horizontal and vertical. I'm mounting this on a 18" x 24" base, and what I'm going to do is place the average CG (4 1/4") on the C/L of the base (12").

Now to figure out the swivel bracket and the mounting plate. Once I get that done, then I'll know where to mount the post.

 

[McBrownie]

Between some yard work, and running around I managed to get a mounting plate tucked up under the quench tray tool rest. By the way, I spent $7.36 on hardware, so my projected $8 savings is in real trouble.

Here is what the bottom looks like:
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I ran a tap through the the smaller holes because I think I'm going to use all them just for piece of mind.
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Here it is, just a scrap piece of 3/4" plywood. And yes, the multitool got some use making this.
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Next is the swivel bracket.

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: thanks for the well wishes that i learn to weld and can afford to buy a nice set up to do so soon. my welder did finally find the casters he wants to use on his welding table so hopefully we'll be finishing up his table this coming weekend. unless his new motorcycle arrives that he's been waiting 6 months for.

another good reason why i need to be able to do my own welding because he's good, but we are on his schedule.

now i have to say i'm really curious how you are going to move the Blockmeister from horizontal to vertical. also amazed that you were able to move the Blockmeister onto it's side balancing on a pipe and taking a picture without any help. talk about walking and chewing gum at the same time. BTW how much does your Blockmeister weigh or are you doing this with your regular block?

 

[McBrownie]

McB: thanks for the well wishes that i learn to weld and can afford to buy a nice set up to do so soon. my welder did finally find the casters he wants to use on his welding table so hopefully we'll be finishing up his table this coming weekend. unless his new motorcycle arrives that he's been waiting 6 months for.

another good reason why i need to be able to do my own welding because he's good, but we are on his schedule.

now i have to say i'm really curious how you are going to move the Blockmeister from horizontal to vertical. also amazed that you were able to move the Blockmeister onto it's side balancing on a pipe and taking a picture without any help. talk about walking and chewing gum at the same time. BTW how much does your Blockmeister weigh or are you doing this with your regular block?

I have the swivel figured out and you'll have to stay tuned to find out. The BlockMeister is pretty hefty and reminded me a few times today that I had dislocated my left shoulder last fall. I'll put it on a scale this week to get an accurate weight. It has me concerned about ballast in the base of the stand.

 

[nine4gmc]

How heavy is it? Can't wait to see how you pull this off!

 

[McBrownie]

Had a chance to go back after the stand this morning. Here are couple of pictures of the base with the stand. I figured out the height, how the tilt bracket is going to work and will get some pictures of that posted shortly.

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Next steps are the cover for the base and the bracket itself. I'm seriously considering putting sand-filled bags in the base to make this a little less top heavy. By the way, the base is 18" x 24" and the top of the post is about 34". I'm also just about building this whole thing using my B&D Workmate

 

[jakemac]

Fill the base with lead ingots, just to make sure.

 

[drivesitfar]

Mcb: or store big nuts and bolts in those compartments? Looking good sir.

 

[nine4gmc]

Looking good, I would definitely put some weight down there for good measure. You don't want to be sanding/grinding something and it go to tipping on you.

 

[McBrownie]

Looking good, I would definitely put some weight down there for good measure. You don't want to be sanding/grinding something and it go to tipping on you.

I'm right with Nines and everyone. I don't want an unexpected tumble. I think a bag of play ground sand is in my future.

 

[McBrownie]

Here is the beginning layout of my tilt bracket. I'm starting with a standard big box purchase of 6" x 18" sheet metal. My goal is to cut as little as possible. I made the top of my post 5" by 5" which is a 4x4 Douglas Fir post (nominal 3 1/2" x 3 1/2") with a nominal 3/4" x 5 1/2" wrapper of Poplar. It will all work out in the end. Trust me!

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[McBrownie]

Mcb: or store big nuts and bolts in those compartments? Looking good sir.

Drives,

So sorry about your buddy. We had to put down Oli, a Jack Russel Terrier, a couple of summers ago. She was the guardian/patriarch of the neighborhood for many years. Every mailbox needed to be inspected every evening for inappropriate behavior. We got a couple of crazy replacements (dachshunds) and that really helped to fill the void.

 

[McBrownie]

I got some work done on the bracket today. I also picked up a bag of Paver Sand that I'm going to put in plastic bags and the put in the base before the cover goes on. It ought to hold a good 40-50lbs of sand. I'm out of town all week, so this is it for the time being.

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[McBrownie]

Ok, I'm back from a business trip and spent some time with a mock up. No action photos yet, but the machine runs great in both positions - smooth as silk.

It can use some ballast in the base. It's not wobbly, but rolling it around makes me nervous. The paver sand is going to come in handy. Here is the base mounted up. Baby steps. Don't want to drop a block grinder!
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Here it is in the normal horizontal position. The center of gravity is just about on the right edge of the center tin.
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And the big moment!
View media item 50756View media item 50757View media item 50758

There is still quite a bit to do. Need to make the cover for the base, put in the ballast, sand, and paint. I also have plans to make the lamp a little more useful in the tilted position, but that will have to wait.
View media item 50759

 

[harleybuilder]

[emoji106] [emoji106] [emoji106] [emoji106] ... looks great.....

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: while i truly admire the time, thinking, engineering and work it took to make that stand can you tell me (us) what the purpose is for the sideways blockmeister?

amazing and that had to be a tense moment when you tilted your blockmeister on its side without any sand or extra weight on the base. or did you not worrie at all?

the only reason i mentioned nuts and bolts is because storage for all the ones i have is taking up a lot of space and those compartments look useful for something other than sand. with a lid like you are talking about they wouldn't be full of the grit from your working blockmeister either.

you are amazing and thanks for sharing another great idea with all of us.

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: with your skills i can imagine a multy level set of drawers for the nuts and bolts holding the stand steady when you get blockmeister spinning.

i'm still in awe of your grinder stand you made that flips under your workbench BTW.

best of luck

 

[McBrownie]

McB: while i truly admire the time, thinking, engineering and work it took to make that stand can you tell me (us) what the purpose is for the sideways blockmeister?

amazing and that had to be a tense moment when you tilted your blockmeister on its side without any sand or extra weight on the base. or did you not worrie at all?

the only reason i mentioned nuts and bolts is because storage for all the ones i have is taking up a lot of space and those compartments look useful for something other than sand. with a lid like you are talking about they wouldn't be full of the grit from your working blockmeister either.

you are amazing and thanks for sharing another great idea with all of us.

Thanks Drives and Harley. The whole reason for the flipping the grinder was to make use of a new attachment for the Multitool that lets you use a table with the contact wheel. The discs on the side wear out pretty quickly, are hard to find, and dealing with the adhesive is kind of a pain. The side disc and table have their use, but I couldn't resist adding more functionality to the BlockMeister.
View media item 50760

 

[McBrownie]

McB: with your skills i can imagine a multy level set of drawers for the nuts and bolts holding the stand steady when you get blockmeister spinning.

i'm still in awe of your grinder stand you made that flips under your workbench BTW.

best of luck

Drives,
I thought about building drawers into the base. I imagine I could add a couple later. But I thought if I wanted to get this thing done while I was still young enough to use it, I would keep it simple. (And it is still taking way longer than I thought it would )

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: so maybe put the drawer idea on the back burner to see how much you'll actually use the stand which looks like you will. BTW how's the budget and how about an idea how much time you've spent on this stand including the thinking time? of course now that you've made one and posted all the nice pictures with your thoughts how much of the time is actual working on the stand and going to the store buying parts.

oh and BTW how is the budget coming along and the $7 savings?

i do like your ambition to take on a project and then do it and commend you for that. nice job again McB. how about putting the name blockmeister next to one of those blocks in your sig line so we know who owns it??

 

[McBrownie]

oh and BTW how is the budget coming along and the $7 savings?

McB. how about putting the name blockmeister next to one of those blocks in your sig line so we know who owns it??

Drives, How about:
"Budget? What Budget?"
Or
"I don't need no stinking budget!"

IF, I were to start over I might just buy the pre-built stand and build a rolling base. I really like being able to move it around the garage. However, that would be too tall and I would have to figure out how to shorten it.

But, none of that matters because I still have both kids in college and my oldest just decided to go full time this summer. No $150 stands in my near future.

Good idea with the signature and that has been taken care of.

 

[McBrownie]

Made some good progress today. Got the base put together with the ballast, and even got it painted. I did shorten the post by an inch and had to install the supports again. I don't think I posted how I kept that plumb and square. I used a my Workmate, of course. If you didn't want one before, you should want one now
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And, no I'm not smuggling a couple of kilos. This is the ballast. I used those little bags full of air that some car parts were packaged in. I then filled them with paver sand and duct taped them closed. I probably got about 30lbs in and it made a big difference with the the stability.
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Here it is all buttoned up:
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A close up of the locking mechanism. Just a carriage bolt with a "t-slot" lock down handle. The center of gravity stuff that I worried about makes it so the grinder wants to stay where it is - either vertical or horizontal. In other words, it does not want to "flop over" when it is loosened up.
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It's kind of overcast day, so the pictures are a little dark. I'll take a few more when the sun comes out.
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Next are some holders for the cord, belts, and accessories. I'm hoping that being able to roll this outside will keep the garage a little cleaner.

 

[drivesitfar]

McB: the Blockmeister has it's new home now and it looks great. i was having dinner with my wife last night and saw your finished stand with all those sand bags. i would have showed her, but when i mention how well another person is organized she wishes i would be. to her organized is a swear word and i'm working on that.

that is the nicest sand bag weighting I've ever seen and the planning, engineering, and building of your new stand is awesome. how does it roll and do your stops on the casters keep it steady or do you need to maybe make some type of board with cups in it for the wheels and stand to sit in while you are working on it.

after dinner we took the grand dog for a little walk next to Snoqualmie falls and the noise from the river dropping 300 feet hitting the rocks below had our grand dog shaking in his boots. it's amazing how many cool things we have about less than an hour or two drive from our house.

so back to the shop. after you make a few modifications to the stand are you going to remove the side sanding wheel and maybe make a different addition to the blockmeister??