2x48 vs 2x72 belt grinder which one?

[Mitchw123456]

I’m getting ready to build a belt grinder and can’t decide on a 48 or a 72. I like the smaller foot print of the 2x48 as I don’t have much room as is. Are the 2x72s that superior to the the 48s? It will have to be something I can move around and be bench top mounted so I will have to move it when needed due to room constraints. So what’s the GJ thoughts?


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[tarmy]

What are you using it for...wood or metal...

 

[Mitchw123456]

Solely for metal use...


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[Bottlecapdigger]

I prefer the 72". Belt obviously will last longer, I just finished my first proto type.
Look up " has any one ever built a 2x72 belt grinder?" But then again the 48 belt can run vertical, takes up less floor space. Also PA just had one on sale for 79$. Wow cant build one for that. BCD.

 

[Mitchw123456]

I prefer the 72". Belt obviously will last longer, I just finished my first proto type.
Look up " has any one ever built a 2x72 belt grinder?" But then again the 48 belt can run vertical, takes up less floor space. Also PA just had one on sale for 79$. Wow cant build one for that. BCD.

PA?


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[nickelTwin]

I have a 72"
I'm pretty sure the 72" belt will run cooler. How much, I don't know.

I think you might look at the cost of the belts. I think 72" belts are more common and might be less expensive. Also easier to find.

 

[Bottlecapdigger]

PA. Is Princess Auto in Canada, the equivalent to the US. Harbour Freight BCD

 

[Bottlecapdigger]

I have a 72"
I'm pretty sure the 72" belt will run cooler. How much, I don't know.

I think you might look at the cost of the belts. I think 72" belts are more common and might be less expensive. Also easier to find.[


I was going to mention this also. BCD.

 

[Bottlecapdigger]

Another thought, check out the cost of some of the belt pulleys, I've been looking to get a rubber serrated contact wheel to build another sander. I can't find one anywhere at a reasonable cost. Drive wheel is another cost. Unless you got wheels already. My contact wheel I made out of a 10" wheel and made a bearing hub for it. It was a lot of work and shaving the rubber down True and square ( what a mess of sticky rubber all over my lathe!) Don't think I want to do that again. BCD

 

[bczygan]

I've got the Kalamazoo 1x42:

https://www.amazon.com/Kalamazoo-Sander-Motor-Contact-Wheel/dp/B000REJM3K

Bill

 

[z-edition 006]

I’m building a 2x63" (1600mm) tilting belt grinder. Not sure if you have that belt size in the us. I wanted something in between the 48 and the 72 belt grinder.

 

[zkling]

2x72 gives many more options at a higher cost though. Not quite as portable / compact as a 2x48 2 wheel machine.

I've got the Kalamazoo 1x42:

Bill

I find those to be a pain because the contact wheel is so hidden due to being co-axial with the motor housing. Their belt drive versions are much better.

 

[sz0k30]

Just curious guys? What are 2" wide belts good for? What's their primary usage? Why a 2" rather than a 4" or 6"? & why is there free/non supported space between wheels? & why are they called a "Belt grinder" vs a "Belt sander"?

Just trying to learn.

 

[jgromada]

i see Scoutcrafter use them on his youtube videos polishing & grinding tools. I think he said you can have slightly more control by adjusting the backing etc. More flexibility in setting up than on my stationary 4 " sander

 

[zkling]

Read this

https://www.burrking.com/news/artic...y-combination-sanders-dont-spark-our-interest

 

[Amitygravel]

Go with the 2×72. Belts will last longer and there will be a bigger selection.
I recommend Tru-Grit for belts. They have a huge selection of brands at a wide range of prices.
As far as mobility it really depends on how you configure it , plan ahead where you mount it on a platform that allows you to move it around.

 

[exmaxima1]

Another thought, check out the cost of some of the belt pulleys, I've been looking to get a rubber serrated contact wheel to build another sander. I can't find one anywhere at a reasonable cost. Drive wheel is another cost. Unless you got wheels already. My contact wheel I made out of a 10" wheel and made a bearing hub for it. It was a lot of work and shaving the rubber down True and square ( what a mess of sticky rubber all over my lathe!) Don't think I want to do that again. BCD

An older thread, but nonetheless you can buy decent contact wheels from Grizzly Tools. I bought this one and made a 2x48 grinder from an old Dayton grinder. It's not serrated, but it works fine.

https://www.grizzly.com/products/Grizzly-10-Aluminum-Rubber-Wheel-For-G1015/G9242

 

[zkling]

Depending what type of mount you want for the wheel, a number of companies make fairly priced contact wheels. I have a number of ameribrade wheels. There is also a guy on eBay, treestanddan I think. A few places even offer wheel kits to build a grinder.

 

[Keyblazer]

Just started collecting materials for mine...
2 x 72.

 

[bullnerd]

Whats your location?

What are you doing with it?

Knife making?

Sharpening a lawn mower blade?

I like 6x48's because I like being able to put a brushed finish on wide aluminum parts. The large table on an old 6x48 is better for grinding flat work too.

 

[platypus20]

I have a 2” x 48” Jancy RadiusMaster and a 2” x 72” Burr-King, I actually prefer the 2” x 48”.

 

[bullnerd]

I have a 2” x 48” Jancy RadiusMaster and a 2” x 72” Burr-King, I actually prefer the 2” x 48”.

Doh! Nice collection! But I could buy two used cars for that line up! lol!

 

[Mitchw123456]

I ended up going with the 2x72 mostly for belt longevity and selection. Maybe someday I will actually have time to finish it but like normal too many other projects have it on the back burner

 

[tarmy]

Here is my toy...2x72