Belt sander assumed 6x48, but 45"

[csp]

Picked this up at an estate sale for $20 and I assumed it to be 6x48", but running a flexible tape around the drums I come up with 45". There's not enough room to adjust it to 48" and I don't see any belt lengths available between 36" and 48" in a 6" width. Not sure what to think as I've only seen 6x48 before, even on old machines.

Does anyone have any insight on this odd length?

It's a Powr Kraft made by Duro in 1946, based off of the serial number, so maybe that was a length that had belt availability back then. It came with a 1/2hp motor.

I had planned to use an extra 2hp motor I have and mount vertically on an air compressor motor/pump plate that I have, and mount all of it via a post to a semi truck drum.

 

[dscheidt]

A buddy had a shop made belt grinder, which used some really off the wall size (4.75 wide, I think.) His saw blade sharpening shop sold him custom made belts. (they had them made, I think, and didn't do it in house.) I don't think they were terribly expensive, but there were some minimums, and a week or 10 day lead time.

 

[metaleltr]

Custom may be the way to go if you can find a source. A quick search revealed basically no off the shelf solutions. Mcmaster doesn't have them and metric conversion of sizes didn't get me anywhere either.

 

[Lightning rod]

this manual from Vintage Machinery seems to suggest a 6" x 44-½" belt
so your 45" measurement is bang on

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/270/19705.pdf

also, these guys do custom belts (just did Google search)
https://www.abrasiveindustrialsupplies.com/pages/coated-abrasive-belt-services

 

[RTM]

Googling

custom length sanding belts

Will give you a few options. Ran into a company in Florida a while back who made them, will see if I still have their name, and if still available.

 

[wrenchguy]

I had 4"x80" belts made, reasonable $ i thought. Signed "big stingy".

 

[rsanter]

There used to be a couple shops around here that would make them up for your. Not sure they are around anymore.
The problem I have is that I have a bunch of old belts that are new but when I use them they only last a few min and then the seam separates.
I hate to throw them away as that's a lot of money there.

Did some googling and found that you can buy the tape for the seams. It s a bit pricey but could be a deal in the long run.
I also looked on utube and there were some guys using rubber cement and some backing material to make their own belts. They say they last well.
If you don't have a place near you, you may try making your own

 

[dnschmidt]

Klingspor or Abrasive Resource can make any belt you wish. Any abrasives converter (which is what these types of operations are called) buy abrasive materials in master rolls that look like a carpet roll and then slice these down to whatever size is needed. They do this for everything they make whether it be a standard size or a custom so it's no skin off of their teeth to make a custom size as in effect every belt they make is a custom size.

 

[Alaniho]

As the others say if you can find a local convertor, that is the best option, have the width, total length and grit you need to hand when you call them.

We are across the water but if you are still having no joy send me a PM and I can help you out as where i work we make in these any size/ grit / material to order and in a small quantities if needed. Would be glad to help a GJ 'er.

 

[csp]

I've seen that several places will make custom length belts. I think I'm just going to modify the tool to add some length to it.

 

[RTM]

Klingspor ....can make any belt you wish.

I thought they could, but I could not find it on their retail website. Is it on the other. I was going to recommend them first, as that is where I saw them most recently.

 

[matt_i]

Unless you are attached to that I'd try to flip it for $40 and find a sander that takes a common size. I believe it will be less hassle in the end.

 

[csp]

This is an easy fix. Just need to make new blocks that the idler roller rides in that allow it to extend 1.5" more than the current blocks. I may even just mill some extensions and tig weld them to the existing blocks.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm a Klingspor industrial customer so I've got no reason to check out their retail site but I assure you that they can make anything. Give them a call and ask them.