I have been thinking about getting the multi tools belt sander attachment for my grinder. Who here has used one of these attachments and what are your thoughts. Is it worth it? Do you find yourself using it more than your grinding wheel? Which size would you choose and why (2in or 4in wide)?
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Multi tools belt sander grinder attachment
- Thread starter shawhite
- Start date
I have several and use them regularly. In a nutshell, once you try a belt you will never want to use a wheel again.
I like the 2-inch wide version.
This!!!
Last edited:
Firebrick43
Well-known member
Interesting attachment. Doesn't appear however your saving much over a dedicated industrial quality machine like a Kalamazoo?
Mine is a 1x42 and I use the piss out of it compared to my big 8" grinder. The biggest advantage to me is different types of belts can be changed is seconds
Mine is a 1x42 and I use the piss out of it compared to my big 8" grinder. The biggest advantage to me is different types of belts can be changed is seconds
Last edited:
Interesting attachment. Doesn't appear however your saving much over a dedicated industrial quality machine like a Kalamazoo?
Mine is a 1x42 and I use the piss out of it compared to my big 8" grinder. The biggest advantage to me is different types of belts can be changed is seconds
The Kalamazoo 1x42 typically runs a 4-inch drive wheel at 1750 rpm, so it is MUCH slower than the MT adapter on a 3450 rev grinder. Plus the MT has a high quality CONTACT wheel instead of a fixed platen, so you get a much smoother (non-bouncing) grind. You can change the MT belt in 1/2 the time of the Kala as well--the tracking doesn't move when you release the belt.
Firebrick43
Well-known member
The Kalamazoo 1x42 typically runs a 4-inch drive wheel at 1750 rpm, so it is MUCH slower than the MT adapter on a 3450 rev grinder. Plus the MT has a high quality CONTACT wheel instead of a fixed platen, so you get a much smoother (non-bouncing) grind. You can change the MT belt in 1/2 the time of the Kala as well--the tracking doesn't move when you release the belt.
Um, the bg142 runs 5400 sfm, the same as the multitool, and the bg248 is over 7000sfm.
Changing belts on a Kalamazoo takes 15-20s Max even to adjust tracking and lock. Don't know if saving 10 sec is all that important. But kalamazoos will run all day for years in machine shops due to the high quality baldor motor.
Um, the bg142 runs 5400 sfm, the same as the multitool, and the bg248 is over 7000sfm.
Changing belts on a Kalamazoo takes 15-20s Max even to adjust tracking and lock. Don't know if saving 10 sec is all that important. But kalamazoos will run all day for years in machine shops due to the high quality baldor motor.
The Kala 1SM is far more popular, I've owned several, and runs 1800 sfm. The BG142 is new and looks pretty nice. How much do they cost? They look like they finally employed a decent balanced contact wheel versus the simple caster wheel they used for years.
Regarding motor quality, I have a MT adapter mounted on a Baldor grinder and it is just as durable as a Baldor motor. It runs hours at a time with no issues. I think the same could be said for any quality grinder like a Wissota, Rockwell, Dayton, etc.
rsanter
Well-known member
I like those and have been tempted to buy one but the price I sell a bit too high.
I ended up buying a used 4” belt grinder unit for less than that, but I still want the 2” version.
So I a, building a 2” belt grinder
I ended up buying a used 4” belt grinder unit for less than that, but I still want the 2” version.
So I a, building a 2” belt grinder
Firebrick43
Well-known member
The Kala 1SM is far more popular, I've owned several, and runs 1800 sfm. The BG142 is new and looks pretty nice. How much do they cost? They look like they finally employed a decent balanced contact wheel versus the simple caster wheel they used for years.
Regarding motor quality, I have a MT adapter mounted on a Baldor grinder and it is just as durable as a Baldor motor. It runs hours at a time with no issues. I think the same could be said for any quality grinder like a Wissota, Rockwell, Dayton, etc.
If you mount the multitool on a baldor or equivalent quality grinder then yes. My point is/was by the time you buy a quality grinder(new) and then mount a multitool you not saving much. The grinder packages sold by multitool are cheaper grinders.
Note: Currently Dayton is an old quality manufacture that's name is being pimped by grainger who owns it now)
Ozwelder
Well-known member
I have had a Multitool belt grinder for twenty years.It is an Australian designed tool, designed by the same fellow who later designed the Radius Master belt grinder.
My MultiTool is the most used electrical tool in my workshop. I have all the attachments but use only the side table with the abrasive disc.
Typical uses
Edge dressing the components of fabricated things I weld up
Sharpening, drill bits, reshaping screwdrivers, knife edges, chisels, centre pops and punches
Cleaning off rusty metal prior to tacking or welding.
With care, the Multitool is excellent for slack grinding and sanding.
Mine is mounted on a portable frame with lockable castors so it is wheeled outside when I know I am going to make a mess.
It's a good idea to mount the MultiTool on a 1 HP bench grinder of good quality as the Chinese generic types can be underpowered. I blew the caps on a couple of Chinese cheapy bench grinder motor before I went to a quality bench grinder. The ideal accompanying attachment is wire brush on the other end of the motor spindle.Make sure it is a good brand as the cheaper brushes spit wire at you and I have flung wires embedded under my skin.
Some of the newer Multitools (made in China) had big problems with the drive pulley bore being bored out of alignment with the wheel surface-something to watch out for.
Parts are available as I found out after the adjuster cam wore after 20 years and I had belt tracking problems.
Overall a great tool and I would find workshop life difficult without it.
Oz
My MultiTool is the most used electrical tool in my workshop. I have all the attachments but use only the side table with the abrasive disc.
Typical uses
Edge dressing the components of fabricated things I weld up
Sharpening, drill bits, reshaping screwdrivers, knife edges, chisels, centre pops and punches
Cleaning off rusty metal prior to tacking or welding.
With care, the Multitool is excellent for slack grinding and sanding.
Mine is mounted on a portable frame with lockable castors so it is wheeled outside when I know I am going to make a mess.
It's a good idea to mount the MultiTool on a 1 HP bench grinder of good quality as the Chinese generic types can be underpowered. I blew the caps on a couple of Chinese cheapy bench grinder motor before I went to a quality bench grinder. The ideal accompanying attachment is wire brush on the other end of the motor spindle.Make sure it is a good brand as the cheaper brushes spit wire at you and I have flung wires embedded under my skin.
Some of the newer Multitools (made in China) had big problems with the drive pulley bore being bored out of alignment with the wheel surface-something to watch out for.
Parts are available as I found out after the adjuster cam wore after 20 years and I had belt tracking problems.
Overall a great tool and I would find workshop life difficult without it.
Oz
Last edited:
cspcrx
Well-known member
I got mine last year and really like it.
Hammer1963
Well-known member
I own four and all are set up for different applications. I have two 2" x 36" units with JET 1/2 HP grinders. One 4" x 36" and one 4" x 48" powered by 3/4 HP JET grinders. These are a fantastic value and are the most used corded tools in my shop. I purchased my first Multitool 15 years ago and they have performed flawlessly!
Alamedasam
Well-known member
Anybody have a link to who makes them? I might like to try one.
http://www.multitool-usa.com
Is who makes the attachment you can buy them thru several vendors including
http://www.trick-tools.com/Bench_Grinder_Attachments_28
Is who makes the attachment you can buy them thru several vendors including
http://www.trick-tools.com/Bench_Grinder_Attachments_28
Bumping this as I’m looking to buy one and can’t decide between the Multi Tool grinder, the Jet option available from Eastwood or just getting the attachment and buying a separate new grinder. I currently do not have a bench grinder.
Any downsides to just buying the complete 1HP grinder kit sold by multitool?
I’m just a hobbyist so it wouldn’t be used for hours daily.
Any downsides to just buying the complete 1HP grinder kit sold by multitool?
I’m just a hobbyist so it wouldn’t be used for hours daily.
Bumping this as I’m looking to buy one and can’t decide between the Multi Tool grinder, the Jet option available from Eastwood or just getting the attachment and buying a separate new grinder. I currently do not have a bench grinder.
Any downsides to just buying the complete 1HP grinder kit sold by multitool?
No way that Jet grinder and a handful of belts is worth $400. Better to buy just the adapter and a nice used Baldor grinder for much less, and have a smoother running machine. Just make sure you get a 3450rpm grinder (not a slow speed or 10"/12" model ) so you get the proper surface speed.
thr3squared
Well-known member
I was recently given an older 1/2 HP Craftsman 7" Block Motor Bench Grinder (in very good shape), and was looking into the multitool attachments. Does anyone have experience adapting these unit onto older grinders? Any reasons why it would be a bad donor?
Bobioz1
Well-known member
I have one mounted on a 3/4 horse block grinder. Works great.
I was recently given an older 1/2 HP Craftsman 7" Block Motor Bench Grinder (in very good shape), and was looking into the multitool attachments. Does anyone have experience adapting these unit onto older grinders? Any reasons why it would be a bad donor?
It is not a direct bolt-on. You would need to machine an adapter spacer to make it work, and shaft collars, plus potentially tap the mounting holes on the block grinder a larger size as they are a bit small for attaching the belt assembly. Not especially difficult, but not as straightforward as other grinders would be. I would prefer to use a heavier grinder if I invested $225 in a belt adapter kit.
thr3squared
Well-known member
It is not a direct bolt-on. You would need to machine an adapter spacer to make it work, and shaft collars, plus potentially tap the mounting holes on the block grinder a larger size as they are a bit small for attaching the belt assembly. Not especially difficult, but not as straightforward as other grinders would be. I would prefer to use a heavier grinder if I invested $225 in a belt adapter kit.
Good to know, thank you! I’ll def do some additional research.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
FlaGman
Well-known member
It bolted right on my 25 year old Milwaukee 1/2 hp unit with no problem.
Good to know, thank you! I’ll def do some additional research.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
This may be helpful depending on age of yours.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274020
thr3squared
Well-known member
This may be helpful depending on age of yours.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274020
Mine is a Model 397.19440, built in 1973. So I think it would be similar to the one McBrownie posted about in his thread.