Building a Machinists Belt Grinder - The Trilogy [Part 3 - Finale]

Here's the final part of my Video Series showing you how I built an all-machined Heavy-Duty Belt Grinder!
Watch Part 1 here: • Building a Machinists ...
Watch Part 2 here: • Building a Machinists ...
🔧 LINK LIST for tools I use in my videos:
hero.page/philvandelay/my-fav...
📐 Belt Grinder Plans: www.etsy.com/listing/823825577
👕 SHIRTS / Merch Store: phil-vandelay.creator-spring....
🙏🏻 Patreon: / philvandelay
📷 Instagram: / phil_vandelay
Time Stamps:
0:00 Introduction
0:32 Machining Table Clamping Block
2:47 Machining Work Table
6:56 Installing Work Table + Testing
9:15 Measuring Drive Wheel Runout
9:51 Making Modificatios + Additional Parts
12:47 Machining + Wiring Control Panel
15:52 Surface Treatment (Cold Blueing) of Steel Parts
19:04 Final Assembly
23:05 Finished Grinder + Running Test (SPARKS!)
25:00 Explaining/Demonstrating of Features
33:36 Outro

[@OU81TWO]

I've been designing and manufacturing tooling and specialized industrial/automation equipment for a living for the past 25 years. I have to say the functionality you designed into this thing is exceptional. Not only is it extremely functional but also aesthetically pleasing. It's truly work of art. Extremely well done. Congratulations.

[@jorgea.garzav4650]

Dude, you say aesthetically pleasing, I say: That's sexy!!

[@robvanza]

Never mind all it can do and how sexy it is, I think that grinder is more clever than what I am! Holy shit what can't you do with that!! I would love to have one but won't even use 25% of what it's capable of doing!!

[@philipdenner8504]

@@jorgea.garzav4650 yep, that's steel porn.

[@smilymander]

Hey, sir what would your field /trade title be? Designing machinery like this would be something I'd like to pursue as a career

[@OU81TWO]

@@smilymander My field of expertise is mechanical engineering and design. More specifically I design and manufacture specialty equipment to support aircraft engine testing. It includes small hand tools, automated machines to assemble engine components, engine lifting/manipulation equipment, ground support and transport equipment, complete test cell installations, etc.

[@gabewhisen3446]

German people dont weld 2 pieces of metal in their garage , they precision cut 90 parts to accomplish a perfectly ballanced self locking engineering marvel. You have to love that

[@asw19B100]

And Not only that, Phil has an unusually fluent command of American idiomatic expression. Cracked me up.

[@matthewmoilanen787]

I get your point but Phil isn't German he's from the Netherlands. Many if not most of them have a good understanding and ability to speak English.

[@kurtbilinski1723]

@@matthewmoilanen787 As an American, I agree that he has an excellent command of English, good enough that it makes me think that he either lived here for a while, or has American friends who taught him slang terms :)

[@petergamache5368]

It's a little late for it to help you but hopefully it helps others: When you're trying to fish cables through all sorts of difficult bends, use string and a vacuum cleaner. Tie a wad of rag or paper towel to one end of the string and stuff it into one hole - apply suction to the other. Then you can tie your cable to the string and pull it back the other direction.

[@PhilVandelay]

I have actually used that technique when trying to route internal cables through bike frames - you're right it helps a bunch. Somehow didn't think of it this time

[@devers6]

I watched the whole thing in one sitting, and I wouldn’t ask for a single second back. So thoroughly satisfying! You are a master-level CAD designer, machinist, videographer and storyteller. My own shop is in storage now because of moves and life changes; so the only machining I get to enjoy is the work of others. This series actually actually made me feel as if I had built it myself. Soon I hope to make that real. Thank you for a wonderful time.

[@magaivertorneiro]

This is the smallest, and without a doubt, the best and best manufactured belt grinder on KZbin. Wonderful job mam, congratulations!

[@AdamS-nd5hi]

absolutely stunning. I cant imagine the feeling of finally putting this thing together and seeing it run for the first time. gave me chills and I didn't even make it!

[@pecilijevelicanstveni4973]

Thank you for your kindness to share this with us! I agree: extremely well done. Congratulations!

[@EvelioPerez]

I watched all three parts of this build. as far as tool building videos this one takes the gold. Not only did you showcased great craftmanship but you really focused on those details. The final product is exquisitely crafted with every corner and every radius honed to perfection. Great work!

[@PennerFab]

Phenomenal job my friend! One of the best grinder builds on youtube. And there are quite a few! Really enjoyed the short series.

[@philipdenner8504]

one of the best, me thinks this is by far the best grinder ever made.

[@jakob3065]

His an Jeremy Schmidt’s share the first place.

[@WebStein1]

@@noidontthinksolol im building schmidts grinder as my next project. got any tips for me making it? Or can i just roll with his plans and videos :) I have bought a 1.5 kW 3PH Motor with 1430 r/min at 50 Hz and 2HP. That should be plenty right? What else can i say. Jeremy's plans are just awesome to understand for amateurs like me :D

[@WebStein1]

@@noidontthinksolol Didnt jeremy recommend cold rolled for the bars as well? Thanks for that quick response though, this community of makers and backyard terrorists never let anyone down haha. Have a great day my friend

[@hairyfro]

16:13 The platten holder looks pleased with the progress.

[@barnzYT]

Hahahah

[@bradymcphail9690]

I found myself mesmerized by your work Phil! I have been a Welder/Fabricator for over 45 years, but never have I done any Machining. I vow before I completely give up I will become competent in metalworking as well as the metric system. I do do a lot of knife making as well as blacksmithing and woodworking, that grinder would serve me extremely well!

[@batzlat1]

This is the MOST satisfyingly and beautifully overengineered belt grinder I've seen on KZbin so far! Great work dude!

[@Nworthholf]

The process is called "bluing" because when you do it thermally (as it was done for many hundreds of years) steel goes through different colors depending on how much time do you treat it (the longer the thicker final coating is) - first it goes yellow, then red-ish, then purple, then blue, then dark gray, and the process was usually stopped when it is still more blue than black. This is not a thing anymore with chemical ways, but the term stayed. Amazing job on the grinder itself, so much better than generic store one!

[@dariushmilani6760]

Well done Phil, I've seen many grinder built, must admit your's is one the best. I waited long enough for this episode. Thank you for sharing. It might be a good idea to build two identical projects that you can sell one and keep one. All the best.

[@chertva9536]

Все три части посмотрел на одном дыхании. Это какое то технопорно))). Превосходно!!!

[@N1HTABATH]

Отличный инструмент для настоящего мастера! Огромное удовольствие от просмотра!

[@rbalker]

This isn't a grinder, it's a work of art.

[@ameyers67]

Phil, I hope you're proud of yourself! That thing looks amazing. Any manufacturer would be proud of that if it was their product.

[@xrayaiz74]

Five stars for the final product. It does more than I thought in regards to adjustability. You really knew what you needed and fabricated an incredibly useful tool. The sparks did fly and that's got to be a great feeling to accomplish this final assembly. Well done.

[@myproject6753]

What a piece of "tech"-art ..I have seen many belt grinder builds but this is by far the best CONGRATULATION!!!

[@iancooper5615]

Without doubt one of the best things I’ve watched on you tube, great videos and your narration is brilliant. Wish i had the time and more milling tools to be able to copy this. 👌🏼

[@BeholderThe1st]

Loved that you started playing the Ode to Joy as you were finishing up.

[@TalonPro]

Beethoven's 9th.

[@nezihaslan8921]

I am 68 years old. I have not seen such a work of art until today. Every piece is cleverly designed. At the same time, details and quality are combined. It's a great design. I watched it to the end without getting bored. I was surprised. I applaud. Congratulations. Thanks. Dr. Nart Shtragua

[@stewartthompson5039]

I spent quite a part of my life Designing Automated Production Systems and Machines before I retired, and I think your vision of the what the completed project will do for you while you're still using the CAD is truly exceptional, genius class indeed in that respect, let alone a damned good Machinist. I've truly enjoyed every one of your video's so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing all of them, well done Sir.

[@travisveurink4251]

Symphony #9 as it goes together! Perfect! Such a pleasure to see someone do such a great job!

[@michael7324]

The fourth movement no less. How fitting.

[@doryvd1]

Best one ever made on youtube! Now please make collection tray on the bottom of the tray from a milled solid block :)

[@joepie221]

That is a beautiful and well thought out piece of work. Exceptionally well done. I may have to make one.

[@theviburnumopulus7296]

This is one of those times when you have the BRAIN, SKILLS and MEANS to do such beautiful things like this one you've done here. Thank you Phil for reminding me I have none. Beautiful machine nevertheless.

[@tuscanland]

I always get the goose bumps when I hear the Ninth Symphony.

[@dixonqwerty]

plata salud me too. Also fits very well to that part of the video :)

[@santaaugustino1]

For me this is a masterpiece of art.

[@theogriengl958]

More than perfect. Couldn't be built better and more beautiful and more precise. Congratulations on these skills.

[@vikassm]

This one gets the KZbin Oscar for 2020. From design to build quality to final assembly this was one beauty of a build. I can't imagine the pains you went through to bring this beast to life, but the end result was well worth it! Not to mention the impressive production quality of this video and my favourite, very tasteful music!

[@csacsamolnar]

The best belt grinder I've seen, awesome job! The only thing I would improve, is to make a bevel on the bottom of the table, for clearance when used at 45°.

[@ianmoone2359]

Exactly what I was going to suggest! 👍

[@wolfparty4234]

And a 3” notch in the work table so that’s the platten is inside the work table. Fantastic job all the way around!!!

[@DorianBracht]

Top Video mein Bester. Die Maschine ist overkill, aber so muss es doch sein!

[@jorgegonzalez-pv8mv]

An absolutely fantastic job !!! Functionality at its finest, precision, care down to the smallest detail. It is comforting that there are artisans of this level. Congratulations!

[@03studios]

The level is craftsmanship on this is on a whole other level, truly a delight to watch you build this masterpiece of machinery. Thank you.

[@SoftmanCZ]

I love it. It is the best one, thai I saw till this day. You should sell them!

[@olofjonsson4874]

The most professional build I've ever seen on You Tube.

[@jasoncampbell4723]

Wow! Your level of skill is impressive, attention to detail. This is seriously the sweetest build of a belt grinder I've ever seen. Such a beautiful capable machine!! Start building another, I want one!!!

[@MadebyJester]

I've now watched all three parts of the build. This is by far the nicest belt grinder I've seen, full of thoughtful features and clever design. Bravo!

[@GarryNichols]

Unfortunately I can only like it just once. nice job!

[@BH.22.]

"Freude schöner Götterfunken!" - I see what you did there! ;-) Richtig nice Maschine, Phil! Hat richtig Spaß gemacht zuzuschauen. Angemessene Präsentation für das Endergebnis. Bestimmt viel Arbeit, alles mit der Kamera mitzudrehen. Hast du beruflich eigentlich einen handwerklichen Hintergrund (Zerspanner) oder vielleicht Studium (Industriedesign)? LG aus München Ben

[@PhilVandelay]

Danke! Ne, ich komme eigentlich komplett aus der Hobby-Ecke, falls man das noch so nennen kann. Habe also in vielen Bereichen auch nur gefährliches Halbwissen und lerne immer das, was ich gerade brauche um irgendwas zu bauen was ich mir in den Kopf gesetzt habe.

[@Etna.]

@@PhilVandelay Moin! Ich habe extra darauf gewartet, dass alle Teile draußen sind, damit ich die heute Abend am Stück schauen kann. Ich bin echt beeindruckt. Geiles Teil! Ich hätte aber auch nicht gedacht, dass du "nur" Hobby-Metaller bist. Vielleicht ist es aber auch genau deswegen so ein schönes Stück geworden. Mit mehr Wissen, würde die Materialstärke wahrscheinlisch schrumpfen und Bauteile vereinfacht werden. Ich will jetzt jedenfalls auch. Schicken Gruß, Etna.

[@chrisv3863]

That's an incredible machine. So much respect for the effort put into the build. Lots of thought, time and hard work. Thanks for letting us watch.

[@mirilika9181]

This is making an simple tool, an work of art. I enjoy all three series. This is probably the best belt grinder buid of all times. Well done!

[@WrenagadeWorkshop]

That design is just so good, awesome job buddy 👍👍 One thing though, does your VFD feature terminals for a brake resistor? I only ask as I work for a VFD manufacturer so if not, just ignore the question but if it does, it's well worth installing the resistor, especially regarding the E stop as the VFD converts kinetic energy into electricity and dumps it into the resistor, which allows the motor it's driving to stop on a dime, regardless of it's relative rpm or load.

[@PhilVandelay]

Ah so that's what those are for! Thanks for the tip, I will definitely look into that, because as you said, the VFD takes a while to slow down the motor. I can set how quick it decelerates in the menu, but if I pick a value that's too small it actually goes into overload protection and shuts down upon braking. I was suspecting that it has something to do with that, as the large drive wheel acts like a flywheel and has a lot of momentum when it's going full speed and I suppose the VFD can't slow it down any faster. I'm guessing there's a resistor built in for that which is just lacking capacity?

[@ShadeAkeley]

Upvoted your comment, that's the only thing I felt was missing on this magnificient belt grinder. I had that "Oh..." moment when he pressed the E-stop :)

[@randytravis3998]

@@PhilVandelay great work on your machine ... says this arm chair QB ..just a idea ,, take a string long enough hold one end and use air hose to blow it threw the area where you want to put the wires , tie the string to the wire and pull it threw ,, might be easy then pushing the wire threw ?? is the shop your full time job ?? you do great work ..

[@TheMadMagician87]

@@randytravis3998 That's a clever way of trying to thread a draw wire. Kicking myself for never having thought of that!

[@rodandakiko2187]

@@randytravis3998 Great idea. About 25 years ago I was building this 4 m high brass gate for some rich dude. When we finished we realised we hadn't installed the wiring. Then my mate suggested some string and use an air gun to blow it thru the tubular frame. We were so relieved.

[@barnabyhopegrant6607]

You say Overkill , I say God damned sexual . There's absolute beauty is this level of precision . I salute you sir .

[@hymeldgaignard6444]

Hymeld Gaignard as a new budding machinist I am most impressed with your superlative skills as a machinist. When I grow up I want to be like you.

[@CCCfeinman55]

Form and function combine to make art here. This is one of the finest examples of machining craftsmanship I’ve ever seen. Too complex for me to ever attempt, but full of great features and functionality. About as versatile as I can imaging a 2x72 belt grinder being. Thanks for sharing....you made my month!

[@1nks4n1ty]

Absolutely stunning workmanship. Definitely one of the best grinder builds by far was a pleasure watching this trilogy

[@OmegaGamingNetwork]

What I have watched here is the single most over engineered, over complicated and beautiful things I've ever seen. Now I'm going to feel bad every time I have to use my sorry excuse for a belt grinder.

[@jvmiller1995]

I am with you. mine has a treadmill motor. But it is still one of my most used tools. I just wish I could justify the machining tools. I would have a lot more DIY tools if I had a lathe and Mill.

[@jvmiller1995]

@@davidhoback4225 Very cool. The surface grinder is next on my list to build for mine. I built my 2x 72 for 30 bucks originally. I have since updated from skateboard wheels but still have less than $100 bucks in it. I have a video of it on my channel. Just don't judge my knives I shown on the video as they was my first few. I have only made about 20 knives or so but it is one of the most handy tools in my shop I use it for wood working as well as just general grinding. I could not buy a decent bench grinder for what I got in mine much less a belt grinder.

[@JAKEWJONES]

⭑⭑ The Wintergatan Marble Machine of Grinders. Great job! ⭑⭑

i've always thought i was the best. Man, i was so wrong. but im handsome, anw.

[@nguyenkienknives]

Vẫn thích của bạn hơn, tiếc là bạn không làm bán :(

[@thatguythatdoesstuff7448]

I tell my wife all the time, "I can't wait for tomorrow, because I get better looking every day."

[@das250250]

He was a male model before he retired to be in the workshop

[@keithspencersr.6806]

I have always thought you and Phil are the best.

[@trashes_to_treasures]

Hahaha bro... 😅😅

[@nakulverma7148]

Exceptional build process and storytelling Phil thank you. Enjoyed every moment, and dearly hope the machine is serving you extremely well.

[@mariocrisolli7577]

I'm so impressed what people can do with an idea and knowledge... I'm a Chef and I enjoyed watching all 3 parts for its beauty and the beltgrinder is BOMBASTIC!!!!!

[@rkg2002]

I just watch the 3 video series and all I can say is, "I Want one!" How much in U.S. Dollars to build be one and shipping???

[@CORZER0]

Finally, part 3! Still waiting for your response from part II; make this for me as a kit and ship it, send total cost!

[@PhilVandelay]

Sorry, probably didn't see the comment! I'm afraid the price would be ridiculous, it's not feasible for me to make and sell this. As I said it's not designed to be fast or easy to build, so even if I worked at minimum wage I can guarantee you wouldn't want to pay that much. It would still be *extremely* expensive. Unfortunately the only way to make anything cheap is to make thousands of them in a factory and I'm just one guy in a hobby shop

[@flyingby3703]

Phil Vandelay But maybe you could make your plans available? It would at least make the option of making it in the own shop easier. (or getting it made if one has the cash...)

[@PhilVandelay]

@@flyingby3703 Plans are available! There's a link in the description

[@flyingby3703]

Phil Vandelay Oh, I didn’t look close enough ;). My bad.

[@flyingby3703]

Phil Vandelay huh, this one really paid off for you.... Congrats on your success!

[@PM-hw5de]

Starke Leistung. Wunderschöne Maschine - man sieht ihr auf den ersten Blick an, wieviel Zeit und Energie in das Projekt gesteckt wurde. Kompliment!

[@joewhitney4097]

These were a great series for building your grinder. Very informative, good video footage with close-ups. Good design, functional and well built. Great work Paul. Thank you.

[@TheScramble8]

Fantastic, I can only dream of making something that beautiful. It's on a totally different level to any other builds I've seen.

[@jacimaroliveira6849]

This is undoubtedly the best belt grinder project I have seen in all my life ! Congratulations .

[@martinbank_]

I just can't get over the build and design quality. This is really something else! I love it so much

[@thomwham2239]

Brilliant design, amazing execution! I love the Ode To Joy finale. Bravo!

[@alhopper2480]

Awesome. Totally Awesome Phil. After seeing parts 1 and 2 I kept polling for Part 3. And I was not disappointed!! Talent is defined as doing something easily that is difficult for others. You displayed major talent here Phil. Keep up the Good Work (tm) and thanks for all the time/effort it took to do such a great job of sharing your talent.

[@bilharmer142]

That is one of the most functional and gorgeously machines I've ever seen made! It was worth the 90 mins watching!!!

[@Tom-xn7zc]

I have bought the plans years ago but since changed jobs and the materials are no longer free or cheap like then so I haven't gotten around to building it, yet I am glad I have bought them anyway. Mostly because this kind of content is just so satisfying to watch (At least for me it is.) and I believe Phil should be compensated for all the time and effort that went into making these elaborate videos and uploading them for all of us to see, free of charge.

[@tomwagemans1872]

I have watch many grinders builds on YT. But this is the only one I re-watch from time to time. Excellent job!

[@drakoontag]

No matter how many time I watch this, this doesn't bore me at all! This is always interesting to watch!

[@roberthorvatich]

Outstanding work. I've cold blued many of my creations to provide a better finished look. After many trial and errors, I've discovered my best results by bead blasting my parts just before cold blueing provides a darker and more uniform finish. Bead blasting also helps eliminate any tooling marks. Really enjoyed your attention to detail on this. Look forward to your next creation.

[@tomsdreamshopworx]

I would happily watch you over build anything. It is a beautiful machine! One of the things I really like about it is that the VFD is mounted out of sight, it really makes the whole unit look very sleek. Thoroughly enjoyed your humor and pokes at the doubters of the commenters.

[@bigmc5706]

You just blew me away from start to finish with your god given talent my friend. You are a TRUE designer/machinist if every I have seen one. Your skill and dedication to perfection is truely exemplary to us novices who watch your videos with envy............................... If only I had your talent. Well done and I for one have subscribed to your KZbin channel.

[@johnolivier7108]

I have watched a lot of grinder builds on YT. But, I must confess! This Build Ticked ALL my boxes. it was so satisfying to see the whole process, who accurate and well planned everything is! the 90° design for the guide plate, sent me over the moon! Richtig geil, alter! Wirklich gut gemacht!

[@corybrook6330]

Now that is one of the best belt girders I have seen beautiful work . Nothing like using a machine that you built buy hand . Absolutely stunning . Thank you .

[@spike60735]

Best belt sander i have seen in my knifemaking career. A real work of art!

[@jelletool6504]

This is the best grinder build I have ever seen! The disign the features the easy operation. Dang man I'm so impressed! Loved the series! The dramatic reveal hahaha loved it!

[@Jowey2010]

This is the most amazing build I've ever seen on KZbin. Great job !!

[@leiffroberg9944]

I just love it. The quality and functionality looks extremely well. And I love the "overkill" and perfektion...

[@ctrchg]

Between the quality of work and the video production I am blown away with these 3 videos!

[@davidluthy2607]

I watched all 3 videos. This is the best belt grinder I have ever had the pleasure seeing you did an extent job explaining what you were doing when you were making the Grinder. Then when you were showing what it can do you did a good showing of its capability's. Congratulations.

[@KennyRusso77]

Very nicely done! I've looked far and wide for a belt grinder design I felt was well thought out and designed/built, but have never been able to find one I was willing to invest in -until now!! Yours is exactly how I would have designed one from scratch -if I knew anything about how to design belt grinders! Your explanations of it's many great features made absolute perfect sense, and the robustness of your design is perfect! Thank you for all the time you put into these videos detailing your build. I really enjoyed watching them!

[@wifidon6617]

Great build Phil. It was a pleasure watching you make this machine. I appreciate your attention to detail and your precision. Look forward to your next video.

[@pappaflammyboi5799]

I've watched a lot of belt grinder builds here on the Tubes, and this is the most functional and beautifully designed grinders I've ever seen.

[@sarge3469]

You sir are a true craftsman and their are not many left today. Thank you for the video.

[@Zorndar83]

The planning that went into this plus the final results are beyond impressive. I love some good old overengineering.

[@MajRatbag]

Impressive and inspiring in every way, congratulations Phil, you must be very proud of that machine. You have inspired me to dismantle the 2x48 I built a couple of years ago and do a proper job :) The 5 dislikes must be from people without the mental capacity to appreciate the thought and skill that went into this build.

[@1tonygunalan]

I don't know what to say,it is beyond my imagination. The work is fully mechanised and polished . It gives the grinder a worthy look to be called the greatest work in KZbin.

[@MadeInGarage]

Solid work!

[@bbarker5766]

Awesome design, build, and trio of videos showing start to finish! Thanks for sharing!!

[@crujones6308]

Absolutely amazing work. Attention to detail is is just wow. A lot of hours in this build for sure.

[@MarkSchuster-ym3iy]

I’ve never seen quality like that. You’re the man

[@jojailic]

Genius, just genius! Thank you for 1,5h of quality, informational content.

[@seephor]

This is not just a machine but art. Amazing work and attention to detail.

[@glendixon8238]

Wow, Awesome. What an exceptional build. I just binge-watched the trilogy. Thank You for sharing. Brilliant workmanship.

[@oliverworks5469]

Just an amazing build! Best design all the way around I have seen ok YT! Professional!

[@joseantonioteixeira7974]

Excellent work, from the project to the end, in attention to details and finishing, practical and versatile, the best I have ever seen. Congratulations.

[@alandesgrange9703]

Amazing. Hands down the best build I've seen for a belt grinder.

[@iteerrex8166]

Superb design, CAD work, manufacturing, videography, narration and so on.. Thank you.

[@edd1016]

Really slick design and build, I just bought the plans today and have to say they are very well presented and well worth the price, you get PDF drawings, Cad model and Step files. Cheers Phil, a lot of work went into it.

[@thomaswamboltvonumstadt1175]

Der MAYBACH unter den Schleifmaschinen !!! Absolute Spitzenklasse. Gratuliere !

[@frankbridges7]

I started watching and couldn't stop. Your grinder is beautiful and will do very satisfying work, and everything you build with the machine will do superior work. Thanks for your hard work. Frank

[@dixonqwerty]

This is ONE HELL OF A MACHINE BUILD!!!!!! I am amazed by the versatility of it. If I had the money I would order one from you immediately. Absolutely amazing video trilogy mate.

[@just.some.dud3]

Outstanding, Phil. This is one of the coolest builds I've seen in a long time. Friggin excellent man. :)

[@jaimebaquero9282]

By far the best grinder build I've seen. Thank you very much.