Homemade 2x72 Inch Belt Grinder

This video walks you through the Build, Demonstration, and Cost Breakdown of my homemade 2x72 Belt Grinder.
Everlast 200 Stick Tig Welder: amzn.to/3dIL6c5
Century FC 90 Flux Core Welder: amzn.to/30g54qH
Evolution 7-1/4 Multi-Material Circular Saw amzn.to/2MziOVy
Evolution 7-1/4 Heavy Duty Circular Saw for Mild Steel amzn.to/3cGwSXR
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My Etsy shop = www.etsy.com/shop/TheBooyahForge
My Facebook: / rick.rabjohn.14
My Email: [e-mail]
I'm no expert nor recommend doing what I do.

[@kretekfilter9687]

I am on different part of the globe, sir. Even english is not my native language. But, your belt grinder is just great. Simple but so sturdy. Really appreciate it.

[@perevulok]

I love watching people like you, inventors and iron lovers. I himself am like this, your works inspire me what to do with your hands in my workshop)) Good luck!

[@snookdock]

can't believe I haven't found your channel until now! what a nice find, patting myself on the back, and thank you.

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you and welcome to the channel!

[@MrStatic101]

That’s a solid build man. Love it.

[@justsomeguy1303]

I shall be building this soon, thanks dude nice job

[@gatesofroyalty863]

Really beautiful and simple tool thank you so much for sharing!!! Great job!!!

[@RickRabjohn]

Many thanks to you for checking it out and your comment; Booyah

[@stevebranham2599]

Good build, super heavy duty , I like that its upright like I've seen on Forged and Fire.Thanks

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you Steve for checking it out - it's been working great and have had no regrets on the design. Take care.

[@corywilliams1698]

Thanks for posting this video. I'm in the same boat. I'm quickly out growing my 1x30 belt sander and didn't feel the need to dump 2 grand into a new knife makers belt sander. I will definitely build one of these!

[@RickRabjohn]

Hey Hey That's great news Cory - Note: this has been the best addition to the shop yet - that said, I did end up swapping out the motor - my uncle gave me a 1 1/2 HP motor and I decided to try it out - it really hogs the metal and I can "lean into it" more when I'm in a hurry without the motor bogging down. So, you might want to think about a motor size higher than 1 HP. Good luck with your build and look forward to seeing it when done !!!

[@corywilliams1698]

@@RickRabjohn thanks for the tip, I will.

[@smokefentanyl]

Beautiful welds absolutely beautiful

[@HarmonHeat]

I like how you left all the measurements on it so we easily replicate it, thanks! I really want to make one

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks - It's one of my favorite shop tools - Note I did swap out the motor recently - my uncle gave me a used Baldor 1-/1/2 HP motor and it's been working out better than the PortaCable Grinder. So, good luck with your build.

[@HarmonHeat]

Oohhh Baldor, that's a nice one. Used or not they are quality

[@RickRabjohn]

Yes - I told him he is now my favorite Uncle - :-))))

[@teun7923]

I love this easy solid style of 2x72 great as a first or only grinder. Thanks for the inspiration! i am going to make a 2x42 version

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank Teun - it is the most used machine in my shop and I love it - by the way the speed control on the PortaCable grinder failed so I swapped it out with a 1-1/2 horsepower Baldor motor that I had. The extra horsepower from the Baldor has been working better, and I would go with something similar originally if I did it over again. Good luck with your build mate; Cheers

[@teun7923]

@@RickRabjohn Thanks, im going to use a 3HP treadmill motor (just a little bit overkill lol) it was the only motor i could find cheap. Also, i think the design could easely be converted to work with tool arms. You just make a hole for the idler wheel a bit lower and you got the extra length.

[@jimshirley7613]

Enjoy your very informative vids. Thanks!

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Jim!

[@user-rq8mz2qp2m]

Well done, greatings from Sibiria

[@RickRabjohn]

Welcome Sibiria and many thanks for checking out my channel.

[@MegaChekov]

nice job Thanks for sharing your idea

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks John - appreciate your comment!

[@5j1o3h6n]

nice simple and effective,thanks for the informative vid.

[@RickRabjohn]

Hey John thanks for checking out the video and your comment! The grinder has been working out really well and I haven't needed to make any modifications - so-far-so-good; Cheers

[@dennissastini1749]

Very cool setup though I’m gonna do one and luckily I think I have most of the materials thank you so much for your idea

[@RickRabjohn]

The one change I made was the motor. Uncle gave me a Baldor 1-1/2 HP so I hooked that up to try it out. It made a difference - I can lean into the belt more without bogging things own. The other motor worked too, but if you have a 1-1/2 HP, that would be even better. Goood luck Dennis!

[@LozHarrop]

Hey Rick you did a nice job with that, looks to run sweet with plenty of power, nice steady pressure grinding makes the belts last longer I found. Cheers.

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Loz. A little more putty and paint to cover up the welds and she'll be a beauty...

[@mshaw290808mi]

I really like the idea of being able to roll it outside! I hate getting that grit all over my shop!

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks for checking it out - cheers

[@glennicholson3028]

Great design, looks tough.

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Glen!

[@bighammer587]

Nice build 👍

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you Mark!

[@joecalton1449]

that Is a nice build Rick! now ill bet that the next one that you build will cost quite a bit less, as you can keep an eye out for used motors and parts to make another one. Try "pops knife supplies" for your grinding belts as he usually has about the best prices of anyone that I have found.one thing to watch for with that lower shelf that you built into it is that it might be rough on your back for long grinding sessions. I build my grinders so I can get as close to the belt as I can, which really reduces the strain on your back, and lets your bone structure support the work. of course I make a lot of knives, and it is not uncommon for me to spend 8 hours in a day grinding. the grinder that I based mine off of was built and shown by Wayne Goddard in his book the $50 knife shop.

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Joe for all the tips - I'm going to have to check out Wayne Goddard and Pops Knife Supply for sure. Happy grinding!

[@bykota61]

Top hole design ,Rick. Nice small footprint. I vote lop off back lever arm and replace tensioning with a large pivoting coupling nut with a large bolt&heavy compression spring under top arm. Use of the bench grinder most brilliant. 3/4 horsies seem to not bog down too badly. I once saw a chap gang two motors together with sheaves and belt to increase powa. Oh ,and there could be a section of square tubing added piggyback on or under your lower platten horizontal piece to recieve a removable table. Regards, your newest subscibr !

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you bykota! I like your idea on shortening the back lever arm. I have used this grinder a great deal and so far so good - the power from the grinding motor is pretty good and I appreciate the variable speed it has. That said, 1 or 1-1/2 HP variable speed would be ideal. Welcome to the channel; Booyah!

[@NordboDK]

Shorten it and use a threaded rod on the back side instead of the spring. Cheap and easy. I like that design

[@bobbrua8758]

nice design like the build gives me some ideas thanx bob here

[@RickRabjohn]

it's the most used tool in my shop and still going strong. I did change out the porter cable grinder with a 1-1/2 HP motor. I love it! Good luck with your build.

[@liamr6672]

Nice build, looks like plenty of power. :)

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Liam, I have since replaced the grinder with a 1-1/2 HP motor as the variable speed stopped working. Big difference with the higher HP and would recommend it if you can sing it. I got lucky as my Uncle gave me the motor, so decided to try it out.

[@liamr6672]

@@RickRabjohn I have a .4 hp bench grinder I plan to rig up for some 1x30 belts I was using for my dads sander. Someday I will upgrade to a bigger machine.

[@RickRabjohn]

Liam R well that should work :-)))))))))))) good luck with your build!

[@kodos9000]

great job! I am using a Kalamazoo 2x48 which I love but want to step up to a 2x72 I like your design seeing it's similar to a Kalamazoo. Question though do you think you could have made you tension bars the 24 inch ones shorter to decrease the foot print of the unit? Jon.

[@RickRabjohn]

Hey Hey Jon thanks. So the top bar extends back 15 inches from the back end of the center column and I think you could shorten that some - say 7 inches or so. Given the shorter "moment arm" you would just need to add more tension on the turnbuckle to get the same tension as before. Alternatively, I was thinking you could eliminate the 15 inches totally and install some form of a jack connected at the front end at a 45 degree angle to push up on the top arm to add belt tension but that adds cost. Good luck with your build - look forward to seeing it when done.

[@Cordova449]

Sweet

[@kushidris5516]

you can insert tention spring inside pvc pipe and put cap in top side for safety .

[@RickRabjohn]

That is a good idea mate! - Thanks Kush Idris for checking it out!

[@lawrenceogden8682]

THE BEST MACHINE IVE SEEN IN A WHILE WHAT BELT SPEED IS IT RUNNING AT

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Lawerence - the RPM max is at 3400 resulting in a belt speed of 4400 FPM. Last week I swapped out the grinder (3/4 HP) with a 1-1/2 HP motor with the same RPM and belt speed. I made the change because occasionally the grinder would slow down when I pressed the work hard against the platen. So, with a little more power, it won't slow down when I'm in a hurry. Thanks for checking it out.

[@geodans7704]

Nice work! I've considered going vertical too, it's so much simpler and takes less space depending on design modifications, but I'm not sure I'd like the motor right below it catching all the dirt, grit and filings, Have you found that or anything else (besides skinning your forehead) to be a disadvantage to the vertical design? Thanks.

[@RickRabjohn]

It's ironic - I was just thinking about my grinder yesterday. It's one of the few builds I've done that I haven't needed or wanted to modify or tweak in some way. So far the motor is holding up and not bogging down under normal load. Ideally, a 1 1/2 HP fully enclosed farm duty motor might be better, but that would forego the variable speed - unless I wanted to go further in $$ with a motor controller. Alternatively, I could have mounted the motor inside the base box with a v-belt coming up to a shaft, pillow block, and step pulley configuration to provide some varying speeds....and some added protection for the motor as you said. Good luck with your build!!

[@sd767633]

The trim wheel and spring / tition wheel are better separate d and not combined. I understand the need to save money and space though. It doesn't look like it is that much of a smaller footprint.

[@Lasurge1982]

One quick question the nut that holds your tracking wheel bolt is that welded to the tracking plate underneath? I was trying to look but I couldn’t really get a good view of it from the angles you were shooting at

[@RickRabjohn]

Hey there - I welded on to the tracking plate a 2 inch Hex coupler that I already had (i.e. they are typically used to connect two pieces of threaded rod). I then simply screwed the bolt into that. I used this approach to allow me to adjust the upper wheel in or out to align with the bottom wheel if needed. By the way - once I set the tracking, I seldom ever have needed to reset it or adjust - I wonder if that has to do with only using two wheels vs. three, but thought I would mention it. Hope that helps and good luck with your build. Booyah!

[@oldmanriverrimington3442]

wow those are some nice welds on the tensioner. lol

[@RickRabjohn]

:))) Thanks Gary - a few welding lessons this past winter and a new Everlast 200 AMP stick welder has really helped me out..... Thanks for checking it out.

[@RickRabjohn]

Oh I sure did notice and agree with him and others that some of the welds were terrible :-))) I was using a small Flux Core Welder with low amps on thick steel which was wrong wrong wrong. So, after this project, I bought a 200 amp stick Welder and took some needed lessons. So problem solved and My welds look way better. Thanks for checking out my channel and for your comment - Booyah!

[@oldmanriverrimington3442]

Rick Rabjohn I can weld thick steel with a 100 amp gasless mig and my beads still stack like tiny nickles.

[@oldmanriverrimington3442]

Rick Rabjohn and penetrate 1/8 " he said penetrate. lol

[@oldmanriverrimington3442]

Rick Rabjohn keep up the good work and learn learn learn. never stop learning. it's guys like us that make this country great.

[@ckobesko]

try 7014 rods. practice. nice fabrication skills

[@gregsmith2262]

Well I am in Australia and wouldn't mind if you could do some "cocky shit" welding for me because my welding is just plain "shit". Thanks for the video mate ☺

[@royk007]

nice build !! Only the welding is badddd But further nice tool to have.Greetings Roy

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Rock! I bought the belts from Amazon. In terms of welding, your right but I spread a little rock hard putty over them before I painted - they now look beautiful :))

[@alexstearne9828]

in australia that,s what we refer to as a ( Cocky Shit) weld @ the hook & base of the post . Get someone to tiich ya how .what are you like as a blacksmith

[@RickRabjohn]

No problem mate - a little extra black paint will fix them both ha ha ha. I have a small core flux welder and it works well on the thin 3 mm square tubing but I do end up with cocky shit on the 6 and 12 mm thick steel. Someday, I hope to afford a nice MIG.. Cheers

[@jasontodd4801]

Have you had any problems from using the bench grinder?

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Jason - No issues as yet, but if I really push the work hard into the platen it will slow down the rotation - so I am thinking of experimenting with a bigger 1-1/2 HP 3400 RPM motor I have on hand to see if there is a difference. That said, it's the one tool I use the most in the shop (almost every day) and so far it's been great for my needs as is..

[@jasontodd4801]

Cool I have that exact grinder but wasn't sure if it would hold up. Thanks for the vid. Think I'm gonna attempt my own belt grinder

[@RickRabjohn]

Jason - I just swapped out the porta cable grinder with the bigger motor and it's surprisingly better (better defined as hogs more metal without getting bogged down). So, I think I am sticking with the bigger motor.

[@dennissastini1749]

Teflon behind the paper may make it last longer

[@RickRabjohn]

Agree

[@justinriley8651]

I'd be happy to tig that for you. Very good plan and heavy made welds need some work . Not being mean just honest

[@RickRabjohn]

Welds need work? Really? They look fine after some putty and paint :)) Seriously, this is what happens when you use a cheap 100 Amp flux core welder rated at 1/8" max to weld 1/4 to 1/2" steel; popcorn! Since then, I acquired an Everlast 200 Stick - no more putty needed; Booyah!

[@justinriley8651]

Rick Rabjohn no offense man I've been a pipewelder for a long time .first thing I see is the welds we gotta be damn near perfect. Xray welds sometimes

[@RickRabjohn]

Hey hey no offense taken - many of my welds look awefull - I just started to teach myself to weld back in early 2016. I'm having a blast and totally hooked on it --- so its a matter of practice practice - the good news is I'm getting better week by week. You have a great skill being a pipewelder - congrats!

[@justinriley8651]

Rick Rabjohn thanks. Take a class at ivy tech . That should help you alot.

[@Imwright720]

I doubt the back of the sand paper is ever going to wear out a piece of steel. Looks good to me. You could easily put a wheel just above the platen and move the top wheel back if your afraid it might get your face.

[@RickRabjohn]

agree with what your saying. I have used this a ton and no wear on the platen. Thanks for the ideas Gene.

[@Witaligt]

💪👍

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you !!

[@user-qt7mn8zp2n]

👏👏👏👏👍

[@ronnieg6358]

Recommended belt speed for steel is 6500 Ft per min. Yours is 30% short of this.

[@raggidyman2949]

I was really liking it until you panned down the spring yes! turnbuckle, genius! then bam wtf are those welds bro!? good God looks like your next thought should be an angle grinder! lol!

[@RickRabjohn]

LOL yes I think I'm just about ready to enter into the national welding beauty contest....ha ha ha. Hey nothing a little putty and paint wont fix....Thanks for the laugh!

[@bykota61]

If she holds, she"s gold.

[@lawrenceogden8682]

THAT EQUATES TO ABOUT 24 METERS PER SEC

[@RickRabjohn]

Does that seem right to you?

[@mooman4836]

fucking heavy duty WOW!

[@RickRabjohn]

Thanks Mike - Oohrah!

[@gregsmith2262]

Well I am in Australia and wouldn't mind if you could do some "cocky shit" welding for me because my welding is just plain "shit". Thanks for the video mate ☺

[@RickRabjohn]

Thank you and Welcome to The Channel

[@gregsmith2262]

+Rick Rabjohn Thanks learn something every time

[@chrisparson1373]

Rick Rabjohn just wondering if you have trouble with the machine bogging down