Do you need to smooth out a few rough edges on some woodworking project? If so, you might want to consider building your own belt sander. This can be a fun and rewarding project, and it doesn’t have to be difficult. In this blog post, we will provide you with everything you need to know to build your own belt sander. We will also provide some ideas and plans for different types of belt sanders. Let’s get started!
Building a belt sander is a relatively simple project. You will need to gather some basic materials, such as a motor, pulleys, belts, and bearings. You can find all of these materials at your local hardware store. Once you have gathered all of the necessary materials, you will need to follow some simple instructions to put everything together. We will provide those instructions in this blog post.
Now let’s talk about some different types of sanders that you might want to consider building. The first type of sander is the hand-held belt sander. This type of sander is great for small projects or for getting into tight spaces. The second type of sander is the bench belt sander. This type of sander is larger than the hand-held belt sander, and it is great for sanding large pieces of wood. The third type of sander is the stationary belt sander. This type of sander is very large, and it is best used for industrial applications.
Here’s a plan for hand-held belt sander, but they can be easily adapted to other types of sanders.
Hand-Held Belt Sander Plans
Materials:
- Motor (1400 RPM or higher)
- Pulleys
- Belts
- Bearings
- Wood or metal frame
- Sandpaper
Instructions:
Step One: Cut the wood or metal frame to size. The frame should be large enough to hold the motor, pulleys, and belts. It should also be wide enough to support the sandpaper.
Step Two: Drill holes in the frame for the bearings. The holes should be big enough to fit the bearings snugly.
Step Three: Assemble the frame using screws or nails. Be sure to use a level when assembling the frame so that it is straight.
Step Four: Mount the motor on one end of the frame and attach the pulleys and belts on the other end. Make sure that the belts are tight and that the pulleys spin freely.
Step Five: Attach the sandpaper to the frame using screws or nails. Be sure to use a level when attaching the sandpaper so that it is straight.
More Ideas
DIY Belt Sander Projects
1. Mini DIY Belt Sander
With just using scrap material, you can build your own belt grinder! Unfortunately, there is no blueprint of the project, but, there are step by step instructions and a video to guide you. The video isn’t in English however, it’s still helpful especially, with the written instructions.
2. 2 x 42″ Homemade Belt Sander
This tutorial also provides a quick video for you to visually see how this belt sander is done. Watch and learn! Now there are no instructions provided in the video or on Lumberjocks site. So, this one may be best for visual learners!
3. Build Your Own Belt Grinder with Grinder Wheels
Kevin Blumer knows exactly how disappointingly pricey belt grinders are. Because of that, he built his own! He uses Beaumont Metalworks grinder wheels– one for the contact wheel, the second one for a tension and tracking wheel, and the third for the drive wheel.
4. How to Make the World Smallest Belt Grinder
![DIY Belt Sander machine - World Smallest Belt Grinder [ How To ]](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxIDEiIHdpZHRoPSIxIiBoZWlnaHQ9IjEiIGRhdGEtdT0iaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZpLnl0aW1nLmNvbSUyRnZpJTJGTmxOQnkzZEhlZkklMkYwLmpwZyIgZGF0YS13PSIxIiBkYXRhLWg9IjEiIGRhdGEtYmlwPSIiPjwvc3ZnPg== "DIY Belt Sander Ideas to add to your tools 4")
While watching this this video, you might wonder if this small belt sander is worth it. I can see this being used as demonstrated to sharped tools, as well as for sanding small wood working projects. I can think of several wood working projects I’ve completed in the past that this would’ve been useful for.
5. 1″ by 30″ DIY Belt Sander
This budget friendly DIY belt sander is good for sanding particular parts and inside corners, but you can customize this sander belt as you wish to fit your needs.
Wolfcat Workshop explains how to complete this design with items you already have to keep cost at a minimum. The most expensive part may be the 1/2 hp motor utilized. But, you may be surprised and half one you can use or may a friend dose as they did in this case.
6. DIY Belt Sander Using Bosch Drill
Before reading the instructions, its best to watch the video to have a deeper understanding of the discussion. The product will be a simpler version of a belt sander but it is still as functional and rigid in construction.
This simple design has a length adjuster making it versatile for multiple projects. This belt sander can be completed with limited material including a Bosch drill or one similar and a few other items you may even have on hand; making it a quick assembly process.
7. 2” x 72” DIY Belt Grinder
Isn’t it fun to find people on the internet with the same interests as you? If you’re looking through this article trying to figure out how to make a belt grinder, well, let me introduce you to your new friend! The thread will help you a lot and the instructions are pretty straightforward and obvious so it wouldn’t cause any confusion… hopefully!
This design is sleek and since it’s made out of metal it’ll be durable and withstand multiple projects.
8. Shank Knives Homemade Belt Grinder
If you’re got limited funds or are frugal and not willing to pay a fortune for something you can build yourself, this one is for you! This is an ideal belt grinder for knife making.
This design uses a treadmill motor which sounds like the most expensive part since all the other material was used or upcycled. This design cost approximately $400-$500, compared to the $2,500 it would’ve cost to buy new.
Follow along with the video to see how the sander belt operates. Jonathan tutorial has some visual instruction but, no written instructions. So, if you’re looking for detailed tutorial this design may not be for you.
9. Build a Homemade Belt Sander
This thread will help you know all the tips and how-tos in building a belt sander; it’ll also answer your questions, too! Robert gives great details regarding the rollers, motor, building and assembling the frame, adjusting the tracks, and operating the belt sander.
Such a simple design but, Robert guides you through each step with knowledge and tips that are really helpful!
10. DIY Belt Grinder for under $200
This forum will give revive your hope of building your own belt grinder! Check it out as Dave walks you through his finished DIY belt grinder and explains the bits and pieces he used to construct this design.
11. Homemade Belt Grinder
Jeff Baker of Home Built Workshop explains that if you want to create or build something inexpensive and affordable, you certainly can. It may just take some time to gather and find the equipment that you need. But, when it comes to knowing how to build the belt grinder, he’s your guy.
Follow along as Jeff walks you through his design in his video tutorial. He even has another video of upgrades he made to his homemade belt grinder. This gives you some ideas of how to tweak your homemade belt grinder once you’ve used it to sharpen or sand some of your projects–because we all know there’s always room for improvements! Especially, at times when we’re making something homemade.
12. Multiple 2” x 72” Homemade DIY Belt Sander
This article will provide you information on how to make a homemade 2” x 72” belt sander or belt grinder in great detail – from videos to downloadable PDF files – just for your convenience. With over 8 designs, even commercial quality designs.
Be sure to check it out to increase your knowledge on how to make a belt sander and pick the one that works best for you! Or maybe the one that you’ve already got the most parts or know-how to make.
Time to Get Sanding!
Let us know what you think about these project ideas. We’d love to see your version of the projects, too! Thanks for checking them out! ‘till next time! # Justcraftingaround
Since you’re into DIY tasks and woodworking you’ll nee to check out our DIY wooden wine rack. It’s been a big hit among all of our friends! It makes a great gift or it might be something you’d want to create only for yourself; that’s your call. Enjoy!