A new machine from bits and pieces from my scrap bin

[Ironbearmarine]

If any of the great folks here have read any of my earlier posts, you would note the fun i have in creating useful objects from stuff on hand. My current evolution of workshop had made the necessity of a 2x72 inch belt grinder, a most beneficial addition. After looking over the selection of machines in the retail marts and viewing many diy videos of home-builds, i decided that attempting my version was a worthy project.
After a few pencil sketches, i went to the boatshed that houses my “scrap bin”. From bits of steel tube, an antique electric motor, some quarter inch plate, skateboard wheels, and bits of store bought hardware, i was sure that, A. I could build it and B. Some fun could be had.
Here are the results:

[Beazld]

Nice job! I like it!

[Ed ke6bnl]

The start of covid I said this a good time to start 2x72 had a lot of the materials like you. Mine looks like yours accept I used a jack shaft to increase the rpms of the drive pulley. I did loose some horsepower effect of the 1 hp motor.

[140mower]

Very nice..... I too enjoy the fine art of making stuff out of the recycling bin. I just bought 10 belts, trying to guilt myself into making one sooner than later..... My junk pile is looking ripe for the pickings. 😁

[mattthemuppet]

very cool and a great use of scrap. Just out of curiosity, is that a bat in the 1st pic? Alive, dead?

[outlawspeeder]

Built mine about 4 years ago, It has turned into my go to machine. I have plans for a better one but keep repairing this one. hahaha

Dam fine job!

[JRouche]

Very nice!! Gives me motivation to build one. Always wanted to. Very handy.. Thanks for the pics... JR

[true temper]

Nice build, be sure to spend the extra money and get some 3M cubitron belts for it. They are expensive but well worth it. I use mine almost Dailey.

[Ironbearmarine]

very cool and a great use of scrap. Just out of curiosity, is that a bat in the 1st pic? Alive, dead?

Not a bat. Its a bronze sculpture of a human torso. Its a leftover of a limited edition sculpture i produced about 40 years ago. I found this in one of my bins and i decided to finish it.

[wierdscience]

Nice job! Do you have any attachments planned?

[nickel-city-fab]

Ooo nice one! The skateboard wheels is just too clever! I never would have thought of that...

[Tundra Twin Track]

Nice job IronBear,as nickel city mentioned great idea using skate wheels.That motor is similar to the original motor from a pre 1937 Doall JD bandsaw I rebuilt this past winter.My rural dump still allows picking from metal pile,I’ve picked a lot of Goodies from there just brought 8 lengths of 1” rebar home last week🙂

[true temper]

I was grinding some 1/2” burnouts on mine a couple of weeks ago. The cubitron belts make short work out of it. The belt grinder is one tool I wouldn’t want to be without.

[bborr01]

I was grinding some 1/2” burnouts on mine a couple of weeks ago. The cubitron belts make short work out of it. The belt grinder is one tool I wouldn’t want to be without.

Is Cubitron better than the blue belts that I use that are zircon?

[true temper]

I have been using Kingspore blue, and thought they were good. I bought some 3M’s and they were light years better.