How to make a belt grinder for metal with your own hands?

Belt grinding machine for metal belongs to the category of universal tools, which have a wide range of applications. It is suitable for working with various materials, but the optimal ratio of speed and quality is formed precisely with metal.

Without this equipment, the size change, the creation of ideal shapes, bright gloss and attractive appearance of the products, which is especially important when working with parts that have a non-standard execution, are noticeably more complicated. The main purpose is to carry out the finishing stage of the treatment. Devices of this kind are used, as a rule, for the formation of elements having a production purpose.

Description

It is enough to look at the belt-grinding machine for metal of the Russian production, and at once the principle of its work becomes clear. The central part of the device is enclosed in a grinding belt. It is a working surface used to bring blanks to the desired shape. The tape can be different, its characteristics are determined by the amount of abrasive and grain. The last parameter depends on the quality and intensity of the treatment, and the abrasive element can be represented by diamond, silicon carbide or alumina. If necessary, this part is replaced with another one.

Grinding machines for metal: characteristics

The choice of tape is of particular importance, since a poor-quality product or not corresponding to the materials used will complicate the processing and obtaining the desired result. The maximum smoothness of the workpiece is provided by removing a thin surface layer by abrasive spraying. It is enough to choose a suitable tape - and it will be possible to form a mirror surface.

Household combined belt grinding machines for metal Have one more basic detail - this is the working drive. The movement of the processing tape is made precisely by an electric motor built into the structure. Among the features of the equipment is worth noting the preservation of stability of operation under any operating conditions and the processing process with a constant speed of the tape.

The functionality of the tool is quite extensive, it can be varied with the help of working built-in modules. This ensures the possibility of trimming, stripping and grinding of blanks. Processing can take various forms, not only flat, but also non-standard. Also worth noting the possibility of grinding the rounded elements from both the outer and inner sides, and the processing of flat planes.

There are certain rules, compliance with which is necessary to ensure safe and high-quality work, the main of which are as follows:

• Overheating can lead to a deterioration in the physical and mechanical characteristics of the workpiece, so constant monitoring of material heating is required throughout all phases.
• The tape should be stored under suitable conditions with a stable temperature regime and an average moisture content.

Benefits

Belt-grinding machine for metal with their own hands is manufactured quickly enough and has many advantages, it is worth noting some of them:

• The ability to complement optional elements for various purposes.
• The process of operation is characterized by a minimum level of vibrations and noise, which greatly simplifies the task of the masters.
• Intuitive control, so beginners need a minimum amount of time to master the equipment and increase productivity.
• No need for maintenance. All parts can be repaired or replaced by own forces.
• Finely processed products from metals and alloys due to high speed of rotation of the tape.

What you need to know

Choosing a belt sanding machine for metal, it is worth paying special attention to the technical specifications. The width of the grinding belt can be different, this parameter is indicated in the numerical code. There is equipment that has a two-speed mode of operation. Its main advantage is the possibility of processing products from stainless steel and non-ferrous metals.

Selection of materials and tools

The metal band belt is an indispensable equipment for any workshop, thanks to the possibility of processing various products. But the quality devices that are presented in the stores are of quite a high cost, which is why many people prefer to manufacture them themselves. Such a tool can be made at home using a jigsaw, grinder and drill. Also, there will not be too much help from a turner.

There are many varieties suitable for different types of processing, they can have any sizes and several rollers. Most of them are designed for processing in vertical planes. Despite this, more useful and convenient is a multifunctional belt sanding machine for metal, capable of working in two planes. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to perform almost all tasks, since the planes allow you to work with the workpiece under any pre-set angle.

Self-made

Belt-grinding machine for metal with their own hands can be done using a minimum number of tools, it will have a base made of sheet metal. The assembly is recommended to be done by electric welding, which will simplify and speed up the work. It is also possible to use screws, but they reduce the strength of the finished structure and require drilling a large number of holes. The Bulgarian will be irreplaceable when cutting plates.

Some details are better to entrust to a professional milling machine, for example, semicircular grooves on the elements that provide the turn of the platform. For self-cutting, you need a drill, drill, files and cutters.

The optimal material for making rollers is duralumin and titanium, in the absence of blanks from the necessary material, standard steel can be used. In this case, the creation of a large roller, located on the pulley and receiving traction from the engine, is possible only from steel, since a billet of this size made of titanium or duralumin is almost impossible to find.

Rollers

The roller should be equipped with seating for the bearing and have a hollow construction, which is necessary to facilitate weight. It should be noted that after the belt sanding machine for metal is assembled, all the rollers should be on the same line, non-observance of this rule will lead to frequent abrasion of the abrasive element.

The width of the rollers can be different, it is selected depending on the size of the abrasive tape, which can be purchased ready-made or glued alone. Before you start making rollers, you need to draw a drawing, and the products should eventually acquire a barrel shape, which is necessary to prevent the tape from slipping off the surface during operation.

On the outside of the rollers there should be no roughness and burrs. It is not recommended to use open bearings, as they quickly fail because of the large amount of dust produced during processing. The best option will be high-quality parts manufactured by well-established firms, as the rollers have high enough revolutions, especially for smaller parts.

Tape and tensioner

The grinding machine with its own hands is supplemented by an automatic tension of the tape, produced by means of a spring with suitable elasticity. It is worth noting that such equipment simplifies the operation of tools, since there is no need to create a tension threaded element, and the process of changing the tape requires a minimum number of actions. For the processing of metal products, this is especially important, because during the grinding you need to constantly change the abrasive part.

To produce the tape, sandpaper can not be used on a paper base, as it has insufficient strength. Bonding can be done in any convenient way, you need to use a special elastic glue, which today is presented in a wide range, and strengthen the seam with a square of high-quality, thin fabric glued from the inside. The principle of gluing can be copied from any magazine tape intended for a grinding hand tool.

A belt sanding machine with its own hands is made without the help of assistants and becomes More functional by creating an additional table next to the large motor pulley. The main thing - do not forget about the special connection of the switch, that is, with it, the direction of rotation of the engine should change. It is worth noting that the pulley and tape rotate towards the table.

Engine

It is recommended to use an electric motor at 220 volts and a power within 1.5 kW. When using a 380-volt unit that requires a star or a delta connection, as well as the use of capacitors, the power of the device will be reduced by 30%. It is desirable that the engine has cantilever fastening and sufficient speed, which will ensure greater efficiency of the machine.

Features

After assembling all the elements, the belt grinder for metal can be operated both in horizontal and vertical position. The change of position is made with a minimum amount of actions, which considerably simplifies the work. The equipment is effective not only when grinding metal surfaces, but also when cleaning welded joints on blanks from sheet material. Particular convenience is noted when processing elements of a smaller size. It's not for nothing that such equipment has proven itself in the sphere of knife production.

Despite the fact that the creation of the tool requires sufficient time, it will in any case be much cheaper than the machine tool and will have an expanded functionality. It is recommended to use high-quality metal saws in the process of cutting, and you can also use a plasma cutter, which will significantly speed up the manufacture of equipment.

Conclusion

Belt grinding machine for metal has gained its popularity due to a wide range of works. At the same time, it can be equipped with additional elements to provide the necessary functions. It is worth noting that even the most simple equipment is designed to perform tasks with varying complexity.

The choice of this or that variant is made both on technical parameters, and on a functional. The most widely used devices with an expanded list of characteristics. A modern range of equipment for processing metal products allows you to select the right tool with the desired functions.