Converting a 1x42 belt sander to a 2x42 sander

[Mush Knives]

I own a 1x42 Inch Delta belt sander. I have an idea of replacing its wheels with 2 Inch wheels, and it’s platen with a 2 Inch one in order to use a 2x42 inch belt on the sander. I was wondering if anyone has tried this or if this modification would be possible/work.

Thanks.

 

[Kevin Kf knives]

Will the motor be strong enough?

 

[Mush Knives]

It has a 1/3 hp motor, I would guess it would be powerful enough, but I could always upgrade the motor if needed.

 

[tiguy7]

The flanges of the small guide wheels only have 1/4” of clearance between grinder housing (2) and the swing arm (1). It may be difficult to find pulleys with a 1” offset relative to the sealed bearings.
The (crowned) drive pulley has more adjustment, but I use a 1”X4” contact wheel for my drive pulley and would hesitate going to the larger size if I couldn’t find a 2”X4” contact wheel.
The upper crowned idler has less adjustment than drive pulley. Try to locate the parts before deciding.

 

[butcher_block]

i used to stall my 1x42 all te time no way it woudl be useful for much withh a 2 inch wide belt matter of fact i made a platten from a pice of black pip so i coudl make the contact patch even smaller for grinding kitchen knives

 

[navman]

I would keep the 1x 42 for handle work and save up for a 2x72. a 1/3 HP motor is just a headache. I made many knives on a SEARS 2x42 but it was ... a learning experience. The motor is most of the cost, if you are handy, you can download free plans and build a 2 x 72 for less than the Delta probably cost (not including motor).

Just food for thought.

 

[Mush Knives]

The flanges of the small guide wheels only have 1/4” of clearance between grinder housing (2) and the swing arm (1). It may be difficult to find pulleys with a 1” offset relative to the sealed bearings.
The (crowned) drive pulley has more adjustment, but I use a 1”X4” contact wheel for my drive pulley and would hesitate going to the larger size if I couldn’t find a 2”X4” contact wheel.
The upper crowned idler has less adjustment than drive pulley. Try to locate the parts before deciding.

My plan right now is to make lamented plywood wheels the exact same dimensions as my current wheels, just 2 inches wide instead of 1.

 

[tiguy7]

You can make rubber tires for the wheels out of bicycle inner tubes. The sealed bearings are pressed into the plastic hubs. You can pull the old bearings with a blind hole bearing puller or get the numbers off the old bearings and get new ones.