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This ought to be fun

2K views 19 replies 10 participants last post by  mpbc48 
#1 ·
Today, I'm picking up a treadmill to convert into a HUGE (14 1/2 X 48) unstoppable belt sander.
I'm getting it from a lady who bought it 3 years ago and then moved to a home "off grid".
Stay tuned.
 
#5 ·
I leave to pick it up in an hour or so. It's supposed to have a DC motor. If it's not, I'm leaving it. If it is, I definitely will take pictures as it progresses.
I'm excited about this build. I'll be asking questions as I go along. It ain't rocket surgery, but I'm severely mechanically challenged.
 
#6 ·
How much are the belts going to cost? How do you tension them?And what sort of power does this thing need?

Just thinking aloud

Regards

Phil
 
#7 ·
I was curious too, so I did a quick google and found this; Wide Sanding Belts, Wide Belt Sanding, Sandpaper, Abrasive Sanding Belt

I'm guessing the 103" would be close as far as length goes, and you could cut the 52 inch width into three belts. At $76, it comes to a very reasonable price IMHO.

All of the treadmills we have had have tension adjustments at the end of the track.

This should be a really interesting build. Having speed control could be a really nice feature and with some inginuity, setting different angles of the bed would also be possible.

Mike
 
#8 ·
Well, I got it. It's DC, has tensioning springs and an alignment lever (I think).
Still in the back of the truck but I measured the roller width at 16 1/2" and the belt is probably 48". The whole unit is 60" long. I gotta get the head off to get an accurate measurement.
The plate it's running on is that phenolic covered 3/4 ply. If it's still flat, I may use it.
Added bonus: I can check the wood's pulse rate and blood pressure.:lol:
 
#10 ·
Gene, while you are at it I suggest you pick up a Makita 1/3 sheet cordless sander. It does great finish work and doubles as an excellent back massager. ;)
 
#12 ·
I'm beginning to regret that some time ago, like twenty years, I swapped a basic treadmill for an exercise bike which I used once, for about a minute and a half! I eventually sold that on Gumtree for $20.00.
 
#13 ·
Added bonus: I can check the wood's pulse rate and blood pressure.:lol:[/QUOTE]

I just knew there was an important step I've been forgetting. Thanks Gene.:D
You know, if you find 2 more treadmills and hook them up in tridem, you could sand an entire dining table top in one pass!
 
#19 · (Edited)
Well, Wife and I unloaded it from the truck and wheeled it into the shop.
As soon as I finish up the mirrors and get them sent off, I'll be tearing the treadmill down to the essentials and building a stand. I have around 80' of 2X4 steel tube that will make a nice stand.
I'll post beginning pics as soon as I get it all torn down.
 
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