Note: this belt grinder design has been superseded by the new Gen 2 Tilting Belt Grinder. Click here to see the improved Gen 2 design.

I’ve been wanting a belt grinder for years. The belt grinder is commonly considered a knife maker’s tool, but it is so versatile it can be used for all sorts of metalworking operations. The concept is the same as a woodworking belt sander, but the belt grinder is designed specifically to be suitable for grinding metal. This means it is heavier and more powerful so it can withstand the high loads of grinding metal, and it will typically run 50-100% faster than a belt sander for wood. It has to be made from materials that will not be harmed by sparks and high temperatures.

After about two years of playing around with designs in CAD, I’ve finally built the grinder of my dreams. Below is the full build video. It is quite a lengthy video, but I cover most of the important features within the first three minutes.

The tool arm + receiver system makes the machine incredibly versatile, since I can make any attachment I want, so long as the belt can wrap around it, and it has a bar that fits in the receiver in the frame. The same goes for the table, since it is mounted to the same sort of tool arm. The grinder can be tilted on the big central hinge, so this one machine serves as both a horizontal and a vertical grinder. The hinge axis is strategically placed so the table can remain in place while the rest of the grinder is tilted, for added convenience.

After the positive response the grinder received on YouTube, and after hundreds of requests, I have written a set of detailed, step-by-step plans to help you build this machine for yourself. You can purchase and instantly download them here. For more information on the grinder and plans, please watch my FAQ video:

Plans & Sketchup models

If you would like to make your own Tilting Belt Grinder, you can buy a PDF plan for it below, or download a Sketchup model of it.

PDF plans: Buy them here. Includes step-by-step instructions to build the belt grinder, the platen attachment, and the table holder.

Sketchup model: 2×72 tilting belt grinder.zip  Detailed 3D model of the entire grinder, platen attachment, and table holder.

Note: The .zip file above contains a Sketchup (.skp) file, so you will need to un-zip and extract the .skp file before opening it. You will need the latest version of Sketchup in order to view this model.

Attachments & accessories

This grinder is modular, and attachments are what make it so versatile. The pages linked below have articles about each different attachment or accessory I have built, and most of them have Sketchup models and PDF plans you can download. I will continue to build more attachments as I design them, and I’ll add pages about them here.

Universal table holder  Holds any table that has a 1-1/2″ post welded to the bottom of it. It allows you to move the table vertically or horizontally without affecting the angle. I consider this a essential attachment.

Contact wheel attachment  Necessary for hollow-grinding knife blades, but also great for smooth, high-speed, efficient stock removal.

Small wheel attachment  Uses a variety of wheels, from 1/4″ to 2″, to grind internal radiuses. Great for making finger notches in knife handles or notching tube for a T-joint.

Radius jig  Designed for rounding the end or corner of a part around a hole. I admit the jig is a bit more complex than it needs to be, but the results are great.

Platen attachment  The plans for this attachment are included with the plans for the belt grinder. If you need the Sketchup model for it, download the “2×72 tilting belt grinder.zip” model from the “Plans & Sketchup models” section on this page.

Adjustable angle table A simple, flat work-rest that can adjust from 90° to 45°.

Belt grinder stand  A sturdy custom cabinet with drawers for storing grinder accessories,  and a post on top to hold up the VFD.

Sources for parts

I recommend buying your parts & materials locally, but here are links to some parts that I used and/or recommend using on the build. Most of these parts are also available on eBay, but I chose not to link them here as eBay listings tend to change frequently. For a full parts list with sizes & quantities, refer to the plans.

KBAC-27D 2hp frequency drive  I like the simplicity of this drive and the fact that it is fully inclosed to protect against dust. It can run on 120v or 220v single-phase input, and will run up to a 2hp motor (220v input is required for any motor over 1.5hp).  If you choose a motor larger than 2hp, you’ll need a bigger drive such as the KBAC-29 (220v input only).

Motor  I went the cheapskate route of buying a used motor on eBay. At some point I’ll probably upgrade it to this Leeson motor. It needs to be 1.5hp or more, 220v 3phase, ~3450rpm (@ 60Hz), TEFC, frame 56 (or 56C with base).

Wheels  This set includes the wheels you need for the power unit and platen attachment. (I originally used custom-made wheels, but I have tried the ones linked above. They are very high-quality.) The same seller also sells small wheels, and I made my small wheel attachment to use them. If you want to build the wheels yourself, I have some info about them here.

Tensioner spring  I initially used a hay baler pickup finger as a spring, but I have since replaced it with a homemade spring. The homemade spring was extremely easy to make, and actually works better. The link above will take you to my video about making the spring.