Homemade 10 wheel arbor for less than $150

[3rdRockFromTheFun]

Wow - it was neat to see this post pop up again. First time around I had not fully appreciated what it could do. Not only a start to finish setup minus the saw (and I see zero drawback to that) but with options on grit that would really help with the variety of stones put through it.

Anyway, this pup should be on the cover of rocket science magazine, lol... way cool!

[zafgak]

Really nice build - So many projects, so little time 

[Former sealdaddy]

That is Awesome 
Very creative, friend~!!
I'll try my hand at making a similar 8 wheel setup when my tools are out of storage soon.

[rwa3006]

This is an interesting project.  My question is how do the wheels between the bearings keep from freewheeling?  I'm guessing there is a little play in the bearings that allows the end screw compression to transfer all the way to the center section via pvc sleeves?  Thanks.

[rwa3006]

What do you folks feel is the optimum space between 8" wheels?  Everyone please chime in.  All insights appreciated.  Thanks. 

[PhilNM]

no set measurement, but enough space so I don't grind or polish my fingers and etc  on the neighboring wheels when working the bezels on a dop stick.

[Cavemhan]

Superb stuff, inspired so I am.
Bought my bar today, got two pieces, one for sort of the same as your build, it's rather longer @ 60", also got another @ 40" for a flat lap, the bars are 25 mm, was surprised as they only cost me the equal to $18, the threading cost me $5 and a bottle of vino.
Now for the pillow blocks, looking to get them here in Spain, will  be much cheaper than from the UK, where they are $10 each + shipping, I reckon about $8 a piece, my amigo is on the case, will post pics when it's looking like a machine.
Still looking for flat grinding pads for hand work.
This blog is superb, the info is second to none.
Thanks from the cave.
Keith.

[zarguy]

People ask about how to keep all the wheels tight without them free wheeling. I tighten the bolts on each end. An oversized washer under each bolt puts pressure on the assembly of PVC spacers, wheels, pulley & bearings. After tightening the bolts, I tighten the bearing setscrews, then bolt the bearings to the risers.

I sold this 6" machine & built an 8" version with just 8 wheels. I'm using a sintered 60 grit wheel for my coarse grind. It weighs 14 lbs or so, & the new machine has 4 8" x 3" rubber drums, so I have extra bearings on each end of the shaft. I have the motor mounted below the bench. It's a pretty loud machine. I'm not sure if I could reduce that noise by better balancing the wheels. I can't listen to music while grinding because of the noise.

I'm working on a new design that has just 2 trays instead of 3. The shaft is a little shorter. It's designed for 3 bearings.

I'm happy to see people making their own machines. Please post your project here or in a new thread. If creating a new thread, post a link to it in this thread.

Lynn

[39don]

People ask about how to keep all the wheels tight without them free wheeling. I tighten the bolts on each end. An oversized washer under each bolt puts pressure on the assembly of PVC spacers, wheels, pulley & bearings. After tightening the bolts, I tighten the bearing setscrews, then bolt the bearings to the risers.

I sold this 6" machine & built an 8" version with just 8 wheels. I'm using a sintered 60 grit wheel for my coarse grind. It weighs 14 lbs or so, & the new machine has 4 8" x 3" rubber drums, so I have extra bearings on each end of the shaft. I have the motor mounted below the bench. It's a pretty load machine. I'm not sure if I could reduce that noise by better balancing the wheels. I can't listen to music while grinding because of the noise.

I'm working on a new design that has just 2 trays instead of 3. The shaft is a little shorter. It's designed for 3 bearings.

I'm happy to see people making their own machines. Please post your project here or in a new thread. If creating a new thread, post a link to it in this thread.

Lynn

Hi Lynn,
Show us some photo's of you new machines????????????? Please........
Don

[Rubierocks]

How to you drain your trays? Did you setup a plug in the bottom or do they lift out to empty?