Metal belt sander belongs to the category of universal tools, which differ in a wide range of applications. It is suitable for working with various materials, but the optimum ratio of speed and quality is formed precisely with the metal.
Without this equipment, resizing, creating ideal shapes, bright shine and attractive appearance of products is noticeably complicated, which is especially true when working with parts that have a non-standard design. The main purpose is to carry out the finishing stage of processing. Devices of this kind are used, as a rule, for the formation of elements having industrial purposes.
Description
Just look at the belt-grinding machine for metal produced in Russia, and immediately it becomes clear how it works. The central part of the device is enclosed in a sanding belt. It is a work surface used to bring the workpieces to their desired appearance. The tape can be different, its characteristics are determined by the amount of abrasive and grit. The quality and intensity of processing depend on the last parameter, and the abrasive element can be represented by diamond, silicon carbide or aluminum oxide. If necessary, this part is replaced with another.
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 ensured by removing a thin surface layer using abrasive spraying. It is enough to choose a suitable tape - and it will become possible to form a mirror surface.
Household Combined Belt Sanders for Metal have one more main part - 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 it is worth noting the preservation of stability under all operating conditions and the processing process with a constant speed of the tape.
The functionality of the tool is quite extensive, it can vary with the help of working built-in modules. This provides the possibility of trimming, stripping and grinding workpieces. Processing can take place in various forms, not only flat, but also non-standard. It is also worth noting the possibility of grinding rounded elements from both the external and internal sides, and the processing of flat planes.
There are certain rules, the observance of which is necessary to ensure safe and quality work, the main of which are the following:
- Overheating can lead to a deterioration in the physical and mechanical characteristics of the workpiece, therefore, throughout all stages, constant monitoring of the heating of the material is required.
- The tape should be stored in suitable conditions with a stable temperature and moderate humidity.
Benefits
A do-it-yourself metal belt sander is made quickly enough and has many advantages, it is worth noting some of them:
- The ability to supplement with optional elements for various purposes.
- The work process is characterized by a minimum level of vibration and noise, which greatly simplifies the task of the masters.
- Intuitive controls, so beginners need a minimum amount of time to master the equipment and increase productivity.
- No need for service. All parts can be repaired or replaced on their own.
- The finest processing of metal and alloy products is carried out due to the high speed of rotation of the tape.
What you need to know
When choosing a belt sander for metal, you should pay special attention to the technical characteristics. The width of the sanding belt can be different, this parameter is indicated in a numerical code. There is equipment that has a two-speed mode of operation. Its main advantage is the ability to process stainless steel and non-ferrous metal products.
Selection of materials and tools
The metal belt machine is an indispensable equipment for any workshop, due to the possibility of processing various products. But high-quality devices that are presented in stores are quite high in cost, which is why many people prefer to make them on their own. A similar tool can be made at home with a jigsaw, grinder and drill. Also, the help of a turner will not be superfluous.
There are many varieties suitable for various types of processing, they can have any size and several rollers. Most of them are designed for processing in vertical planes. Despite this, a multifunctional belt sander for metal capable of working in two planes will be more useful and convenient. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to carry out almost all tasks, since the planes allow you to work with the workpiece at any previously set angle.
Do it yourself
A do-it-yourself metal belt sander can be made using the minimum number of tools; it will have a base made of sheet metal. Assembly is recommended using electric welding, which will simplify and speed up 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 grinder will become indispensable when cutting plates.
It is better to entrust some details to a professional milling machine operator, for example, semicircular grooves on elements that provide platform rotation. For self-cutting, you will need a drill, drill, files and cones.
The optimal material for the manufacture of rollers is duralumin and titanium, in the absence of blanks from the necessary material, you can use standard steel. At the same time, the creation of a large roller located on a pulley and receiving thrust from the engine is possible only from steel, since a workpiece of this size made of titanium or duralumin is almost impossible to find.
Rollers
The roller must be equipped with bearing seats and have a hollow structure necessary for light weight. It is worth noting that, after the metal belt grinding machine is assembled, all the rollers must be on the same line, failure to comply with this rule will lead to frequent abrasive element jumping off.
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 independently. Before proceeding with the manufacture of the rollers, it is necessary to draw up a drawing, while the products should eventually acquire a barrel-shaped form, which is necessary to prevent the tape from slipping off the surface during operation.
There should be no roughness or burrs on the outside of the rollers. It is not recommended to use bearings of the open type, as they will quickly fail due to the large amount of dust generated during processing. The best option would be high-quality parts manufactured by reputable companies, as the rollers have a fairly high speed, especially for smaller parts.
Tape and tensioner
A do-it-yourself sander is complemented by an automatic belt tensioning 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 threaded threaded element, and the process of replacing the tape requires a minimal amount of action. For processing metal products, this is especially true, since during grinding it is necessary to constantly change the abrasive part.
For the manufacture of tape, you cannot use sandpaper on a paper basis, since it has insufficient strength. Bonding can be done in any convenient way, it is necessary to use a special elastic glue, which is today presented in an extensive assortment, and reinforce the seam with a square of high-quality, thin fabric glued from the inside. The gluing principle can be copied from any magazine tape designed for grinding hand tools.
Do-it-yourself belt sander is made without the participation of assistants and becomes more functional by creating an additional table next to the large motor pulley. The main thing is not to forget about the special connection of the switch, that is, with it, the direction of rotation of the engine should be changed. It is worth noting that the pulley and belt rotate towards the table.
Engine
It is recommended to use an electric motor with 220 volts and power within 1.5 kW. When using a 380 volt unit that requires connection with a star or a triangle, as well as using capacitors, the power of the device will decrease by 30%. It is desirable that the engine has a cantilever mount and a sufficient number of revolutions, which will ensure greater efficiency of the machine.
Features
After assembling all the elements, a metal belt sander can be operated both in horizontal and vertical position. The change of position is made with a minimum number of actions, which greatly simplifies the work. The equipment is effective not only when grinding metal surfaces, but also when cleaning welds on blanks of sheet material. Particular convenience is noted when processing elements of a smaller size. It is not in vain that such equipment has proven itself in the field of knife production.
Despite the fact that the creation of a tool requires sufficient time, it will in any case be much cheaper than a branded machine tool and will have advanced functionality. It is recommended to use high-quality saws for metal in the cutting process, you can also use a plasma cutter, which will significantly speed up the manufacture of equipment.
Conclusion
Metal belt sander has gained its popularity due to its wide range of work. At the same time, it can be equipped with additional elements to provide the necessary functions. It is worth noting that even the simplest equipment is designed to perform tasks with varying complexity.
The choice of one or another option is made both by technical parameters and by functionality. The most widespread devices with an expanded list of characteristics. A modern range of equipment for processing metal products allows you to choose the right tool with the desired functions.