Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Why Are Tool Post Grinders Belt Driven?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    N.W. Missouri
    Posts
    1,564

    Why Are Tool Post Grinders Belt Driven?

    I'm thinking of making a mount to use my Foredom rotary tool with the collet hand piece as a tool post grinder. All commercially made grinders are belt drive. Is there a reason for this?


    John

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Wichita Kansas
    Posts
    126
    Cost. A powered spindle suitable for use a a grinder would be $$$$$$$$$$.

    Bill

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    Marina del Rey, Ca
    Posts
    1,932
    They're belt driven to make it easy to change pulleys and speed, and still get full power.
    "Anything seems possible when you don't know what you're doing."

  4. #4
    Two reasons:

    1. You can change speeds by changing the belt pulley ratio(s).
    2. Vibration isolation. There are two reasons to be using a toolpost grinder: the first is to hit a very specific size, and the second is to obtain a good to very good finish.

  5. #5
    Biggest reason is so the motor is not in the way....

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
    Location
    Modesto, CA, USA
    Posts
    9,811
    Most are single phase so the belt drive helps smooth out the pulses which can be visible in the work.
    Bil lD

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2006
    Location
    L.A. (Lower Alabama)
    Posts
    230
    Also to get the motor drive out of the way and provide space.

  8. #8
    My unit is direct drive. No belt...

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Falls Church, VA
    Posts
    2,330
    Blog Entries
    1
    John, you can use the Foredom if your work is small and needs are infrequent. I have used my Foredom on my Sherline lathe as a grinder and it was fine. But the work was very small. I can't remember where I got the holder for the Foredom but I didn't make it. here's an ebay link for one.

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •