New 2 x 72 Grinder Build

[bjansen]

I have been want to build this grinder for a couple years and finally got it together.  Buying vs building a grinder is a common  question and one I struggled with and thus I put together a set of plans for this grinder which I will send to anyone who wants them. All in, anyone with a drill press, sander and some hand tools can build one just like it for just under $1,000 (excluding the platen or grinding wheel or what ever you want upfront), and a person can build one much cheaper if some of the metal/parts/motor, etc. are already had.

I will note, although this is very similar looking to the Ubergrinder, I did not intend to try to copy it specifically….and frankly I did not see that specific grinder until I was about ½ complete with this one.  Rather I tried to take some of the best design elements from all other grinder’s out there….(e.g. the multiple 1.5” tool arm sockets, the simple KMG style tracking mechanism, the elevated handle, gas spring, etc.) to build a no- weld, no-mill, no lathe grinder that can be built by anyone with a few simple tools.  

Here are a few WIP pics and then the assembly pics.  I think with these pictures and the plans, one could replicate this fairly easily if they wanted too.  If anyone has constructive criticism, list it…so anyone wanting to build one can make the modification if they want to.
Thanks
A rough tracking mechanism.  This was the first component I have made for this grinder. The mechanics and layout is very similar to the KMG with the exception of the elevated handle.
   

   

Drilling the initial holes for the left side.  I essentially drilled all the holes using the tap sized drill bit.  Then I used that side as a template to drill the first hole in the right side.
   

After I drilled one hole on the right side, I tapped it, bolted the two pieces together and then drilled another hole and repeat.  Do this until you have 3 screws holding the two pieces together and then proceed with drilling the remaining holes and then tapping the remaining holes.
   
After the right side and left side are drilled and tapped, then begin to drill holes through the spacers.  
   

[bjansen]

I simply used a couple pieces of tape to provide adequate socket spacing around the tooling arms
 
 

 

I like this pic….$100 drill press, $200 drill press vise
 
 

For the tracking arm support bars, these will ultimately end up on the left side of the main plate.  In the picture they are straddling the main plate. This was an error on my part that I did not realize until ultimate assembly and you will see later how I simply moved everything to the left side of the plate.  
 

Time for final assembly. This is essentially all the pieces.  Note the tracking arm is already assembled.
 

 

[bjansen]

Putting .020 spacers to provide adequate side to side clearance for the tooling arms.
 
Attaching the two plates
 

Attaching the base
 
Spacers for the tracking support bars
 
 

 

Threaded inserts for the locking handles
 

[bjansen]

Motor mounted
 
A die spring for the tracking knob to keep it from wondering…way too heavy duty but a 1.5” spring fits just right and provides some nice resistance
 
Final pics- shown with a rotary platen.
 
 

 

Tooling arms…can be bought for $80 or made for $15
 
Some close ups
 
 

[bjansen]

 

 

 
 

 

That’s it.  If anyone wants plans to this grinder send me an email. If anyone knows how to post the plans so they can be downloaded straight from the site, that would be appreciated.

[srtben]

Uuuuum, that grinder is Awesome!!!

[Thadbow]

Dang Brad, that thing is a beast!
Great job!

[2treks]

You do some great work Brad. That is impressive.
Well done man.
CTT

[Alexander13]

Wow that's a nice grinder! Really nice build along too. Great job!

[gudspelr]

That looks fantastic. Great job and thanks for sharing it.

Jeremy

[Lin Rhea]

Excellent job on that grinder. Thanks for showing it.

[bjansen]

Thanks everyone

[Ray Hammond]

That's great work, Brad!!!

[Sockrsblur]

That's outside my current skill set! Lol but I loved looking at the pictures, amazing craftsmanship! I just kept shaking my head and scrolling... wow.