Lam grinder table length?

[scottm]

Im building a lam grinder and would like some suggestions on the best length for both the in feed and out feed table.Ill be making it out of LVL lumber.Thanks Scott  

[fujimo]

cant help you with your question, but where did you get the plans for your grinder- i am keen to build one real soon. also for ther wood projects not just lam grinding!
thanks

[kennym]

My take is a little over half the length of the lam if room is limited, that way it isn't trying to tip down as much.

If room is no prob , nearly the length of lam,if feeding by hand, the longer might be helpful.

I almost tried to build one, I was gonna use a pc of C-channel with a roller like a belt sander on ends. Using the flat side for a workpad and running the sanding belt(aka conveyor belt) under the channel...

A geared down belt drive off the motor that runs the drum.

Whew, I prob couldn't have made all that come together anyway!!  :D

[wood carver 2]

It seems to me that the infeed and outfeed tables would need to be long enough to allow the sled that carries your lams through the grinder to enter, pass through, and exit the grinder level and without dipping so that your lams are sanded end to end smoothly.
That was a long sentence!    
Dave.

[scottm]

Thanks for the replies fellas.I was considering  making the feed table 48" total.That would give me 35" after clearing the drum on the out feed side.I was thinking the out feed length is probably the most critical on length(but ive ben wrong before).I used a piece or plywood as a mock up table so i could slide it back and forth to try to estimate a good length.I even practiced sliding a piece of wood imitating a sled under the drum multiple times to see what felt best.I would like to make the outfeed table hinge or pull apart with pins to take up less room for storage.Im still working on the best way to make that work and still keep the table dead flat. Any idea's would be greatly appriciated.Thanks Scott

[scottm]

Fujimo,Im building this for other projects also thats why im building my drum 10" wide.But the main reason I am building this is I would like to build glass laminated bows and i have access to cherry,walnut and hickory lumber.This is just a project ive ben kicking around in my head for some time now.I had everything to do it except the LVL,Pillow bearings,And velcro backing for the drum.If it wasent for that im not sure it would be a good investment.With the parts I already had,I think ill be able to complete this project for around $100.00.

[JamesV]

If you are cutting parallels without a sled and allow the lams to flop up and down while grinding you will get a ripple effect in the lams. A lead-in and lead-out table will eliminate this.

[scottm]

I would think a sled would be a must.

[eflanders]

Infeed and outfeed tables the same length as your lams are the ultimate setup.  You can make the tables removeable to optimize storage In my very limited experience, using a sled is a must once you get below .060" in thickness.

[scottm]

Well I had a little time to mess with this project.After more trial and error with table length.I decided to go with 48" total length(i can add on later with pin on table extensions  if necessary).I cut it out of 1.75" LVL lumber and im going to glue some laminated flooring to it to make it slick.Ill keep you posted on how it works out.Thanks, Scott

[Kiwi craig]

Great timing with this thread Scott,
I’m not far behind you with my own build.
 I’ve got the frame and drum made up and working on the bed now.
I made my disks out of MDF. Keep us posted on how you are going and if this thing really works
Cheers Craig

[scottm]

I mounted the motor tonight.Seems to run pretty smooth even before i true the drum up.Im waiting for the glue between the laminate flooring and LVL top to dry. Ill keep you posted.