I Must Be Crazy

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 9:07 am

Today, I'm picking up a treadmill to convert into a HUGE (14 1/2 X 48) unstoppable belt sander. The motors are DC and we all know about their unique qualities, don't we?
I'm getting it from a lady who bought it 3 years ago and then moved to a home "off grid".
Stay tuned.

SDSSmith · Post by **SDSSmith** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 10:21 am

Old treadmills are very popular in the Shopsmith 10ER community, you lucky dog.

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 12:41 pm

I picked up a couple of older Sears treadmills a while back thinking I scored two DC motors and controllers for $10 each, but one came with an AC motor. The way to recognize the difference I learned was in the mechanism that varies the treadmill speed. The DC one used a dial and rheostat, while the AC model used a mechanical crank mechanism and long speedometer-like cable to vary a set of Reeves-type plastic pulleys to adjust the speed. Some of the DC motors are also controlled by a touch pad or slider. The moral being, one shouldn't assume that all treadmills use DC motors.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 12:53 pm

Where ya gonna get the sanding belts?

Doubt quick changing will be a 'feature'.

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 5:53 pm

Well, I got it. It's DC, has tensioning springs and an alignment lever (I think).
Still in the back of the truck but I measured the roller width at 16 1/2" and the belt is probably 48". The whole unit is 60" long. I gotta get the head off to get an accurate measurement.
The plate it's running on is that phenolic covered 3/4 ply. If it's still flat, I may use it.
Added bonus: I can check the wood's pulse rate and blood pressure.

JPG, Here's where I get most of my belts. They have the lengths I'll need.
Wide belts

crokseti · Post by **crokseti** » Wed Jun 08, 2011 11:31 pm

Funny I had that idea many years ago. Now everyone has one.
If I ever set up a full shop I will convert one to sand large pieces.

spiderclimber · Post by **spiderclimber** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 9:19 am

I figured you would just go out and get the sticky sanding pads for a hand sander and start sticking them to the belt. A hundred or so later you would have a sanding belt

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 10:08 am

spiderclimber wrote:I figured you would just go out and get the sticky sanding pads for a hand sander and start sticking them to the belt. A hundred or so later you would have a sanding belt

You got it. That's my plan. Except I intend to use Velcro. That way I can Have two or three different grits available.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 11:11 am

Gene Howe wrote:You got it. That's my plan. Except I intend to use Velcro. That way I can Have two or three different grits available.

Or different grits across the width.

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Fri Jun 10, 2011 8:47 am

Well, Wife and I unloaded the treadmill from the truck and wheeled it into the shop.
As soon as I finish up the mirrors and get them sent off, I'll be tearing it down to the essentials and building a stand. I have around 80' of 2X4 steel tube that will make a nice stand.
I'll post beginning pics as soon as I get it all torn down.
And, after reflection, I decided against using the Velcro, multi-sheet system.

I found a supplier that will make up any belt size I need. Estimated cost was around $30.00 delivered.