How much did your no weld grinder cost you?

[andrewj1398]

Trying to get an idea of how much these $25.00 "No Weld Grinder" plans actually cost to build. I know the metal part I think I can get used but what about the other pieces?

[NJStricker]

The catch to a grinder build is that if you want a quality machine, other than getting the frame square you're going to want quality, balanced wheels, and that is where the money is.

If you get everything from Beaumont Metal Works, which is quality stuff (he makes the KMG), then the costs start adding up.

2 step pulleys @ $42=$84
4" drive wheel = $65
2 2" wheels for platen @ $42 =$84
idler pulley = #$56
quality link belt = $30

So you're at around $300 or so in quality wheels, step pulleys, and belt before you start grinding, assuming you go the cheaper route and do a platen. If you hollow grind figure a minimum of $100 for a contact wheel through someplace like Sunray, more like $250 or so for a higher quality wheel.

Don't forget to add up the cost of all the hardware to assemble, plus tools you might not have, like a tap and die for some holes. Then there is the motor.

All that being said, if you can do a build for around $500 you'll have a good machine that will do what the $1200 machines will do.

[AUBE]

NJStricker summed it up well.

I bought my step pulleys from Ebay for like $20 for the pair so that saved me a bit. I did get the drive wheel, 2 idlers wheels for platen, idler/tracking wheel, and link belt from KMG. They are quality parts but do add up quick. I also picked up the small wheel attachment and a 3/4" wheel which has really come in handy.

The steel and motor I got second hand. I ended up welding mine instead of bolting it. All together I have under $400 into it including a 1.5hp motor. I'm not sure of the exact number but its less than $400. I like it a lot more than my Grizzly and various other grinders I have used over the years.

Also if you have access to a metal lathe you can spin your own idler wheels. One of ours got damaged so we had a new one made pretty inexpensively.

If you do build your own it is a simple process just make sure you line up all the holes/wheels perfectly or your tracking will be off and wheels will wear down fast.