Belt Sander Build help

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Hello all,I have an electric motor laying around that I want to use to make a belt sander.  I have seen several builds and I think this would be a vital tool in the shop, I just can't afford the $2k for the one I want.Question:  The motor I have is from an old Briggs and Stratton electric lawn mower.  How do I find out the HP rating and RPM of the motor?  The name plate only shows 120 volts, 60hz and 10 amps.  Does anybody know anything about it or how I could find out?  Oh, and any input on the rest of this project is greatly welcomed.Thanks in advance.
Reply:you will need a big er motor  hp2   rpm more then 1725  your motor maybe  1/3hp
Reply:i like my grizzly Attached Images
Reply:10 amps is about 1 1/2 hp.
Reply:X2 on the Grizzly. I don't know what I would do without it.www.performancealuminumfabrication.com
Reply:and it runs on 120 or 240you should hear this run its a 160lb machineLast edited by ed mac; 04-30-2011 at 11:43 PM.
Reply:My KMG gets a lot of use.I have a 2hp motor and can bog it down hogging off metal.
Reply:Originally Posted by springer 45Hello all,I have an electric motor laying around that I want to use to make a belt sander.  I have seen several builds and I think this would be a vital tool in the shop, I just can't afford the $2k for the one I want.Question:  The motor I have is from an old Briggs and Stratton electric lawn mower.  How do I find out the HP rating and RPM of the motor?  The name plate only shows 120 volts, 60hz and 10 amps.  Does anybody know anything about it or how I could find out?  Oh, and any input on the rest of this project is greatly welcomed.Thanks in advance.
Reply:Originally Posted by dumb as a stumpIs this motor that you are talking about the electric starter motor? If it is it is not designed to operate for long periods of time . You will smoke it for sure, fast. Keep looking for a normal large high horse power motor and build away Also don't forget the pics for us to copy / criticize.
Reply:HIThere are some things you are not thinking about with the belt sander.  You need a bigger motor (2HP) because you are moving more things then a disc sander.  You have at least 2 wheel, which the bigger they are the larger effect they have on the motor. You have a platen (contact for the back of the belt) which add friction when grinding parts.  With your motor you may be able to drive a 1” belt slowly and not get much work done your choice.Attached is one I made for myself and others.  It has 2" X 7" wheels 60" belt and a 2 hp motor.  Google DIY belt sanders and find many other have built and pick one you like and build it.  You will be very happy but find a bigger motor.have funtom Attached Images
Reply:I will eventually get a bigger motor.  I can build it now to get a functioning product and easily change the motor later if need be.  Honestly though, anything is going to be better than what I have now.  Nothing!!  Anyways, I am going to save up to buy the good/correct drive rollers and contact wheels rather than improvising with the wrong parts like cart wheels and casters like I was planning in the beginning.  I prolly wont get started as soon as I wanted, but at least it will be done right.  I will post pics as I build when that time comes.  Thanks for all the input.
Reply:I'm just finishing redoing my belt sander. It was a disk/belt combo but the motor fried. I much prefer a belt that runs horizontally so that's what I've built. Motor I used was from a dead drill press I had in the shop. I think it's a 1hp. Wiring it today to see if it works. We'll let you know. I worry that the belt tension will be the biggest problem causing it to bog down.200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Changing out motors is never as easy as it sounds. I have never built anything and later wished for a smaller power source. Just a couple of thoughts.....MLM
Reply:Here is one I built using 2x72 belts, 1 1/2hp motor, and 8" contact wheel
Reply:hmmm... i like that one.  looks similar to the dake grinder i was wanting to buy but cant afford the $1300 or whatever it is.  very nice work.
Reply:That's really nice!  Originally Posted by sf93Here is one I built using 2x72 belts, 1 1/2hp motor, and 8" contact wheel
Reply:Do you have any drawings for this belt grinder I like it and would really like to build myself one Miller TigMiller Mig Plasma Cam Hypertherm 100012x36 LatheBridgeport MillPress BreakShear
Reply:Harbor freight has a 1725 rpm motor, I think its 1/4 or 1/2 hp for 60 something. I bought one last year for my craftsman lathe. They also are giving out 2 coupons, one for 20% off until tomorrow and another for 25% off on memorial day, they will be open. Im about to build one of these myself...