Junk Yard Grinder

I inherited an 'antique' multi-tool type contraption, part grinder - table saw - lathe - drill press (and who know what else) from my grandfather.  So this thing must be like 50 years old or something, it takes up way too much in my garage, and I am in need of a 2" x 72" belt grinder, so I'm going to do some 'field-fabrication' and convert it as best I can.   I'm basically 'winging-it' but am referencing the section in Wayne Goddards book, the $50 Knife Shop, about building grinders.  so here it goes...

here is the assemblage.....the multi-tool and its pieces, the 4" steel drive wheel purchased from Rob Frink,  8" and 4" cast iron & polyurethane casters purchased used from Surplus Center.  And I pallet form the trash pile to scavenge for wood if needed..

Next, I determined that the bulk of the waste was length so I shortened up the steel tubing and wood plank base.   Cutting and rewelding where necessary.  Note the base on the left hand side in the pic above and below.  the whole assembly is meant to lift vertical and tighten down, which I have no use for, so I flipped the base piece when I reassembled it.  I kept the axle/pivot cause that's the only way you can change the V-belt. 

Here it is with the cut off  tubing welded back on for the vertical arm and with the motor tilted up just to show the action.

And finally, then end of the work day today, a mock-up of a potential way to mount the contact and idler wheels, using wood from the pallet, bar clamps, and drill bits for the axles (cause the axles that came with the casters weren't long enough....and I just wanted to see how it looked laid out).  I'm gonna do this part drilling and bolting as Goddard recommends so shimming is possible to aid in alignment.  This orientation so give me plenty of room for a good, long platen and a spot for 'slack belt'.

I have not yet decided on steel or wood for the arms, and have yet to build the platen assembly and support table for the grind wheel at the other end f the arbor.