The Kalamazoo 2FS72 is a powerful 2 x 72 inch belt grinder designed for metalworkers and knife makers. Its standard 2 x 72-inch sanding belt offers ample surface area for various tasks, including knife grinding and stock removal. The grinder features an adjustable tool rest and an efficient belt tracking system for quick and precise belt changes. Built for heavy-duty use, the 2FS72 excels in weld finishing, heavy metal removal, and tool sharpening. Users can also select and install a motor that meets their specific power requirements.

The Kalamazoo 2FS72 is a versatile and robust belt grinder designed for metalworking and knife-making applications. Below is an overview of its key features and specifications:

Drive System

  • V-Belt Driven: The grinder utilizes a V-belt drive system, allowing users to select and install a motor that meets their specific power requirements.

Belt Specifications

  • Belt Size: Accommodates 2″ x 72″ abrasive belts, providing ample surface area for various grinding tasks.

Motor Requirements

  • User-Supplied Motor and Pulley: Users must supply a motor (½ to 3 HP) and matching pulley, allowing flexibility in belt speed

Contact Wheel

  • 8″ x 2″ 70 duro serrated contact wheel: Features a serrated contact wheel with a 70 durometer hardness, facilitating efficient material removal and a smooth grinding experience.

Adjustability and Construction

  • Multi-Position Grinder Head: The grinder head can be easily adjusted to various positions using an Allen wrench.
  • Steel Frame Construction: Built with a durable steel frame, ensuring stability and longevity during intensive use.
  • Cast Iron Bracket and Cast Aluminum Base: Incorporates a cast iron bracket and a cast aluminum base.

Platen and Work Table

  • The removable and adjustable steel platen allows for slack belt grinding and various techniques.
  • The steel work table is adjustable from 90° to 45° downward, allowing for flexibility in grinding angles.

Safety and Maintenance Features

  • Steel Umbrella Guard: Protects the operator from debris for enhanced safety.
  • One-Knob Belt Tracking System: Allows for quick and precise belt alignment.

Dimensions and Weight

  • Shipping Dimensions: Length: 17 inches; Width: 13 inches; Height: 28 inches
  • Shipping Weight: Approximately 35 lbs, making it manageable for transport and setup.
  • Shipping weight and dimensions are subject to change.

Country of Manufacture

  • Made in the USA: Proudly manufactured in the United States, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and supporting local industry.

The Kalamazoo 2FS72 belt grinder is engineered to provide flexibility and durability for a wide range of grinding applications, making it a valuable addition to any workshop.

The Kalamazoo 2FS72 2 X 72 inch belt grinder is a versatile tool designed for various metalworking and knife-making tasks. Here are some of the tasks you can accomplish with this grinder:

Material Preparation and Shaping:

  • Deburring: Remove burrs and sharp edges from metal components for smooth finishes and safe handling.
  • Beveling: Create beveled edges on metal pieces, which helps in preparing materials for weld finishing.
  • Rounding Material Ends: Smooth and round off the ends of metal rods and bars.

Knife and Blade Work:

  • Knife Grinding: Shape and grind knife blades, ideal for custom knife makers.
  • Blade Sharpening: Sharpen knives and other cutting tools.
  • Hollow Grinding: Create concave bevels on blades, perfect for making sharp edges.
  • Flat Grinding: Achieve flat surfaces on blades and other metal pieces.

Surface Finishing:

  • Rust Removal: Remove rust from metal surfaces, helping to maintain the longevity of tools.
  • Surface Polishing: Polish metal surfaces to a smooth finish.
  • Heavy Material Removal: Efficiently remove large amounts of material, suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

Tool Maintenance:

  • Tool Sharpening: Sharpen various tools, including chisels and plane blades, ensuring they remain in top condition.

General Metalworking:

  • Clean-Up Work: Clean up welds and other metal surfaces to achieve a professional finish.
  • Fast and Cool Metal Removal: Remove metal quickly while keeping the workpiece cool, preventing overheating and damage.

This 2 x 72 inch belt grinder is built for heavy-duty use and allows for quick and precise belt changes, making it a valuable addition to any metalworking or knife-making workshop.

Ideal for Metalworking Tasks: This tool is perfect for various metalworking applications, offering flexibility and efficiency. It is designed to handle a wide range of tasks, including weld finishing, blade grinding, and knife grinding.

Flat Grinding: Achieve precise flat surfaces on metal pieces with its large surface area, ensuring accuracy in your work.

Hollow Grinding: Perfect for creating concave bevels on blades and other tools, making it highly suitable for detailed knife-making tasks.

Heavy Metal Removal: Efficiently removes large amounts of material, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications and demanding projects.

Tool Sharpening: Excellent for sharpening knives, chisels, and other cutting tools, ensuring they remain in optimal condition and maintain their sharpness.

Adjustable Tool Rest: Allows for precise positioning and support during grinding tasks, enhancing the accuracy of your work.

Efficient Belt Tracking System: Ensures quick and accurate belt changes, minimizing downtime and maintaining consistent performance.

Customizable Motor Installation: Users can select and install a motor that meets their specific power requirements, offering flexibility in power options and enhancing performance.

Deburring: Removes burrs and sharp edges from metal components for smooth finishes and safe handling.

Beveling: Create beveled edges on metal pieces, preparing materials for welding.

Rounding Material Ends: Smooth and round off the ends of metal rods and bars, making them safer and more aesthetically pleasing.

Knife and Blade Work:

  • Knife Making: Shape and grind knife blades, ideal for custom knife makers.
  • Blade Sharpening: Sharpen knives and other cutting tools, ensuring they remain effective.
  • Hollow Grinding: Create concave bevels on blades, perfect for making sharp edges.
  • Flat Grinding: Achieve flat surfaces on blades and other metal pieces, essential for many knife-making tasks.

Surface Finishing:

  • Rust Removal: Remove rust from metal surfaces, maintaining the longevity of the tools.
  • Surface Polishing: Polish metal surfaces to a smooth finish, enhancing their appearance and functionality.
  • Heavy Material Removal: Efficiently remove large amounts of material, suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

Tool Maintenance:

  • Tool Sharpening: Sharpen various tools, including chisels and plane blades, ensuring they remain in top condition and extending their lifespan.

General Metalworking:

  • Clean-Up Work: Clean up welds and other metal surfaces, achieving a professional finish.
  • Fast and Cool Metal Removal: Remove metal quickly while keeping the workpiece cool, preventing overheating and damage.

This 72 inch belt grinder is built for heavy-duty use and allows for quick and precise belt changes, making it a valuable addition to any metalworking or knife-making workshop.

Maintaining your Kalamazoo 2FS72 2 x 72 Inch Grinder is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Below is a comprehensive maintenance checklist to guide you:

Daily Maintenance

  • Visual Inspection: Before each use, inspect the grinder for any visible damage or wear. Ensure all guards are in place and secure.
  • Clean Work Area: Remove any debris, dust, or metal shavings from the grinder and surrounding area to prevent accidents and ensure smooth operation.
  • Check Belt Condition: Examine the sanding belt for signs of wear, tears, or fraying. Replace if necessary to maintain effective grinding.

Weekly Maintenance

  • Belt Alignment and Tracking: Adjust the tracking knob to ensure the belt runs centrally on the wheels. Proper tracking prevents belt slippage and uneven wear.
  • Inspect Wheels and Pulleys: Check the contact wheel and idler pulley for wear or damage. Ensure they rotate smoothly without wobbling.
  • Tension Spring Check: Verify that the tension spring maintains appropriate belt tension. Replace the spring if it shows signs of fatigue or damage.

Monthly Maintenance

  • Fastener Tightness: Ensure all bolts, screws, and nuts are tight. Vibrations during operation can loosen components over time.

Quarterly Maintenance

  • Deep Cleaning: Disassemble accessible parts of the grinder to remove accumulated dust and debris. This prevents overheating and ensures efficient operation.
  • Component Inspection: Examine the platen, work table, and other structural components for wear or damage. Replace any parts that show significant wear to maintain precision.

Safety Checks

  • Guard Integrity: Regularly inspect all safety guards to ensure they are intact and properly positioned. Never operate the grinder without appropriate guards in place.

Record Keeping

  • Maintenance Log: Maintain a detailed log of all maintenance activities, including dates, tasks performed, and any parts replaced. This helps in tracking the grinder’s condition and scheduling future maintenance.

Additional Tips

  • Use Quality Belts: Utilize high-quality sanding belts appropriate for your specific applications to ensure efficient grinding and prolong belt life.
  • Operator Training: Ensure all users are trained in the proper operation and maintenance of the grinder to promote safety and equipment longevity.

By adhering to this maintenance checklist, you can ensure that your Kalamazoo 2FS72 Grinder operates safely and efficiently, providing reliable service for years to come.