DIY tool rest for sharpening with the vertical belt sander

I have a grinder / belt sander combo machine. I use this machine, mostly for sharpening. I already have made a tool rest for the grinder and It was time to make a tool rest for the belt sander.

The main reason for this is that the grinder creates a hollow grind. That’s because the bevel of the tool takes the curved shape of the wheel. And also as the wheel becomes smaller over time, the curve becomes even more dramatic.

On the other hand flat grind creates a flat bevel and that’s a better option in my opinion. 

First of all I removed the side fence of the tool. I am gonna use the already existing holes of the tool to add my rest.

Then I used my angle grinder to cut ti pieces of steel to size. 

Then I clamped them on the vise and shaped them together, using files.

Next I moved on the drill press, were I drilled the holes. I used oil to cool down the bit.

I then decided to connect the metal pieces with two metal corners. I remove the excess material from one corner using my hacksaw.

I connected the sides with the corners using nuts and bolts.

I soldered the steel pieces on the machine, using silver solder.

First of all I cleaned the two pieces using my rotary tool.

I then added the flux. I used my propane torch to heat both pieces and then added the silver solder.

To make the plateau I used my table saw and a cross cut sled. You may need to adjust the plateau to our needs. I want to use the belt sander to sharpen my woodturning tools, so I need the extra mass.

The plateau was not that straight, so I added a popsicle stick as him. I then marked the hole positions, drilled pilot holes and screwed the plateau in place.

I then tested my tool rest by sharpening my woodturning scraper. I first tilted the tool rest to match the bevel of my tool.

I then marked the bevel with a marker, so I know how much material I remove.

The whole thing worked and my scraper cuts like butter.

I think it will come out really handy my shop!

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