Grinding machine from the engine from a washing machine: myth or reality

If any household appliance malfunctions, don’t dispose of it; it may contain valuable components that can be repurposed. One such component is the motor, which can be utilized to create various tools and equipment. For instance, you can repurpose a washing machine motor to build a grinding machine. Even asynchronous motors are suitable for this purpose.

Household appliance motors typically have low RPM and power, but they possess good torque capacity, making them ideal for a disk emery wheel. Converting a washing machine motor into a sharpener doesn’t require much time or many tools. As a result, you’ll have a valuable addition to your home workshop.

Tools and materials

Before embarking on the process of transforming a washing machine motor into an emery board, it is important to ensure that you have all the necessary materials and tools at hand. Aside from the electric motor itself, you will also require boards or plates to serve as the foundation of the device.

There is no need to purchase these materials outright, as chain stores such as "Leroy Merlin" typically cater to large-scale construction projects and offer boards with substantial dimensions. You will only need a small amount of material, while the remaining excess can simply gather dust in your workshop. Suitable options for the equipment’s base may include parts of pallets, cabinets, nightstands, drawers, and so on.

To create a sharpener using a washing machine motor, you will need the following materials:

• A plug attached to a cable;
• A switch;
• Wood with a thickness exceeding 25mm, which will be sufficient to create a sturdy foundation;
• Choose sandpaper with the appropriate grit
• Procure bolts, nuts, self-tapping screws, and other fasteners
• Obtain wood glue
• Purchase metal corners

You will also need to find tools or suitable alternatives:

• Have a screwdriver on hand
• Use a measuring device
• Utilize a drill
• Cut wood with an electric jigsaw
• Have a drill available
• Use an iron
• Have a level for construction work
• Use a writing instrument

Prior to starting, make sure the motor is functioning correctly. If it starts and you have all the necessary materials, proceed with the following 4 stages of creating a homemade emery board:

1. Assemble the bed
2. Prepare the grinding disk
3. Construct the emery board
4. Install the sandpaper and conduct tests

Assembling the bed

The bed serves as a stable and precise component of the grinding machine. It can be made from repurposed furniture such as a drawer, cabinet, or shelf. It is important to check the strength and stability of the furniture before using it as a bed. If the furniture meets these criteria, you can skip this step.

If you don’t have ready-made support furniture, follow these steps:

1. Cut a board with a thickness of at least 2.5 cm to serve as the table top.
2. Cut two identical bars to act as the legs.
3. Assemble the frame by forming a "U" shape with the bars and table top.
4. Secure the components together using self-tapping screws. For added stability, you can use metal corners on the inside of the bed.
5. Enhance the stability of the bed by adding a crossbar or braces.
6. To achieve horizontal stability, secure a small perpendicular bar to each existing bar.

By following these steps, you will have a basic wooden table. You have the flexibility to customize the size of the structure to your preferences. If you desire a more appealing and long-lasting bed, consider sanding and varnishing the wood. However, keep in mind that you won’t be able to repurpose the washing machine’s motor into an emery board since the lacquer will require at least a day to fully dry.

Preparing the sanding disk

This is the most crucial part of the grinding machine, so it is essential to approach its production with careful consideration. We have prepared a detailed guide for you:

1. First, measure the diameter of the wheel needed for the task. Mark a circle of the desired size on a board that is at least 2.5 cm thick. For accuracy, a compass or circular template can be employed.
2. Next, use an electric jigsaw to cut out the wheel and then sand the edges until they are smooth.
3. Drill three holes on the motor pulley to accommodate the bolts.
4. Measure the motor’s circumference and drill an equal number of holes on the sanding wheel.
5. Secure the wheel to the rotating component of the motor using bolts and nuts.

Assembling the structure

To secure the emery board to the bed, utilize wooden blocks and steel angles. Position the boards below the base and affix them securely. Subsequently, position the entire structure onto the tabletop and fasten them together.

Proceed to connect the motor to an electrical source. The motor is conveniently equipped with dedicated contacts for connection, so you only need to attach a wire with a plug to them.

Diagnostics and finishing work

It is recommended to run the unit at full power after assembling to ensure the stability of the table top and the overall structure. If there is any wobbliness or interference with operation, additional support can be provided by adding crossbars, braces, and bars resembling skis for the legs.

Once the structure is stable, proceed with the finishing work:

1. Use a chisel or bolt saw with a flap wheel to finely grind the disk.
2. Position the motor so that the wheel is perfectly vertical.
3. Create a sandpaper circle that matches the dimensions of the grinding disk.
4. Apply carpenter’s glue to the workpiece and affix it to the structure.
5. An iron can be used to expedite the gluing process.
6. Secure the disk in this position using a vise.
7. Use a level to determine the level of the sanded surface.

You’ll find that creating a DIY sharpener using an electric motor is not a complex task. This equipment can be a valuable addition to any home workshop, serving as a handy tool. Furthermore, the manufacturing costs are minimal and only require an old motor from a washing machine.