A builder named bluesyann converted a salvaged kitchen mixer into a functional belt file sander using junk bin parts, a 3D printed pulley, and aluminum U-channel stock.
The mixer housing doubles as the handle, eliminating separate motor mounting and wiring work. The sanding belt runs between the 3D printed pulley on the mixer shaft and a bearing pressed into the end of aluminum U-channel. Tension is controlled by a threaded rod. Total external hardware comes from a scrap pile.
The original post includes a bill of materials and a printable pulley model, but the real value is the design logic: when you integrate an existing powered device, most of the problem-solving happens around the parts you cannot modify. Read the full build for that reasoning, and check the linked 2018 angle grinder attachment if you lack a donor mixer.
[READ ORIGINAL →]