foot pedal round granding stone how to make

# How to Make a Foot-Powered Round Grinding Stone

A foot-powered grinding stone is a traditional tool used for sharpening blades, polishing metal, or grinding grains. Building one requires basic woodworking and mechanical skills. Below is a step-by-step guide to constructing your own foot-pedal-operated round grinding stone.

## Materials Needed:
- Grinding stone wheel (12–24 inches in diameter)
- Wooden frame (sturdy hardwood like oak or maple)
- Metal axle rod (to fit the center hole of the stone)
- Bearings or wooden bushings (for smooth rotation)
- Foot pedal mechanism (wooden treadle and connecting rod)
- Leather belt or rope (for power transmission)
- Fasteners (nails, screws, bolts)
- Tools: Saw, drill, chisel, hammer, wrench

## Step-by-Step Construction

1. Build the Frame
Construct a sturdy wooden frame to hold the grinding wheel upright. The frame should include:
- A base platform for stability.
- Two vertical supports with bearings/bushings where the axle will rotate.

2. Mount the Grinding Wheel
Insert the metal axle through the center hole of the grinding stone and secure it with washers and nuts. Place the axle into the bearings/bushings on the frame so that it spins freely when turned by hand.

3. Install the Foot Pedal Mechanism
Cut a wooden treadle board (~18–24 inches long) and attach it to a pivot point near the base of the frame using hinges or bolts. Connect one end of a wooden rod or metal linkage to the treadle and attach the other end to a crank arm fixed on one side of the grinding wheel axle.

4. Attach Drive Belt/Rope
Loop a leather belt or strong rope around:
- A pulley attached to the crank arm on one side of the axle.
- Another pulley connected near where your foot presses on the treadle pedal.

This converts up-and-down foot motion into rotational movement of the grinding stone.

5. Test & Adjustments
Press gently on the pedal—the wheel should spin smoothly without wobbling. Tighten belts if slipping occurs and ensure all connections are secure before heavy use.

## Safety Tips:
- Wear eye protection while operating! Sparks may fly when sharpening metal tools.