belts /speeds

[Dr Stan]

Cutting speeds for belt sanders are typically calculated in SFPM (surface feet per minute) or in meters per minute in the civilized world.  One can perform a Google search for belt sander plans and literally come up with dozens of examples.  Here's one result:

http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2010/05/12-...ess-sander

I'd start by deciding just what type & size of belt sander you'll build and find out the preferred belt speed.  Then you can start calculating what size of pulleys you need.