Al,
I have seen the 'no weld grinder' and you are right it is ugly
although I have to say most of the belt grinders even the commercial ones wouldn't win a "pretty competition"
Also commercial belt grinders use only a small amount of welding in their fabrication, whereas home built are mostly welded.
I wouldn't just only sell the plans ... too easily copied. Selling kits (with the plans and instructions) is a better way to go (I think).
There are lots of hobbyist who don't want to build it themselves and lots that do.
Some won't mind a bit of welding, some won't want to weld.
Catering for everyone can be difficult (if not impossible) but most guys like the idea of having a choice
.
I shall definitely going the VFD route, makes it more versatile for stock removal, fine finish, deburring and for aluminium, steel and my favorite material of the month stainless steel. Of course it does up the cost some what.
DaveH