Frequency converter for a Grizzly ?

[David Roeder]

I am using a Grizzly Knife "sander". I have been using one for many years. Actually am on the second machine I've used it so much. I have a good friend who has a KMG and man O man do I want one. So an electrician friend of mine suggested that if I want variable speed for my Grizzly, that I could get a frequency converter. Its what the KMG uses.

So my question is do you think about installing one on a Grizzly ? Why comes to mind, but I'm trying to keep things on a budget for now until the day I get famous or win the lottery.

 

[Josh Dabney]

David,

A frequency converter will not work with your Grizzly because it's motor is single phase. The VFD converts single phase household electric to three phase to power a 3 phase motor.

The only way I know to get variable speed on a Griz is to mount a v-belt pulley on the buffer side and use a 3phase motor and VFD or step pulleys to power it and NOT use the grizzly motor at all.

-Josh

 

[Wayne Coe]

Josh is correct but even if you could put a VFD on the Grizzly you would not get the advantages of a 4 wheel grinder. Look into the Grinder in a Box (GIB) at www.polarbearforge.com or look at my DVD "Build Moe's Belt Grinder" at www.WayneCoeArtistBlacksmith.com. Depending on your scrap pile and bolt drawer you can probably build a Moe's Grinder for little over $1,000.00. However you go I can help you save some money on the VFD, motor and wiring.