Grinder motor advice

B

Brad Lilly

Moderator and Awards Boss
I have a Kalamazoo 2x72 grinder that has big issues so I'm saving my pennies up for a KMG (They don't ship to Canada so I have to get creative) I do know my current 1/2 hp is not enough but will the 2hp variable speed be enough or should I hold out for the 3hp. I am on a budget however I think a good grinder is the best investment I can make.
 
A 2 HP motor should meet your needs just fine. I have used a 1 1/2 HP Baldor USA made motor on a Variable speed for years. If your getting Rob's Motor on the KMG I beleive that he uses Leeson motors. Made in the USA and that is also a full time rated Motor that should work fine for a long time.
The 3HP would be great too! If you can afford it?

Laurence

www.rhinoknives.com/
 
1.5hp will meet most knifemakers uses, I have just recently got to the point where I think a 2hp will benefit myself.
I bet you would be pleased with a 2hp motor.
CW
 
Mr Williams the other grinder I like the "Wilmont", that I can't get in Canada. The price you have to pay for living in "the true north wild and free" or something like that.
Just kidding thanks for the advice guys I'm going to go for the 2hp.
 
I would agree with a minimum of 1.5hp full time motor and make sure the housing is sealed. I have a 1.5hp motor on my Coote grinder and the only time that I really have to watch bogging it down is when I'm doing a really long blade, like this 24" seax that I've been working on off and on.

Doug
 
If you have a VFD on your grinder you may want to consider the size motor you can run using 115v power. Here in the States 115v power it the norm and so much more convenient. 230v is limited and there are a variety of plugs used, therefore moving the grinder from location to location can be a hassle. The VFDs that I sell the KBAC 27D will run a 1.5 hp motor on 115v but a 2 hp requires 230v. Also watch the service rating (SR) on the motor. My motors have a 115% SR which means that the 1.5 hp motor is actually almost a 1.75 hp motor.

Most of my Canadian customers have friends in the States who accept their shipments and then they make a trip down for a visit and pick-up.
 
I have a KMG with one of Wayne Coe's 1.5 and VFD works great . I only have 110v so I was limited on size. The belt will slip long before the motor bogs down.

Steve
 
If you want to try to bog it down consider removing the pillow blocks, shaft and pulleys, mount the motor where the pillow blocks were and make it a direct drive. You will probably see increased power and smoothness.
 
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