Best Value on VariableSpeed Grinder/BeltSander?

J

joeG26er

Joined
Mar 29, 2000
Messages
297
I am still looking at various equipment and am having a great deal of trouble locating a variable speed belt grinder/sander that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...

I would think that it would be easy to install a potentiometer or something to vary the voltage to the motor of an existing machine?

Does someone sell a variable that is about $400 or less?

Thanks


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RKBA!
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The cheapest way to get a good quality variable speed grinder is to buy a Wilton from Jantz and a variable speed conversion kit from K&G. Total would be about $1400. If you're planning on staying in it, you can't go wrong with the investment. If you can't afford it all at once, just get the Wilton for $900 from Jantz and then sell a few knives to raise the money for the kit. I've had my Wilton for over 4 years, and I'll be getting the kit soon. Ya can't always start out with the best! Take care! Michael

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
Yikes-
Nothing a bit less expensive?

Seems kind of odd that the variable speed increases the cost that much?

What is in the variable speed kit?
Do you have to have a different motor?
Or is it just a control box?

From my limited electrical experience- I would think that you only have to vary the voltage to the motor to vary the speed?

Thanks


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RKBA!
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If you use a potentiometer or a dimmer switch with the AC motor your going to let the magic smoke out of something either the switch or the motor and you have to use a variable speed DC drive with a DC motor of the same specifications.

The only thing a potentiometer or dimmer switch will control is a brush type motor such as a router or hand drill.

I have had some luck finding drives and motors from industrial type salvages in my area. They remove equipment from manufacturing plants and such and sell off parts or reclaim the metals. The best type are conveyors, It seems as though a lot of conveyors are variable speed and have good drives and motors to use/convert.

I am just lucky to work with about 200 of the best electricians around here at Boeing Aircraft. One of the sparkys even showed me how to make a electroetch marking machine out of an old battery charger and how to vary the voltages both ac and dc, total cost of 12.00.

Keep checking around and asking questions and you will find what you need at a lower cost.

I know it is tough to be patient when you just want to make blades but hang in there.

all the best
Scott
smile.gif


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Scott Jones
Heck yea I invented it ...What is it???
Good things aint cheap and cheap things aint good
 
Joe,

maybe you can find a used grinder? Or perhaps atart out with a flat grinder as it seems they are usually cheaper than a decent belt grinder for hollow grinding.

A good grinder will cost you some money any way you cut it. And a cheapo machine that doesn't track and/or turn true will cost you all the fun of making knives.

Jonsey,

would you mind elaborating on how you modified the battery charger? Sounds like a neat trick!

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Totally new website!
http://www.wilkins-knives.com
 
Kevin,

I will do one better I will take some pics and post the info tonight when I get home.
A picture is worth a mess of words and I would be glad to share the info.

Scott
 
joe, the variable speed option increases cost alot, becuase the motors themselves are around $500-$700, with controls. the motor on my grinder is a 1.5hp variable speed leeson motor, with the controls.
 
A home built grinder will run you about $800 or so with variable speed. About the best pricing that I have found for a variable speed setup is a 1 1/2 horse Bador motor at Tru-Grit. Around $550 or so.
Contact wheel - $200
Idler wheel - $50
Pillow block bearings - $40 to $50
Shaft - $20 (I hope you know a machinist to machine the threads.)
Belts and sheaves - $20
Table of your choice preferably metal to mount the grinder on - ???

It doesn't take long to add up...some parts may be a little more, some a little less.

I don't want to discourage you, folks make some pretty fine cutlery with much less.

Sometimes you just gotta dance with what you brought to the prom.

Now you can see why grinders are somewhat expensive.

C Wilkins

 
I built my own 2X72 grinder and put step pulleys on it. Not exactly infinitely variable, but it works well for me. I've got about $250 in it. Also if you are set on using a reastat, you can go DC but then you have to have a rectifier and DC motors are not exactly plentiful. Some day I would like to upgrade to varible pitch pulleys. Anyone have any thoughts on using a "torque converter" like you find on some of the newer go carts?

[This message has been edited by LRICE (edited 05-06-2000).]
 
Originally posted by joeG26er:
I am still looking at various equipment and am having a great deal of trouble locating a variable speed belt grinder/sander that doesn't cost an arm and a leg...

I would think that it would be easy to install a potentiometer or something to vary the voltage to the motor of an existing machine?

Does someone sell a variable that is about $400 or less?

Thanks
Click to expand...

i have a coots grinder its a 2x72 two wheel tower with a8"contact wheel,plalen.400.00 to the door a used ac 2hp motor for 50.00 two step pulleys and a fan belt, i was set. dont have his # now, but take a look at mine and if you want i'll find it for you. rhinocustomknives.com


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