Disk motor for KMG

A

AlphaMoose

Joined
Sep 1, 2016
Messages
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Hello everyone

Well after 12 years the bug has bitten me again and I think it's time to start making knives again. Now I have the advantage 15 year old me never did in that I can buy better than Harbor Freight :rolleyes:

Right now I'm looking to purchase a kick@** belt grinder, and I'm pretty sold on the KMG. I'm trying to save a little cash by using a motor I already have, as opposed to buying the full setup.

The motor I have available is currently being used for a disk sander. It is a 3/4 HP 1750RPM model. Now, I KNOW the 1.5 HP motor with the full setup will be way better. I know the 3/4 will require an upgrade eventually. What I want to know is, will it work to begin? Or is it better to just bite the bullet and buy the whole shebang and get to keep my disk sander as a boon?
 
If you're set on a KMG then bite the bullet.... 10 minutes with that 3/4 hp and you will be back online cussing about not getting a 2hp motor. Save if you must but the bigger HP motor is worth the wait.

It's not hard to stall a 1-1/2hp motor and if I'm really working hard I can easily slow my 2hp motor!
 
You will eventually get a 2 hp motor anyway so save some time and grief and get it now. Larry
 
Yes, 1 1/2 HP minimum unless you are going to only be making folders and then 1 HP might get you by. The disc sander can be a handy tool to have around.
Frank
 
AlphaMoose said:
Hello everyone

Well after 12 years the bug has bitten me again and I think it's time to start making knives again. Now I have the advantage 15 year old me never did in that I can buy better than Harbor Freight :rolleyes:

Right now I'm looking to purchase a kick@** belt grinder, and I'm pretty sold on the KMG. I'm trying to save a little cash by using a motor I already have, as opposed to buying the full setup.

The motor I have available is currently being used for a disk sander. It is a 3/4 HP 1750RPM model. Now, I KNOW the 1.5 HP motor with the full setup will be way better. I know the 3/4 will require an upgrade eventually. What I want to know is, will it work to begin? Or is it better to just bite the bullet and buy the whole shebang and get to keep my disk sander as a boon?
Click to expand...

use the money to buy a 1 or 2 hp VFD. something like this http://dealerselectric.com/item.asp?cID=50&scID=182&PID=30679 which is a crazy deal, 2hp VFD for $175 delivered. i found once i got a VFD, I spent most of the time at half speed or less. a 3/4 Hp motor will work fine. if you have issues of bogging down, look at what you are doing and why you are bogging down. it make take a few extra minutes to bevel a blank.
I am using a Wilmont LB1000 with a 1hp motor that screams along at 800rpm at 60Hz.
scott
 
A vfd would be an excellent investment, but only if you have a 3 phase motor.
A kmg will easily bog down with 1 HP (that's what I started with) I can't even imagine with 3/4 HP, I would get irritated trying to
grind with that. Research some vfd and motor combos on here if don't want to reinvent the wheel.
The kbac would be a great vfd for a motor if cost isn't an issue.
If you're trying to go a little cheaper, get a Chinese vfd and a cheap 3 phase motor and build yourself a dustproof enclosure. That's the route I went. Feel free to email me if you need help.
Keep in mind, you need 220 in your shop to push 2hp. At least that's what I've been told.
J.rider@twc.com
 
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