Recommendation? Do I really need a VFD?

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whiskyrookie

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Jun 22, 2020
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Just got started knife making this year with a 1x30 belt grinder and I'm spec'ing out a 2x72 since my current 1x30 is just too weak and I'm already finding its limits.

I've been looking around for motors and it looks like my only options are to get a 115v motor that I can plug into my home outlet without having to rewire my fuse box. Or get a 230v motor that I can use with a VFD, but then I'd have to rewire my fuse box to accommodate the electricity required. So basically it comes down to whether I really need a VFD in the long-term. And I really don't want to have to rewire my fusebox to accommodate 230v.

So, would you recommend I get a 3-phase motor to accommodate a VFD? What would I miss out on without a VFD? Or can I get by without one?

Here's the equipment I'm looking at:

- Ironhorse 2hp 115v motor
- Nexus 2x72 belt grinder (very few options for belt grinders here in Canada)
 
yes, Yes, YES to the VFD. I bought my grinder last summer ... and from the very beginning I could not imagine not having one.

They can be wired to run off of 110v (mine does). No need to re-wire your electrical supply. just make sure you buy one that can be so adapted. (they lose a little power, but not so much ....)
 
I'm running a VFD on 110 Volts. I have the KBAC-27D which on Amazon is currently 357.00 You won't regret spending the money. It has made a huge difference.

The only drawback with this choice is it limits the output of your motor to 1.5 HP when you are running on 110. If you run a 220 line you will get the full power of a 2 HP motor out of it. I'm happy with it as is. I've thought of running a 220 line but I wouldn't do it just for this specific device.
 
When I first got my grinder 1.5 years ago I got a single phase single speed motor and am now going to upgrade to a VFD system so just save yourself the money and get the VFD now. It’s very useful for the end of your bevel grinding when the edge is starting to get very thin.
 
Cushing H. said:
yes, Yes, YES to the VFD. I bought my grinder last summer ... and from the very beginning I could not imagine not having one.

They can be wired to run off of 110v (mine does). No need to re-wire your electrical supply. just make sure you buy one that can be so adapted. (they lose a little power, but not so much ....)
Click to expand...
Thanks, what's your current VFD motor combo that's running off of 110v?
 
imill3567 said:
When I first got my grinder 1.5 years ago I got a single phase single speed motor and am now going to upgrade to a VFD system so just save yourself the money and get the VFD now. It’s very useful for the end of your bevel grinding when the edge is starting to get very thin.
Click to expand...
Did you end up having to get an entirely new motor to use with your VFD?
 
seanj said:
I'm running a VFD on 110 Volts. I have the KBAC-27D which on Amazon is currently 357.00 You won't regret spending the money. It has made a huge difference.

The only drawback with this choice is it limits the output of your motor to 1.5 HP when you are running on 110. If you run a 220 line you will get the full power of a 2 HP motor out of it. I'm happy with it as is. I've thought of running a 220 line but I wouldn't do it just for this specific device.
Click to expand...
Thanks! What's your VFD/motor combo that's running at 110?
 
whiskyrookie said:
Did you end up having to get an entirely new motor to use with your VFD?
Click to expand...
Yes. I haven’t ordered it yet but since my motor is single phase, typical home shop with only single phase power, I will need a new three phase motor to use a VFD.
 
Yes

KBAC27D and a 1.5 hp 3 ph motor will work off 120vac 15 amp plug

Look on automation direct, you can find a motor there
 
No you don't NEED a VFD. I ground blades for almost 10 years with a 1.5 HP motor and 3 step pulleys.
However, after reading about a thousand or so threads just like this, I broke down about four years ago and ran a 220 line put in, got a 3 HP motor and a VFD.
My ONLY regret is not doing is sooner. It has improved the quality of my knives and helped to make me a better maker.
If my current set up died tomorrow I would move the sun, moon and stars to replace it with another VFD set up. I know I still don't NEED it, I just don't want to live without it.
 
Off topic, but will you have access?use of a 8"-12" Contact wheel or will that grinder support one?
 
It's going to cost you $250ish to get a 220v plug put into your garage.

I watched craigslist for a few months and picked up and 2hp 3ph motor for under $100 and got a second hand vfd for about $90 off ebay. What I saved by purchasing these things second hand went into getting 220v plug in my garage. There are also brand new chinese vfds on ebay for around $100 that guys seem to use with a lot of success too.

What I know is that it is so easy and nice to run. Push a button to go faster/slower, no messing around and always able to get the speed I want in seconds. Hands down the way I would go again. Other cool thing is I am heading towards changing other motors out to 3ph too and I can run them off the same vfd if I want. I'm watching craigs for motors for my lathe and bandsaw now.
 
As others have said, you don't NEED one, but you will want one. I wouldn't have a grinder without one personally. being able to change speeds on the fly is convenient, and beneficial.

Buy the KBAC27D (or KBAC24D if you a smaller motor). It's expensive, but it works and is about as plug and play as it gets. Also it is a sealed unit which is great for obvious reasons. I ordered mine direct for around $350 I believe. There's a reason it's the unit that is used on commercially available grinders as well as the go to for DIY machines.

You will need a 3 phase motor. They are cheaper than single phase motors and more readily available, but just make sure you get the right one. It must be a TEFC motor as well. Will all the grinding dust, dirt, and crap flying around, you want the motor enclosed and sealed. If you buy a 2hp motor, you will be limited to 1.5hp on 110V which should be sufficient. It's just a matter of choosing a pin location on the inside of the VFD to tell it what the incoming current is. Setup and wiring is virtually the same. If you ever upgrade to 230V in the future, you will then have more power if you want.

I have a 2HP on my DIY grinder and I can't stall the thing out no matter how hard I push into the platen. It's plenty of power in my opinion.
 
As some one who just got a 2x72 grinder this year.....

YES! I am absolutely sure you should should get a VFD.

You don't have to have one, but you will appreciate it!!

Especially for finish work.

I knew that when I bought mine, and still went single speed, and am already figuring out when I can get a swap.
 
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