Grinder - Final Build Parts

Hawk45

Hawk45

Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Messages
2,154
After a year and a half, I finally ordered my 3HP 3PH 1740 RPM Leeson and KBAC 29 10001 VFD for my KMG chassis with 4" drive wheel.

Now that I have the main parts (chassis, motor, vfd), what is the best way to connect this sucker for optimal performance and flexibility? Direct drive or motor/drive pulley?

Thanks,
Hawk
 
I haven't built a grinder yet but it would depend on the end result you're trying to achieve. Typically pulleys are used to change speeds. If they arent being used to change speeds, they would be in a place where space is an issue(i.e. you don't have enough room to actually hook up the direct drive due to the design). A VFD should give you all of the flexibility you need as far as speeds. If you have enough room to hook the VFD up as direct drive and to achieve the speeds you want, using pulleys seems like a waste of time/parts in my opinion. That being said with the design youre building a drive pulley may be easier to hook up.
 
Thank you! Is the 4" drive wheel that came with the chassis a good size? Or is a bigger one recommended?
 
When I converted to direct drive with my KMG, I went with a larger wheel, alternately you can engage the 'frequency doubler' option on the KBAC , so that '50 %' is actually full speed, and you're overdriving it faster when the dial is above 50. In fact, I did that as well with mine, so i have a 5 inch drive wheel and a frequency doubler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdtC2FIr_aA
 
Since it is VS, I would just build it with the wheel you have. If after running it a while you think you want more speed than double speed (a 4" wheel delivers about 3500 SFPM on a 1750 RPM motor at 120 Hz), then order a 5" or 6" wheel. No need spending money until you know you will need the extra speed.
 
Solid advice guys. So if going direct drive, do I need something to attach my motor shaft to the drive wheel shaft? Is there a coupler or something I need to order?
 
Hawk, You might want to contact Matthew Gregory who had access to a machined plate to fit the face of your motor and connects to a KMG grinder for a direct drive conversion. His grinder works well now to the conversion. Search this forum for conversion photos. He has the nicest conversion I have seen. Larry
 
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