Grinder in a box! DIY grinder kit

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Gentlemen,
Could some of you guys post up a TOTAL cost of what this DIY grinder cost you, after it was all said and done?
Maybe some of you could post the cost for what a NEW motor/speed control cost, and then I'm sure some of you have found motors free, or for very little cost?
I'd be interested in just getting a general idea of what this DIY grinder will cost someone to build, with a few varying factors listed obviously.
Thanks guys.
 
A few of us had posted the cost breakdown in another thread but I can't seem to find it.

Here is my cost breakdown for the multi platen setup:

New 2hp 3ph 3450rpm 220/440v 56c frame TEFC motor from ebay $64 shipped
Frame from Jamie $262 shipped
3phase to single phase VFD with speed control $152 shipped from dealerselectric.com
Wheels that I haven't bought yet, 8" & 2" poly contact, 4" drive, and tracking wheel $270 shipped from usaknifemaker.com.
Tooling arm and bolts, springs, etc from misc local sources $52

for a grand total of $800 on the nose. I think that it is the best bang for the buck totally new parts, 2x72, with variable speed grinder that there is to be had right now.

FYI, While I was looking at prices I couldn't find the 8x2 poly contact wheel on the usaknifemaker.com website which worries me a little. The other option is to get them from sunray-inc.com They supply the poly contact wheels and drive wheel for a little cheaper than usaknifemaker.com but I think their turnaround time is longer and you need to be VERY specific when ordering. SO if you went that way you are looking at less than $800 maybe around $750 or so. If you look at your other options like the grizzly you are paying $524 shipped so for $225-275 more you are getting variable speed, and the ability to have the multi platen setup. No comparison if you ask me.
 
USAknifemaker's website unlists any item that is out of stock, so out of stock items are not even displayed. If you saw it there once it will likely be back unless he discontinued it. He seems to relist most items pretty quickly but understandably cannot afford to keep large quantities of every item on hand.
 
Wloch248 said:
FYI, While I was looking at prices I couldn't find the 8x2 poly contact wheel on the usaknifemaker.com website which worries me a little.
Click to expand...

Quick update, I posted something on KD's and Tracy got right back to me and said they got cleaned right out of 8" poly wheels (probably by all of the guys building EERF grinders nodoubt :thumbup: ) and that they are on order and will be there in about 3 weeks.
 
Got my kit in the mail today!

Looks great, well packed. I wasn't expecting the box within the box, nice touch.

Will update with pics once there is something to take a picture of.
 
Can the style motor that this grinder uses be fitted with a switch that would allow me to alternate between clockwise or counterclockwise rotation? I have limited experience with electric motors. However, I had an idea for a mod for the grinder if this is a possibility.
 
HowellCutlery said:
Can the style motor that this grinder uses be fitted with a switch that would allow me to alternate between clockwise or counterclockwise rotation? I have limited experience with electric motors. However, I had an idea for a mod for the grinder if this is a possibility.
Click to expand...

It depends on the motor you buy. Reversing the rotation can be done by a drum switch only if the rotation can be reversed by wiring. In other words, you must buy a motor with the capability of reversing rotation. Look at the specifications tag. If rotation can be reversed it is mentioned on the tag along with the wiring diagram. There are many motors with 56-C frame (that this grinder is designed for) that have reversible rotation.
 
Ob1,
Thanks. I'll check when I get home.

I'll keep you guys posted on how things go. I haven't gotten my grinder back from being powder coated so the assembly has reached a halt.
 
HowellCutlery said:
Can the style motor that this grinder uses be fitted with a switch that would allow me to alternate between clockwise or counterclockwise rotation? I have limited experience with electric motors. However, I had an idea for a mod for the grinder if this is a possibility.
Click to expand...

Switching the direction of the motor (as pointed out, usually is just done with a switch/swapping wires) wouldn't be the issue.

I don't think that it would track correctly run backwards, since it would be running with the spring instead of against it. Adding another spring may take care of that (on the opposite side). It could be attached when run in reverse.

Jamie
 
I'm interested, but I have questions. I really don't want to have a one speed grinder, I think that will make the learning curve more steep for me. If I wanted to use a 3 speed pulley system, would there need to be any mods to the existing build? I'm sorry if the answer is out thee already, but what kind of motor would I be searching for on ebay? Would one HP be enough? What kind of pulley's? Just for price comparison, the same for a variable speed motor, 110v. I can understand the build and what's needed, it's the motor and it's accessories that is the unknown variable to me. Basically for each setup, what should I be searching for on say ebay for motors?

Thanks guy's

Jeff
 
Jeff,

If you have access to 220v single phase then it is not a problem. You can get a phase inverter (VFD)for relatively cheap, $160 or so. If you do not then it might be a little more. I would not recommend using the step pulley unless absolutely necessary. The VFD options are far to plentiful for not much more money. On ebay look for a 220v 3ph motor, preferably 2hp.
 
I have never set it up with step pulleys, and so far (to my knowledge anyway) nobody has done that with the kit. All my grinders (even the very first one) have always been single speed.

You'll want a motor with a 56c frame. One hp is ok for real light stuff, but will bog down. I recommend 1 1/2 at the very minimum.

Otherwise, what was just said while I was replying. :)

Jamie
 
Jamie,
I think you are right about reversing the direction in regards to the spring. I also thought about it a bit more and I think I can make things work without having to worry about switching back and forth. I just need to draw up my mod plans and see if they will work.
 
KB1SYV said:
I'm interested, but I have questions. I really don't want to have a one speed grinder, I think that will make the learning curve more steep for me. If I wanted to use a 3 speed pulley system, would there need to be any mods to the existing build? I'm sorry if the answer is out thee already, but what kind of motor would I be searching for on ebay? Would one HP be enough? What kind of pulley's? Just for price comparison, the same for a variable speed motor, 110v. I can understand the build and what's needed, it's the motor and it's accessories that is the unknown variable to me. Basically for each setup, what should I be searching for on say ebay for motors?

Thanks guy's

Jeff
Click to expand...

Haven't seen you post lately, Jeff. Good to see you're still knockin' around on here. This grinder kit is not ideal for a multi-speed pulley set-up. It could be done but you would have to mount the motor off the base and add pillow block bearings and an additional shaft. If you want variable speed with this unit your best bet is to get a 3 phase motor and a VFD to drive it. If you do go this route I would personally suggest you go to a 1-1/2hp motor, from what I understand you lose some power to the VFD. For a single speed setup you can get by pretty well with 1hp. At least until you can upgrade.
FWIW mine is set up with a 1hp single phase, so it is single speed. Having a single speed grinder is better than having no grinder. If you want to get set up as cheap as possible I would suggest scavenging a used 1hp single phase motor if possible, or get one on Ebay. They can be had pretty cheap. As finances allow you can swap this out for a bigger 3-phase and add a VFD.
The beauty of this kit is that you can mix and match parts/motors easily, so you can go cheap to get it running and upgrade as you go.
Before you decide on a motor you might check into your circuits to be sure you get one that won't pop your breakers when you turn it on. A 2hp motor usually requires 220v so this is something to consider too. This is why both of my grinders are 1hp.
 
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