Grinder motor question - 1.5HP vs 2HP

Blaster-6

Blaster-6

Knife Engraver / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Nov 2, 2015
Messages
107
Is there a noticeable performance increase between a 1.5HP motor and a 2HP? Have a 1.5 motor but there's a tempting price on a 2HP motor. I've got 220V run in the shop and the VFD will run the 2HP. I've got the 1.5HP... and in no way need to layout money for a new 2HP... but it's .5 HP more... ("...Yea, but this one goes to 11...")

Thoughts???
 
You've got 220 in your shop so sell that 1.5 and buy a 2 hp 3 phase. It will run better longer and have more power too. I did. I think it will use less power as well. Larry
 
1 1/2 HP will get the job done, and there's probably no reason to replace it, but it's on the light side. If you can get the 2 without much trouble it wouldn't hurt. Mine is 2 and I've never stalled it but there are plenty for folks who run 3.

HP is a function of torque and speed. If you're pressing hard and running at high speed, that's when you need HP. I press pretty hard sometimes, but usually not at very high speed, and might could do my job with 1 HP.

Flat platens require more HP than contact wheels because the additional drag between the belt and the stationary platen.
 
I run 1.5 HP on a flat platen. I have tried (unsuccessfully) to stall it. It is a direct drive grinder, which may help.
 
I can bog down my 110v 1.5HP KMG (pulleys). The motor was cheap (used) and 220v was more of a hassle in my shop. I think the 220v/2HP is the sweet spot, without laying out a ton of cash. Since I rent my space, I'll stick with the 110v for now, but it still requires its own 20a circuit.
 
I have a KMG Package with VFD and run it on 110 . I do a mix of hollow and flat grinding . I have never felt the need to up my HP . "If it ain't broke don't fix it " I have run this motor everyday for all steps in knifemaking . However I am not a full time maker and don't have to pump out 20 blades a week to keep the lights on .
 
I run a 2.5HP KMG clone and have switched to direct drive. Befor that I could stall it out but now no way. I gave up my high speed grinding for more tork in switching to direct drive but I'm a million times more happy with the setup. Do you have problems with your 1.5hp as in stalling it out? If so then the extra 1/2hp will help. If the 1.5hp is running just fine and your not having any problems then you won't notice the extra power.
 
1.5 hp is usually not enough for grinding on a flat platen with 2x72 belts. But if making small knives it'll get ya by.
 
Thanks for the input. While I was investigating the guy came down on the price of the 2HP... so we're going bigger.
Now gotta figure out what to do with the 1.5HP... maybe a disk sander build?
 
Blaster-6 said:
Thanks for the input. While I was investigating the guy came down on the price of the 2HP... so we're going bigger.
Now gotta figure out what to do with the 1.5HP... maybe a disk sander build?
Click to expand...

Good plan. Keep in mind the shaft size of the motor when buying a disc. If your 1.5hp is 56 frame it will fit the beaumont disc just fine.
 
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