Has anyone built their own 2x72?

[DukeHarley]

Hello guys! Im in the process of building my own KMG clone from the info in the stickys on this site. I got all the stock ordered and cut for the chasis. Just need to take parts to the Bridgeport this week and start squaring, running numbers, and popping holes. What Im wondering is how many of you guys built your own and is there anything you changed or wished you would have changed or done differently from the plans?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Im super stoked to get this thing built. I am planning on getting the thing built up to the motor and then saving for a good motor and variable speed control. So once I get it built I will have to wait and save for enough $ to get the motor and control. Just wondering what you guys ran into on your builds that you would have changed or would have liked to have added?

You guys are such a valuable source of info and it would be foolish to advance without consulting with BF memebers first. I mean that......you guys have inspired me so much and everything Ive learned so far is credited to you ALL. this is my first goto whenever Im questioning myself.

Jay

 

[lastbrunneng]

There have been several build threads and upgrade threads.
I searched with the term "grinder clone build" and found these two good ones:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...-Project-(pics)?highlight=grinder+clone+build

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...B-content-also)?highlight=grinder+clone+build

There's lots of low-buck advice in the old threads. Good luck with your build!

 

[Wil D.]

While you're saving for the motor you can get a used 1ph, 1hp-1.5hp on ebay. You can either make an adaptor and direct drive it to the drive wheel or get a set of pullies (step are expensive, just get 1 speed since it's temporary). It's not ideal but you'd be able to play with it untill you get the cash saved. A used motor directly driven should be well under $100, and you can probally sell it for what you paid when you upgrade.

I think my only regret was that I drilled and tapped to bolt it together more then I needed to. I did a KMG clone but welded about half of it, I should have welded all of it and saved time.

Good luck with your build.

 

[A C Richards]

Yes built a kmg clone. Found the motors on eBay both new and used all for less than $150 delivered. Best deal I got was 2 washdown rated motors, 1hp and 1.5hp 3ph delivered for $100. Going 3phase and running either an inverter or vfd is the way to go imho.

there are several plans available online for download or purchase. If you are not able to turn your drive and idler wheels they are also readily available.

 

[PT Doc]

Make the tool arm vertical sections slightly greater than 1.5".