help me decide: KMG 1-1/2HP, 2HP or 3HP?

M

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i'm of the mind that more power is better in a motor for smoother running and longevity...i doubt i'll ever need 3HP but let's say money is no object...any thoughts on the pros and cons of each? i'm wired for 110v and 220v so i can go with any of the motors, 1-1/2, 2 and 3HP...which would you pick and why? are there any DISADVANTAGES to more power?

help me decide, please...i'm movin' on up from a grizzly grinder and have decided on the KMG, but am still debating on how much power to get...thought i'd solicit some feedback from experienced knifemakers rather than simply assume "more power is better."
 
More power! I run mine off a 1.5" which isn't real bad but I can bog it down if I lean in a bit. Always go with more power if you can afford it you won't be sorry.
 
more power means less wear and tear on bearings, windings, etc...
plus for those times when you do need it, you'll have it.
 
I bought a 2 HP variable right before Rob offered a 3 HP. The 2 horse is great, but I would get the 3 HP.
 
There's no price difference between 1.5HP variable speed and 2HP variable speed.

- so as long as you have the 220v power for it, skip the 1.5 and go directly to considering 2 HP vs 3HP
 
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Make sure your shop is wired and ready for 220 if you go with more HP. (I know this sounds obvious, just looking out for you).
 
More power is always good. That said I have a 2HP on my KMG and I don't see needing more, well for me as a very part time hobbyist maker anyway.

Patrice
 
I have a 1 hp and took it back the bearings were bad . This one runs like a kitten and been working it hard for 6 months I really have never bogged mine down . I would say if you bogg it down your over doing it, your suppose to let the belt do the work and if you have crappy belts they should be replaced when worn that bad . Thats how accidents happen taking it to the limits /cutting corners and short cuts. JMHO
 
i got the 3hp--wouldnt change it for the world--i am thinking off putting a 35 hp on it though--marekz
 
i am thinking of hooking mine up to the rear tire of my truck, that way i will have a ton of power and a foot pedal to control it with:)


MG
 
If I was using it for primary metal removal (I don't) I'd want at least 3HP. I use my KMG for finishing and get by on 2.

Grinding in an inefficient machining processing and generally takes a lot of power. The belt is only 2" wide, but at 5000+ SFM you can still use a lot of HP. 5 HP wouldn't be out of bounds.
 
i might think about the 2 (i have a 1.5 VFD right now )
mine is not pully driven so i dont know how that comes into play for you guys

its rare that i need more then the 1.5 but then again im working thinnerstock that would flex if i was pushing that hard (razors need a light touch too) i let the belts do the work and so far so good (i also run slower then most. my motor is 1750 ish ) i have a backup 1.5 3500rpm but im not sure what i wan t to do with it yet
 
Well, my 3 HP arrived today, so you know my vote.

I consulted with Rob when ordering - based on his discussion, I decided on 3 it might be nice to have some reserve power for the Rotary Platen.

Marekz:
i got the 3hp--wouldnt change it for the world--i am thinking off putting a 35 hp on it though--marekz
Click to expand...

Boy I hope you mean 3.5 and not 35 horse. Or else I'm gonna have to ask for pictures!
 
here is my 35 hp. man it works well--marekz
 

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Only advice I can give is the line about a Texas Ranger when asked why he carried a 45.



"They don't make a 46."

:p
 
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