Kalamazoo makes a 2X72 version of this grinder. I've never used them before, but I've seen em. I think it would be pretty good with a variable speed setup...
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Hurricane Grinder
- Thread starter oilSlick
- Start date
Kalamazoo makes a 2X72 version of this grinder. I've never used them before, but I've seen em. I think it would be pretty good with a variable speed setup...
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2000
- Messages
- 863
Hmmm...careful here. It is true that you can slow down "universal" motors with a dimmer swich. These motors or typically found in small power tools and appliances...they are easily noted by the presence for brushes and a communtator. ..They are usually small, high speed and just a fraction of a hp. The speed of these motors is proportional to the voltage. A dimmer switch works because it adjusts the voltage.
Bigger motors move into the "induction" family. The speed of induction motors depends the AC frequency..not voltage...hence the speed of these motors cannot be changed by a dimmer switch. You'll find these motors on machine tools like drill presses, table saws, furnace blowers, belt grinders, bench grinders etc.
I respectfully dispute the claim that you "can slow down any motor with a dimmer switch" . This is not correct...some motors can be slowed down...and some cannot be slowed down with a dimmer switch. It depends on the motor type.
Sincerely, Rob
- Joined
- May 4, 2009
- Messages
- 1,036
I purchased one of these 5 years ago as the multitool attachment it has an 8" contact wheel and a 3/4 horse motor. This machine has paid for every other machine in my shop. I make most of my blades from D-2 and 154-cm(tough stuff). I used 2x48 ceramic belts in 36 grit for profiling and roughing I start hollow grinding with a 60 and 150 then 240 and 400 grit gators and then 600 aluminum oxide. All these belts are availible from Tru-Grit. The machine tracks great , platen is fine ,needs a small wheel attachment and work rest. This one or the Griz would be a fine beginner machine. Worry about upgrading when you have to increase production. And you WILL have to!!
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- Apr 6, 2009
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Found it in 72". Here it is all set up with a 1/2 horse power motor. And the link below is for just the grinder less the motor. Its definately an idea to keep in mind. What ever I get, I'm briming with excitment because it hopefully wont be long now.
Where would I find a bargain for a 1hp motor or better. By bargain, I mean a good deal, not cheep equipment. What about a multi speed motor?
http://www.machinetools4sale.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=1899
http://www.machinetools4sale.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=1898
Also the Coote grinder recomended by Rocketman looks like a really sturdy well built machine and the cost looks like it is very comparable to the kalamazoo. Does anyone else have experience with the coote?
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- Joined
- Oct 2, 2006
- Messages
- 3,238
I have a Kalamazoo it's a piece of sh$t
I got the 2x48 with the baldor motor. The motor is great, baldor makes good motors, the rest of the grinder sucks, if you buy the Kalamazoo without a motor you will be buying only the suck portion of the machine. The bottom wheel is not a contact wheel, neither is the top, the platen is a piece of bent mild sheet, I had to weld a piece of 2x1 channel on to it to get it to actually support the belt.
the 2x72 bottom wheel may actually be a contact wheel but it looks like mostly a scaled up version of the 2x48 I have.
I also have a grizzly, it has it's drawbacks, but it's a better value...
I will be building a KMG/Bader clone
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I got the 2x48 with the baldor motor. The motor is great, baldor makes good motors, the rest of the grinder sucks, if you buy the Kalamazoo without a motor you will be buying only the suck portion of the machine. The bottom wheel is not a contact wheel, neither is the top, the platen is a piece of bent mild sheet, I had to weld a piece of 2x1 channel on to it to get it to actually support the belt.
the 2x72 bottom wheel may actually be a contact wheel but it looks like mostly a scaled up version of the 2x48 I have.
I also have a grizzly, it has it's drawbacks, but it's a better value...
I will be building a KMG/Bader clone
-Page
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2006
- Messages
- 3,494
I have one of Norm Coote's grinders and enjoy using it. I drive it with a 1.5 HP 120VAC motor and step pulleys. I mounted the motor on a hing so it can be leaned forward to take the tension of the belt when not in use or when shifting the belt between steps. I do have to be careful of the pulley mounted the grinders drive shaft as it is to the immediate left of the working area of the belt.
I also have one of the Grizzly grinders and enjoy it too. It cannot be slowed down without some serious re-engineering.
The grinder I'm really looking forward to using though, is Tracy Mickley's no weld grinder (NWG). I've rounded up just about everything necessary for the build and hope to get to it later in the summer. It is quite adaptable and flexible with numerous tooling and setup otpions that are compatible with the big boys' machines, such as the KMG (a highly coveted grinder).
Keep us posted as to what you end up doing.
All the best, Phil