is 1/4 HP enough for 2x72 grinder?

M

markmarkmark

Joined
Jan 26, 2002
Messages
200
i want to build my own and i have a couple 1/4 HP motors laying around...i'm wondering if that's enough, at least for a start, to run a 2x72 belt...

i WON'T be using it for heavy grinding out of blades...i'm planning to do most of the shaping by forging...so the 2x72 would be used mostly for cleaning things up...
 
Mark the bigger the better! I would not consider anything smaller than 1 1/2 HP myself and would put a 3 HP on mine if I had one handy.
 
I hate to tell you this, but forged blades are GROUND quite a bit, I think it is easier to grind a blade completely from a bar of stock than to grind off all that scale and through hammer dents etc. To make an acceptable blade, you have to be able to grind good.
Back to your question, personally, I dont think 1/4hp motors are near enough. I would go with minimum 3/4hp,better yet a one hp. you can get ac motors in that hp range fairly cheaply, especially on the surplus market.If possible get a TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled), one less hazard to worry about(grinding dust shorting the motor). Here is one surplus place.
http://www.roysstore.com/
 
when i used a 1/4 hp motor .. err .. no it doesnt work.
i mean .. it does .. but please save yourself the hassles and tears that come along with its use.
;)

and MJHKNIVES is right .. even forged blades need a lot of grinding done to them.
forged to shape still leaves you with hammer marks and fire scale to have to deal with .. and sometimes unsightly things just dont seem to want to leave your pretty shiny surface
:D

D.
 
1/4 is not enough. I have a 1 hp motor off a jet pump on mine and it works great, seems to have more power than most 1hp motors I have delt with.
 
I have a 2hp Harbor freight on mine with a pantyhose filter. Been working just fine. $49.00 on sale.
Mark
 
gouge, has the right idea for cheapo motors. put step pulleys and hinge the motor on a bracket and you have a ajustable speed grinder :D i have a old 40's or 50's 2hp that i have belt drive the coote grinder, that i take the air hose and blast all the @##$^& out of once and a while.
 
1/4 hoarse is definately not enough...
Gouge do you have the treadmill motor that is variable speed like I have.They do work great for the money and are tough motors.I have been using one for 2 years now..
Bruce
 
Bruce, the one I am using is just the 3450 rpm one from harbor freight.I do plan to get the variable one some time soon. Hey if it works, use it!

Thanks again for the avatar and banner

Mark
 
No problem..
I forgot.Mine came from Surplus supply and is a 2 horse variable speed tread mill motor with controller for the same price as the one you have..
Bruce
 
It is
Surplus Center
1-800-488-3407
Sorry I had the name wrong...
They don't have a web site,Just call and they will send out a catalog..
Lots of cool stuff in there catalog for working on equipment,with really great prices to..
Bruce
 
Don't forget to make sure it's a capacitor start motor. They get up to speed more gradually with load and are reversable.
Ed
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top