Is a 2HP 3450 RPM motor too much for the Kalamazoo 2x48 grinder?

[PredHunter]

The title pretty much says it all. I am trying to decide what belt grinder to purchase as my first grinder for hobby knife making. It seems to me that the Kalamazoo 2X48 that comes without the motor might be a good option as I have a good lead on a 2HP 3450 RPM motor. Furthermore, I am thinking I can get a step pulley setup for it so it has variable speeds. Is that motor too much for the Kalamazoo? Is going this route at all worth it? And I'm sure this has been beaten to death but I would be interested in any other suggestions for under $400. I'm sorry if similar questions have been asked before, I searched and couldn't find what I am looking for.

Thank you

 

[Ken H>]

There is no way I'd consider putting $400 into that grinder! I'd add another couple hundred and build a decent 2X72 with VFD drive. Looking at the quick search for a 2X48" Kalamazoo, rigging a 3 speed pulley arrangement is about half the work involved in building a grinder. If you've got access to a drill press, you can build the grinder fairly easy. If you've got the skills to build knives, you'll have no problem building a grinder

 

[PredHunter]

Thank you for your input. I was hoping to keep it under $400 as I do not know how long I will stick with this hobby. That being said I am sure your advice would be the optimal way to go, but I don't have much more than $400 to spend right now. Would something like a Grizzly or a Coote be all that much better for a beginner? Compared to the setup I mentioned above?
Thanks again