Kalamazoo 2x48 and bench grinder motor?

[R.Markus]

I've been looking at getting a grinder with a small budget. Afte working in a mcahine shop and being a pattern maker for a decade I just can't make myself buy the Craftsman.

I was wondering if getting the Kalamazoo 2FS (the 2X48 with no motor) and powering it temporarily with a Dewalt DW756 (5/8 HP bench grinder) would be doable. I beleieve the Dewalt has a 1/2 shaft, but I'mnot sure how the pullys attach (I assume with a keyway the Dewalt may not have). The Dewalt motor is 3450 RPMs, which seems to be a bit much. I see most [people use a 1720 RPM motor and use pullys to speed them up a bit. i was wondering if it was possible to do the opposite. This will be temporary until I cna scroungs a 1 1/2 HP motor for it.

The Kalamazoo seems fairly decent and easily upgradable, plus at around $290 it won't break the bank. It isn't a whole lot more than the Craftsman if my grinder motor and some pllys and a little work will get it up and running.

 

[R.Markus]

Nevermind on that. My budget just got a little bigger ( just sold my old house) and I think I'll look into the Coote instead and find a proper motor.

 

[Marko3]

Nevermind on that. My budget just got a little bigger ( just sold my old house) and I think I'll look I to the Coote instead and find a proper motor.

I went with the Coote with small wheel attachment and I run a 1 hp with step pullys. I had the 2x48 Kallamazoo as my first grinder. I really have nothing to compare it to but I like it. I would for sure get the small wheel because you will have everything you need to start without spending a ton. I can do hollow grinding no problem with the machine tilted back. I have it mounted on a steel base and to really smooth it out I tilt it back with the frame touching a wall and that makes it super smooth.

 

[R.Markus]

Thanks for the information. I think I'm going to get the 2x72 with the the six inch wheel first and then get the small wheel attachment when I can afford it. I can easily see how that would be really handy (instead of using my handheld 3x21 clamped in a vise for the smaller wheel).