Major score at the dump today !

B

bill2455

Joined
Apr 12, 2009
Messages
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I just got a 2.5hp treadmill motor and controller for the grinder I'm building today at the dump. Took all the parts off and was just heading for the gate with both arms full when the municipal workers showed up. Apparently its video surveyed 24/7. I thought the "No Trespassing, No Removal of Material, and Violators will be Prosecuted" sign was for other people! Not sure if the RCMP will show up thru the week to issue a summons or not :eek:.

Anyway I got it home, hooked everything up and the display board was shot. It took a while with no schematics to figure it out but I now have a 10k pot hooked up and it works like a charm. I pulled the brushes and barely even a mark on the commutator. I can't wait to finish the grinder now. I'm going to hook up a digital bicycle speedometer for speed display.

I'd like to hook it up for direct drive. What size drive sheave should I have machined for the motor shaft ? Any other suggestions for this type of setup (KMG clone)?
Anyone with a treadmill motor drive, I'd really like to see some pics if you have any. Thanks
 
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You have to realize that the designation 2.25HP on a treadmill motor is not the same as a 2.25HP baldor motor.It is what they call developed horse power, and not a real rating. Look at the amps and you will see the true power of the motor. Approx. 14 amps makes a single horsepower. Very few 2.25HP motors could run on a 120V (USA) line, needing 240V (USA) to deliver the needed current.

Next is the fact that a grinder motor should be TEFC, and never open cooled ( as a tread mill motor is). The metallic grinding dust and such in a shop will easily ( and often quickly) cause problems with the motor and the controller. Protect them from the dust as much as possible, but don't restrict the air flow or the motor will quickly overheat. Blow out the motor regularly ( after each grinding session) and vacuum the unit often.

Finally, they are not made for load. They start up slowly and run with little resistance. Grinding is sort of the opposite. You may have to play with the controller to get it running as you need.

With careful maintenance, a treadmill motor will work, but will have a shortened life, probably. The fact that the price was right makes this not a big issue.

There are some shop tools that fit a treadmill motor. Variable speed buffers, disk sanders, drill press,band saw. etc. pretty much any tool that does not create a spray of metallic dust directed at the motor.

Stacy
 
I have a Treadmill motor on my reversible disk-grinder. I make a point to blow it out every time before using.;)
 
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