Motor for grinding setup?

Z

z537z

Joined
Apr 14, 2004
Messages
336
I've more or less decided on a 2x48 belt grinding setup from Kalamazoo, it's under 200$ and good stuff. I'll need a motor to run it:

1. I've been thinking treadmill motor, as they have a heavy flywheel, and ample HP (even if below advertised) for the job. I'm watching ebay a lot.

2. Skillsaw motor? It's about 4500 RPM, 2HP-ish, and I can get one for 50$, well I can get the saw for that price anyway. Trying to think cheap here.

I've been lead to think that 1HP is as low as I should go, maybe 3/4HP. Is this right? It'd help material removal, I'm sure.

Any suggestions of places (I'm in Worcester, if anybody knows anything local, or in the Boston-ish area) I can pick up used appliance motors without having to pay to get one shipped to me?

Anybody HAVE a motor they don't need?

Thanks

_z
 
Don't use the skillsaw. Its not intended for continuous use, and the horsepower rating is peak. Putting it on a grinder would burn it up in no time.

The treadmill motor would probably work, look up the "KMG on a shoestring budget" thread. I think they go over a good set up with them in that thread.

I think a 1 hp motor would be pretty good on a grinder that size. Harbor freight has some TEFC motors rated for continous use in the 1HP range that are fairly cheap. You'll want one that is 1725 rpm.
Also check out tractor supply center, or grainger if you have a store in your area. I got a Dayton 1.5 HP, high torque, capacitor start farm duty TEFC motor at grainger for around $140. I can lean into the grinder really hard and not slow the motor down at all, doesn't even act like I'm working it hard.
 
Stay away from treadmill motors.The skill saw motor is not really 2HP,and like Matt said would burn up in no time at all.Try to snag a 1HP(or larger) DC motor and controller on ebay that is made for continuous use (not a treadmill motor).You can regularly get a good one for $100-150.You want a sealed motor if at all possible.
 
bladsmth said:
Stay away from treadmill motors.The skill saw motor is not really 2HP,and like Matt said would burn up in no time at all.Try to snag a 1HP(or larger) DC motor and controller on ebay that is made for continuous use (not a treadmill motor).You can regularly get a good one for $100-150.You want a sealed motor if at all possible.
Click to expand...
why wouldnt a treadmill motor work? I thought alot of people use them?
 
Treadmill motors are up in the air. Some say they'll burn out, while I've read posts saying people are going a year or two on them no problem.

I'll keep looking for a 1HP motor, TEFC preferably.
 
Treadmill motors are open ,air cooled motors.They are not made with heavy duty bearings usually,too.They do a good job running a treadmill,but do not take the wood dust and metal grit of a blade shop.They are popular because they come with a controller,run at very slow speeds,and lots of people buy expensive treadmills and dump them for almost nothing (I guess that owning one won't make you skinny - you have to get on it) with only about three hours use on the motor.
 
i like my treadmill motor i got two of em. The old 3/4 horse open motor on the disc grinder has been going for some 12 years now. I just blow the thing out occasionaly. And keep the area clean of dust and grit.
 
z537z,
Either e-mail me or give a call. I would prefer a call. I have a motor or two.
One of which I will make you a deal on "you can't afford to turn down", especially if you can use the one that is mounted with bolts thru a vertical plate like on a Wilton Square Wheel. If you call and get to the voicemail, leave your name and handle and phone number. I will call you back soon as possible.

John Fraps
317-849-9419 (phone)
jfraps@att.net
www.frapsknives.com
Indianapolis, Indiana
 
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