Motor Question for a Coote Grinder

[Dennis Paish]

Greetings,
Man this site rocks! Not often so many people offer 'world class advice' so freely. Thanks from all us 'rookies'!

In process of ordering a Coote grinder (next month or so). Which motor setup is ideal?

1 hp DC motor at 1750 rpm with a DC variable controller (New $600.00 cnd)

3 hp 3 phase AC motor at 1750 rpm with a 220 volt single phase input. (New $600.00 to $800.00)

I would like to upgrade the 1 hp DC motor to 1.5 or 2 hp but then it almost doubles the cost of the motor ($750.00 and $810.00).

Is reverse an option to consider on any grinder? Why?

Thanks,
Dennis

 

[psycho78]

Youre going to spend that much money on a motor?

 

[Whoever Wherever]

I got a farm motor from HF for less than a 100 and a set of step pulleys from Norm. Poor mans variable speed. Then the rest of that cash can go into steel belts or some other must have machine. My motor is a 1750 110 1hp.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=41376

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

If you are new to all this, I would go with Big Jim's advise. Start with a good 1HP motor and a set of step pulleys. When you have gained a bit of experience and know what you want, get a heavy duty grinder like a KMG or Bader with a 2HP VS motor.
Stacy

 

[Brekfast]

Hi Dennis,

Try Ebay, I got a 2hp almost new leeson motor off there for $45 Us, cost me about $130 CDN delivered to my door. I use step pulleys both on the motor shaft and on the grinder shaft to change the speeds. I am sure a variable speed setup is nicer, I went this way because of budgetary considerations.

If you end up ordering one from ebay be careful, 3phase motors are significantly cheaper than one phase ones (usually) but require a phase converter as most households do not have 3 phase power available (don't ask how I learned this), so order a 1 phase motor. Also check what the voltage is for the motor, some of them require 230V which you may or may not have in your shop. Oh and if possible find a motor with TEFC enclosure so the dust you generate does not get into the motor and burn it out ahead of time.

Look around, I think you will be able to find a good motor way less than $600.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

Henrik

 

[Raymond Richard]

I'd go with at least 1 1/2 horse. I have the reverse on mine but it is very seldom used.

 

[ritzblitz]

Look around at flea markets, yardsales, and auctions too. I got a 3/4hp motor for $21 that runs really really nicely. I use it for my small 1 x 42 grinder. It certainly beats the 1/6hp!

Also, A motor in the 1750rpm range is much better for a grinder than a motor in the 3500rpm range.

I would defenitely check ebay before I would spend $600 on a motor!

Good Luck