Motor question ?

[RDT]

Okay, I can grind a knife but I know dip about machinery in general, things like wiring and current escape me. Now, I notice that most motors 1 1/2 - 2 hp Variable speed are often if not always 220v. I'm not set up for that but I would like a Variable speed motor to set up my soon to be new grinder purchase (probably a Frink). Is it possible for me to buy a converter to step down the 220 to 110 ? I used to play music and toured Europe. I have an amp head that can be changed from 110 to 220 with just a turn of a knob. However, my bass player did'nt. He had a solid state head that was just 110 so the roadie/booking agent provided him with a current converter. That seemed to work but also reguired fuses. Is there a variable speed motor with both 110 and 220 capabilities. Or rather where can I get a 110 variable speed motor ? for less than an arm and a leg ? Or, can I use a converter on a 220 variable speed motor ? will I constantly blow fuses ? Need help, thanks for any input. Take care.....RDT

 

[TANGUS]

that's a darn good question and one that I will monitor to see who can answer. I think I'm up against the same problem. I'm not an electrician, but if I buy a grinder that doesn't come with a motor, I'm on the search for one that will plug into my 110v house current. Okay, so I reduced it to simplicity. But that is a problem that I'm currently looking at in trying to buy a grinder that will service my needs-thanks, Dan

 

[Andy Wilson]

Now some of this could be wrong, but here is what I know.
The motor I just bought come with no cord, I have to provide it and wire it up myself. It has a wiring diagram pictured on the side of the connection box that show you how to wire it for EITHER 110 or 220 (my motor is not variable by the way).
The maker that I have been working with just bought a Baldor 2hp variable speed unit. The book that came with it recommended 220, but gave directions to wire it for 110 if you wanted.
If I understand right, most decent motors in this range offer the option of wiring either way, BUT. If you wire them 110 they have only HALF of the strength of the preferred 220 wiring. I may be misunderstanding some of this but, this is what I was led to understand by talking to a couple of fellows and by reading the book provided by Baldor with the variable speed unit.
Hopefully someone with a more competent knowledge of motors will also respond.

Take care.

Andy

 

[RDT]

Andy, that sounds about right from what I remember also but is there a motor that I won't have to rewire and burn my house down to get a decent variable speed option and keep it at 220 ? I hope so, I should go to the local motor shop. There's one here in Manhattan that is just choc full o' motors. All kinds used and new. i can get a good 1- 2 hp single speed motor for between $79. and $179. but the variable speed option is enticing. especially when it comes to putting an edge on a knife. Slowing it down makes for a surer grip and steadier hand also a more precise edge. Some of the time you'll see a custom by a great well known maker but there's a flaw in the edge. This includes me, an unknown not so great maker but a slower speed grind would help improve that, no ? If anyone knows please chime in, Thanks.....RDT

 

[Mike Hull]

DC VS motors come in 120V, or 220V, the CONTROL comes with a switch that can be set for either.
I dont really understand what you are trying to do here.
If you want a variable speed motor and control to run off of the current in your shop, just order ir that way, it is not a problem. What might be a problem, is overloading the circuit with a higher than circuit rated motor. Just use common sense and you will be ok. If in doubt, check with an electrician. Hope this helps a little.