Motor selection

Justin.Mercier

Justin.Mercier

Joined
Oct 21, 2006
Messages
1,652
Ok so I've been watching ebay religiously for the last several weeks looking for a single phase TEFC motor to run a grinder off, and the pickings have been increadibly slim. As a result, I'm looking for opinions on a new motor instead.

I do not have 230v power in my workshop, only 110v this seems to limit myself to a 1.5HP motor in most instances (though baldor does sell 2 and even 3hp motors that will run on 110)

Now I've got quite a few options that I can find. Unfortunately I dont know a lot about the brands as far as quality / reliability goes. I'd much rather spend extra and get something that's going to last. Currently it looks like I'll be ordering a Coote grinder soon, due to limited budget (with it being half the cost of a KMG, I've been told it's probably the best bang for the buck)


1-1/2 HP FARM DUTY MOTOR - $164.95
Brand new WEG heavy duty motor. High starting torque. Totally enclosed fan cooled with double shielded ball bearings for outdoor use. Capacitor start. V-ring slinger in both endshields. Manual reset thermal overload protection.

1-1/2 HP 115/230 Volt
17.4/8.7 amps 1750 RPM
1.15 Service Factor Reversible
Single phase TEFC Enclosure
Frame 56 Cont. duty
Rigid Mount Shaft 5/8" dia x 1-7/8" w/keyway
Shpg 54 lbs


This is the one which beaumontmetalworks sells
FARM DUTY MOTOR - 209.95
Brand new LEESON heavy duty motor. High starting torque. Totally enclosed fan cooled with double shielded ball bearings for outdoor use. Capacitor start. Manual reset thermal overload protection.

1 1/2 HP 115/230 Volt
17.2/8.6 amps 1725 RPM
Reversible Single phase
TEFC enclosure Frame 56
Cont. duty Rigid Mount
Shaft 5/8" dia Shpg 41 lbs


Here is a WEG 2HP motor for essentially the same cost as the 1.5hp Leeson. However I'm not sure if the current draw on the larger motors will start to become a problem and trip circuit breakers?

2 HP FARM DUTY MOTOR - 196.95
Brand new WEG heavy duty motor. High starting torque. Totally enclosed fan cooled with double shielded ball bearings for outdoor use. Capacitor start. V-ring slinger in both endshields. Manual reset thermal overload protection.

2 HP 115/230 Volt
21/10.5 amps 1750 RPM
1.15 Service Factor Reversible
Single phase TEFC Enclosure
Frame G145T Cont. duty
Rigid Mount Shaft 7/8" dia x 2-1/4" w/keyway
Shpg 56 lbs

And then there are the to harbor fright (err freight) options as well

Marathon Electric 2 HP SINGLE PHASE ELECTRIC MOTOR - 174.99
Capacitor start. Manual reset button.
Horsepower: 2 Frame: 145T
Shaft diameter: 7/8'' Volts: 115/208-230
Full load amps: 20/10.8-10 Phase: single
Enclosure: TEFC Maximum speed: 1800 RPM
Reversible: yes Weight: 50 lbs.

And lastly El Cheepo HF
Chicago Electric 1 HP AGRICULTURAL/FARM MOTOR - 94.99
Manufacturer: Chicago Electric
Motor: 1 HP, 110/220V, single phase, 60 Hz;
1725 RPM 5/8'' shaft
Capacitor start Reversible rotation
Manual reset button 300% starting torque
Thermal protection Fan cooled


So.... What are people's opinions on what would give me the most bang for my buck and not leave me disappointed and regretting not having purchased something more powerful or more reliable?
 
I threw an old(really old)Sears 3/4hp motor on my KMG with step pulleys and it works fine for me. When I bog it down, it's the belt that slips(need to work on that). I'm sure a bigger motor would be better but for right now that's what I'm using.
 
Here's what a quick yahoo search turned up:


Look here. They have a 1hp double shaft for $40.00. They also have several that aren't listed, according to their site. It would also work for a buffer...
http://robertssupply.8k.com/motors.htm

Here's one that's even better. It looks like they have several in stock and they are new. $39.95 You could probably make this one work.

http://www.groban.com/motor_AC_1f.html

If I have time, I'll do another search later today.

Take care,
Brook
 
I also keep an eye on ebay for motors. I've scored many motors room over the years.
I always go for late-model Baldor motors. I don't get them if they look too 'used.'
I look for 2 hp 'totally enclosed' motors with C-face or C-flage frames (that's the machined mounting surface right into the part of the frame the shaft comes out). This is because I prefer mounting motors that way and doing direct-drive applications vs. belts.
$50 is good for a motor--single phase will cost more. If I really need the motor, I'll pay about $100 for a good 3-phase 2 hp.
 
Thanks for the search bjalongi , but those wont work for a grinder. The dust and particlers output by a grinder necessitate having a TEFC enclosure for the motor, also it should be continuous duty. That's one of the things that keeps a good grinder motor expensive.

Does anyone have any experiences with some of the other motor types, like the WEG motors or whatnot? Should i be spending the extra 50 bucks for a 2hp motor over a 1.5?
 
Grab your local yellow pages (or Google Local, whatever you like ;) ) and look for motor repair shops in your area. Call, tell them what you're looking for and ask if they have any used/rebuilt motors. Usually, stuff that's worth rebuilding and having on a shelf at a motor repair place is pretty good stuff.

I find it always helps to make friends with any local sources if you have them. That guy will be more willing to work with you than some dude on eBay.

-d
 
I was between classes and rushing when I did my search. you are correct, they won't work.
 
Thanks for the links jll346.

General question if anyone can answer for me, is there any issues with using a step pully that's a little longer than the shaft on the motor? For example, say i have a 4 step pully that is 3 inches deep, and the shaft on the motor is 2.25" long, would there be any stability issues using the outermost step or no?
 
I would think as long as the are balanced pulleys and not too much bigger. The key should keep it stable and secure but what the hell do I know.:rolleyes:
 
That would be my hope. Anyone with a coote know how long the shaft is for mounting a pulley on ? i know it's 5/8" keyed shaft, but i cant find anywhere how long it is.
 
Yay, my income tax return check came today. Time to get a move on. Just emailed Coote with questions, time to find a motor. Problem i'm finding right now is that most of the motors have between a 50 and 70 dollar UPS shipping fee. With that being the case, I may actually just go the cheapo 2hp harbor freight one, since they've got a store opening up near me in 3 weeks. HF has low fixed shipping too, only 11$ for shipping the 2hp motor to my door if i dont want to wait.

When 1/3rd of the cost of the motor is S&H... that eats into my budget. I'm trying to get my whole grinder setup, pulleys, motor, grinder, etc to come in under 800$ with shipping if I possibly can.
 
Look in the Yellow Pages under "Electric Motors" and see if there is a local place that sells reconditioned ones that meet your needs.
 
I have looked, there arent any unfortunately =( All the ones that were in there that i called either dont sell reconditioned ones, or only deal in 3phase motors, or REALLY big electric motors.
 
A 3000 dollar grinder is a bit out of my price range >_< If i had that sort of money to spend, i'd get a KMG and a paragon HT oven both.

That said, i think i'm going to purchase

Marathon Electric 2 HP SINGLE PHASE ELECTRIC MOTOR
Capacitor start. Manual reset button.
Horsepower: 2 Frame: 145T
Shaft diameter: 7/8'' Volts: 115/208-230
Full load amps: 20/10.8-10 Phase: single
Enclosure: TEFC Maximum speed: 1800 RPM
Reversible: yes Weight: 50 lbs.

The total cost will be 186.98 including shipping, it will run on 115V and meets my requirements. Had a few people tell me that they're running their KMG and Coote on the 1hp marathon motors and theyr'e working fine, so I think i'll try out the 2hp marathon
 
I understand. After the foot pump grinder on the farm I went to a hard wheel driven by the moter out of an old sears washing machine.

step at a time.

all the best, A. G.
 
Justin, do you have a 115 circuit and wiring to support that many amps?
 
My air compressor draws 17 amps according to the motor, and runs fine on the circuit that I have. I've never tripped the circuit breaker in my garage with it. Technically it's a 110 circuit not 115, but then again my compressor motor says it's a 115v motor as well. Also I may be running a 230 circuit to my garage soon, in which case it would draw half the amperage.
 
Good! I just wanted to mention it because 2HP is a lot for a 110/115 circuit with normal wire guage.

Have fun with your new setup when you get it all put together!
 
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