Need help fast - KMG

Varga Knives

Varga Knives

Joined
Aug 12, 2006
Messages
1,302
Hey guys,

I have an opportunity today to buy a used KMG belt grinder at a great price. It's a 1.5 hp variable speed but it's set up for 220v. I only have 110 power at home. I know next nothing about electricity but I believe the 1.5 could come with either the 110 or the 220 plug but I'm not sure. Converting my outlet is pretty much out of the question so can I just by a 110 cable and rewire it to the motor? I saw that there is a different mounting post in the motor but I don't know if I am asking for trouble.

Thanks
 
*IF* its a single phase motor and not 3ph, it likely can be rewired for 110, but its not just a matter of switching plugs, you'll have to rewire. It's pretty easy, but if you literslly know nothing about wiring, you're best off asking for help.
 
Actually "rewire" is a bit of an exaggeration if it is the same VFD and Leeson AC motor that I have. It basically involves switching a couple of wires around. If an idiot like me could do it, then anyone can. The 1.5 has traditionally been the 110 model of VFD KMG. Just make sure it is.
 
Wiring diagrams are on the KMG web site.

I do believe you can rewire the controller for 100 volt, but I'm not 100% positive.
 
Don, when I bought, the controller for 1.5 and 2 hp was the same. You had to use 220 for 2hp, but not for 1.5hp. The 3hp+ controller is a different model. Another issue might be whether it is the current AC model or the original DC one.
Don Hanson III said:
Wiring diagrams are on the KMG web site.

I do believe you can rewire the controller for 100 volt, but I'm not 100% positive.
Click to expand...
 
Do you have a clothes dryer. Most use use 220v. Depending on the trouble you could buy a cord and run it to your work area. Just an idea.
 
You should be good, 115VAC or 230VAC to the drive for the 1.5 HP motor.

You will need to change the plug, and change the 115/230 volt jumper in the drive.

VFD-WIRING.gif
 
Not a real issue, but something to look into before running it the first time is whether your breaker and outlet are rated for enough juice. It's not uncommon to have too small a breaker and a low amperage outlet. A circuit rated for 10amps is going to pop the breaker running that thing. Obviously both the switch and the breaker can be changed as long as the wiring is up to it, and it'd be the rare house that used wiring not perfectly able to run the needed current.
 
Well, whatever issues it may have are now mine to contend with. She's in the back of my car now on its way to a new home. :)

I think my wiring should be okay but my house is 60 years old so I don't k ow for sure. I doubt the breaker will handle the load so that will need to be checked. As far as the rewiring of the unit, I think I can handle that.
This is way more than I was looking to get into as far as my first attempt at knife making but I couldn't resist the deal. I hear 1.5 horses may be underpowered but since I was looking to get a Craftman, I am pretty stoked!
 
Well, I'll just bet you the 1.5 HP will be just great. You will be able to switch to the 110 from 220 . What is left is to check the fuses or breakers in the house. 15 amp. should work well. Frank
 
Your 60 year old house may have larger gauge wiring than what is used to carry the same juice today. ;) I had my KMG set up in my garage intially and my house is 54 years old and has a new breaker box, but some of the old thick wiring on the 110 side.
strider214 said:
Well, whatever issues it may have are now mine to contend with. She's in the back of my car now on its way to a new home. :)

I think my wiring should be okay but my house is 60 years old so I don't k ow for sure. I doubt the breaker will handle the load so that will need to be checked. As far as the rewiring of the unit, I think I can handle that.
This is way more than I was looking to get into as far as my first attempt at knife making but I couldn't resist the deal. I hear 1.5 horses may be underpowered but since I was looking to get a Craftman, I am pretty stoked!
Click to expand...
 
dont worry, trust me if you cant use it you will be able to get your money back pretty quick, before I bought one I tried to find a used one and they went for as much as a new one lol if you could find one. So you should be good no matter what.
 
1.5 hp is more then adequate. I went from the 1/3hp craftsman which was a pain up to a NWG with a 1hp motor. Like night and day. It will tear thru some metal.
 
If your house is set up for an electric dryer or electric range you should have 220. You may have to make your own extension cord. The parts are available.
 
Thanks guys. I've been itching do do this for 30 years and I can't believe I am almost ready to get started. I was really planning to start with a drill press and some files but when I had the chance to pick up this six year old barely used KMG with the Leeson motor, VFD, 10" wheel, platen, and about 30 belts for less than a grand i had to jump on it. I will have to work some more OT and sell off some of my customs but I think it was worth it. I still just need to pick up a drill press and lots of minor things, take half the junk in the garage to the dump and think about the electrical.

I can say for sure that I never would even have attempted this if it was't for this great community (thanks Spark) and the confidence gained here.

P.s. All my major appliances are gas

photo-33.jpgphoto-34.jpgphoto-35.jpg
 
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Oh, you're good. All you have to do is switch a jumper around inside the VFD. You'll leave the motor wiring alone.

That's an older model kbac 27d, but in mine, there's a big wire in the middle of the circuir board when you open it up, right side jumper is 220 input, left side is 110. Check the manual to make sure, but going from 220 to 110 is less dangerous than going from 110 to 220.

Most normal breakers should be able to handle the load, assuming there isn't a lot of load on the circuit already.

Great score man.
 
Like Java and the label on the VFD sez re 120 or 230, you are pooping in tall cotton.:thumbup: That is the same setup that I have. By the way, you can call Beaumont and get a reverse switch for that rig.
 
strider214 said:
Thanks guys. I've been itching do do this for 30 years and I can't believe I am almost ready to get started. I was really planning to start with a drill press and some files but when I had the chance to pick up this six year old barely used KMG with the Leeson motor, VFD, 10" wheel, platen, and about 30 belts for less than a grand i had to jump on it. I will have to work some more OT and sell off some of my customs but I think it was worth it. I still just need to pick up a drill press and lots of minor things, take half the junk in the garage to the dump and think about the electrical.

I can say for sure that I never would even have attempted this if it was't for this great community (thanks Spark) and the confidence gained here.



View attachment 300765View attachment 300766View attachment 300767
Click to expand...

Those photos are the key to helping you.
Now we know what you have.

Here's the manual.
http://www.kbelectronics.com/manuals/kbac_manual.pdf

As mentioned above, you need to change a jumper inside for 220 to 110, and put a 110 plug on the input to the VFD.
the connections fromthe VFD to the motor should be good, no need to change them.
 
Easy peasy lemon squeezy! I am so motivated that I just moved 3/4 of the junk from my garage to the driveway and tomorrow I'll rent a box truck to take it to the dump. Down the line I may have some ventilation issues but I should be good to go.

I have some questions as to the machine itself but they can wait until I first see if I can resolve them on my ow when I finally get up and running. The question that's nagging me though is if my house can't handle the amps would I only trip the breaker or would it work and be dangerous or blow something in the motor?
 
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