Somebody convince me I'm making a bad choice...

In didn't mean to imply that it would not work.

The motor shown draws 5.56 amps and the VFD provides 6.7amps. That is enough, but not a large margin. If the motor is stalled slightly by heavy hogging, the current draw could spike as much as 15-20%. That would bring the draw to 6.4 to 6.7 amps........right at the max load for the VFD. As In said, probably not an issue, but I always go on the higher side.
I am sure that many of these have worked well for a long time. As Brian pointed out, if set up right, there will be no issue.

Another reason to have a bit of wiggle room is if he replaces the motor or builds another grinder with a 2HP motor, he would not need a larger VFD.
 
Oh man, that's a lot more to digest.

My original thinking on the motor/VFD combo was first, my power restriction. I planned for a 1.5 hp motor to maximize my 110 power situation. It would still be easier to use a 110 outlet than make the modifications for 220 (if it's even possible) as long as the 1.5 hp motor is sufficient. Like the count said, I am used to a 1x42 grinder so even a 1 hp motor will be a substantial upgrade at this point.

I have seen a lot of people use the KBAC 27D to run 1.5 and 2 hp motor like Erin. I figured it would be a good investment so that down the road when 220 was more easily accessible I could just upgrade to a 2 hp motor and move the 1.5 to my disc replacing the current 3/4 hp motor running the disc. There is really only a $50 difference between a KBAC 27D and a KBAC 29D. So am I understanding your suggestion correctly, Stacy, that I would be better off to get the bigger VFD now even if I still get the 1.5 hp motor?
 
If you check out the KB datasheet for these drives, the KBAC-29 only handles up to 2hp on a 220 single-phase source with a max continuous load current of 6.7amps... the exact same as the KBAC-27D. From what I can tell, the only reason you'd want a KBAC-29 is if you wanted to run a 3hp motor... but then you'd need a three-phase source.
Erin
 
I take that back and Erin you beat me to it. Looks like the KBAC 29D only runs on 220 and doesn't provide any benefits over the 27D. So now back to my original thoughts.

Brian, sounds like you are in a similar situation. And it sounds like it's working just fine for you. Are you happy with the GIB?

Honestly, it would be a lot easier for me to use the 110 power I have there already. I think I might be back to my original train of thought.
 
Oh, and thanks for those tips too Brian. I had planned on getting the good wheels from Rob. Heard too many problems with the econo versions. And the small wheels from Tracy, perfect. I also have all the parts in my cart at Mcmaster Carr to do what David did right from the get go.
 
It seems that the KBAC 27D has been proven by many people that use these types of grinders.

I do agree that 220 if available (your laundry area) is the way to go, I built an extension for a 40 amp welder for roughly $80 with parts form The HD.

As far as 110V goes Jared; if that is all I had I would use it. I know a fellow that uses a 110V/1.5hp Hardcore and it takes a lot to slow it down.
 
I am definitely going to look into the 220 predicament. My neighbor is a master electrician and he's coming over tonight to see what is possible.

As near as I can tell it sounds like the KBAC 27D may be a good choice regardless of 1.5 or 2 hp motor. So I just need to nail down whether I can get 220 there or not.

On a side note I went to see my friend Dave Lang today. I grew up with him as a neighbor my whole life and he is the man who taught me the ropes in knifemaking. He had a 1 hp DC motor and VFD that he wanted to just give to me. He is kind of old school and doesn't come to these forums at all but he was convinced that would be enough for me. I don't know...
 
I think there are actually a few versions of the kbac 29. I have one that will only do 2hp on 220v single ph, and requires 3ph input to output 3hp, *however* I'm pretty certain there is a newer version that will output 3hp with 220v single ph. Wayne Coe sells one. Its equivalent to a "D" model.

As mentioned, split a sub panel off your main breaker. If you have an electrician buddy, he would likely do it for a knife and and the cost of parts, either way, unless its a long run, it shouldn't cost more than a few hundred. Chances are your main panel is in the basement already no? Sure, getting a whole shop wired up can be expensive, but having a sub panel installed and a couple of circuits dropped right off of it shouldn't be. Its an hour job if that.

For those guys that live in cities with really restrictive codes and inspections, I feel for you. I run new circuits on what seems like a daily basis. Basic wiring the way we need for our shops is childsplay, sucks when the "rules" prohibit you from DIYing it. Sometimes I'm amazed we're "allowed" to make knives at all.
 
Thanks javand. I think I can get away with a little jimmy rigging and under the radar stuff with the 220 as long as I have the space to squeeze another breaker in there.

What is the concensus with using a KBAC 27D with a 2 hp motor? Good to go or move up to another VFD?
 
Dave Behrens said:
When I decided to upgrade my grinder(Hurricane 2x36), I bit the bullet, shelled out the cash and bought a TW-90. It replaced my 2x36 grinder, Spindle Sander, and Disc Sander. I was also surprised how quiet it is. It is just awesome, quick belt and tool rest change, freehanding is easy, the small wheel arm takes 1/2" to 2" wheels etc, etc...

And you can choose 110v or 220v.
Click to expand...

I sold my KMG last year for a TW90. Absolutely amazing machine! That GIB is a very nice grinder. Best of luck with it.
 
2hp with a 27d wired 220 is fine. Its pretty standard. Honestly, I doubt you'll need more power, I have a 3hp but it's overkill imho. 90% of makers are running 1.5hp on 110 and get by fine. The extra hp really helps for flat platen grinding but otherwise I've never had an issue with bogging.
 
Great, sounds like 27D is the one for me. I will just have to see what I can do as far as 220 to decide which motor for now. If I'm limited to 110 right now I think I'll get by just fine. Then upgrade to a 2hp later.
 
You can go ahead and buy the 2hp motor, and run it at 1.5hp with 110 input then upgrade to 220 later. Its just a jumper change on the vfd.
 
Oh, that's even better. I am very new to VFD's, when you say jumper change can you explain that more?

Thanks for all your help!
 
J. Oeser said:
I am hearing this more and more. It is a definite future investment.
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It is an incredible machine. However that GIB is really sweet. I am planning on getting a bigger house soon. Once I have a bigger shop I will have a GIB for my second machine.
 
javand said:
You can go ahead and buy the 2hp motor, and run it at 1.5hp with 110 input then upgrade to 220 later. Its just a jumper change on the vfd.
Click to expand...

Hey dude... I don't want to be argumentative but ;)... have you tried this??? The KBAC-27D seems to be a robust piece of equipment... but I'm imagining overcurrent protection coming into play with this scenario... or worst case, a puff of smoke and no more VFD. :eek:
 
I know of a number of people that have 2hp motors running on a 27d running at 1.5hp with 110 input. My friend's tw-90 was set up that way since it came with a 2hp. In fact, I ran my 3hp motor jumpered for 2hp with my kbac 29 and 220v single ph input before I hooked it up to my phase converter and jumpered it 3hp.

Afaik there's nothing wrong with this other than losing the hp? I'm not claiming to be an expert however, so of someone knows better I'm all ears.
 
J. Oeser said:
Oh, that's even better. I am very new to VFD's, when you say jumper change can you explain that more?

Thanks for all your help!
Click to expand...

Inside the drive are a series of pots and jumpers that can be adjusted. The "jumpers" are a series of pins (usually 3) that are bridged either A-B or B-C to accomplish different things. One example is the 2X jumper changing from A-B to B-C will over drive a motor for increased RPM.

The distributor you are looking at does a very good job of setting everything up before it reaches you.
 
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