Sourcing a Grinder Motor - Questions

Mudbug007

Mudbug007

Joined
Nov 29, 2010
Messages
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I'm shopping around for a motor for my Wilmont LB-1000. I've found several locally through CL and FB, but they have seen their better days. I'm looking at new ones currently.

I'm looking to buy either a 1 hp or 1.5 hp in a 115v.

What I need to make sure of is exactly what FLA means. If I remember correctly it means Full Load Amps and this is achieved when the motor is pulling at it's max torque. Most data plates will show something like; FLA: 12/9. I assume this means at full load, the motor pulls 12 amps and at half load it pulls 9. Is this correct? If not, what does the 9 stand for?

I only have two 20 amp breakers serving outlets in my garage and a freezer is on each one, so getting a motor with a low FLA is important. (assuming my definition of FLA is correct)

Also, how important is an overload to a grinder motor? I've seen them with and without a manual overload.
 
I've had good luck on ebay, but with a lot of thoughtful searching. I got both of my motors, 1phase, TEFC, 1.5 and 2 HP new old stock for about $100 each. Both are wired at 220V and one I reversed.
 
Off topic but, I would think you'll outgrow a 1hp very quickly. I wouldnt even consider it
 
Great topic.

I have a 2 hp on the belt grinder. What do all of you think is the minimum and the ideal motor size for a 9" disc grinder?
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I'd love to have a 220v, but it's not gonna happen. My shop is my Garage and to run 220v to it, I'd have to upgrade my main panel, which is on the opposite side of the house. By the time I got done paying for all that, I could buy a KMG or two or possibly even a TW-90!

I'm currently using a 2x42 with a 1/3rd motor. So a 1 or 1.5 hp will be a huge upgrade. I've also talked to those using a 1 or 1.5hp 115v motors and they seem to be happy with them. I generally only get aggressive (as aggressive as the Craftsman will allow) while profiling.

I'm amazed at how much difference in the FLA there is between motors with the same horsepower. Seems the Chinese motors have a higher FLA while companies like Baldor and Leeson have lower FLA's. My well be worth the extra $$$ to buy one of them if it means not tripping a breaker.
 
John Frankl said:
Great topic.

I have a 2 hp on the belt grinder. What do all of you think is the minimum and the ideal motor size for a 9" disc grinder?
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John if this is going to be a varrible speed disk grinder I would say 1hp is more then enough.

Singal speed a 3/4hp is plenty.
 
We end up byuing out 1.5hp mottor from tractor supply..Got it cheaper than the other cources I found and also got a three year full replacement warrenty with it for about $20 extra..Its a farm duty, fan cooled motor but was still over $200..Everything we found on ebay end up being more with shipping. Its a 115v, at the time we didnt have a 220v outlet..
 
If you can do this without your wife killing you make a 220 extension cord and run it to your dryer plug.... I'm not an electrician but I've seen this done before.
 
Will Leavitt said:
If you can do this without your wife killing you make a 220 extension cord and run it to your dryer plug.... I'm not an electrician but I've seen this done before.
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Im not sure I would do this. Yes 220 run's less power. But it would take some time to make it cost worthy by the time you buy the wire and the 220 contectors at $10 each plus the simple headach of having to unplug and plug it in.To me its not worth it for the part time hobby maker. From a guy who has done lots of wiring and built many grinders this is my opinion.

Brett
 
I'm with Will on this. An extension cord done right, solves the 220V garage issue without much trouble, you just have to remember not to try and run both at the same time.
 
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