Speed selector variable speed pulleys

[Taqtaq]

Evening gents,
Have any of you had the opportunity to try out the variable speed pulls system from speed selector? I would think and hope this may be my answer to getting a variable speed system without having to buy a vfd. Any thoughts?

 

[Lieblad]

Dunno if I used anything from Speed Selector, but the variable pulley system is perfectly viable. Several machines I worked on use variable pulleys. My big Wilton pillar drill uses it too.

Anyway, I think building with variable pulleys will be darned expensive given how inexpensive VFDs are nowdays.
Plus the extra wearing parts & you wont have easy method of braking or reverse.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Problem is they are fine for low speed applications, but vibrate and wear out at higher speeds. Most folks who don't use a VFD use three step pully setup - usually 2/3/4" and a 3" drive pully on the motor. Some use a double three step setup - 2/3/4" driven by 4/3/2".

 

[Ken H>]

If you're building a grinder, then go ahead and purchase the 3ph motor. If budget is tight, but the price (or less) of the pulley/belt setup, purchase a $100 Chinese VFD and put filters over air inlets (or in box). Then several years later when (if) it goes bad you'll know if you wish to spend the money for a high dollar NEMA 4 enclosed VFD.

The last Chinese VFD I purchase had a very clear well written manual and couldn't be easier to setup. I paid $79 shipped for a 3 hp rated, and perfect for 2hp. https://www.ebay.com/itm/232756241295?

 

[AVigil]

When I built my grinder I went with a 234 pulley system.

One day I may go to a VFD and 3 phase motor but it works so well I have not had the need to make the change