Variable and 2hp?

N

nutria_man

Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
93
variable speed.. and more than 1.5 hp.. is it really needed?
Do you often push the limits of these grinders that one needs 2HP?

Just wondering...
 
I may be wrong, but I think the extra horsepower really comes into play when you're running at low speeds without all that spinning inertial mass. Or, if you're doing some really, really heavy grinding, regardless of speed.

Depending on your grinding habits, I think 1.5 HP would be enough for most folks; however, from what I've seen, 1.5 and 2 hp motors run around the same price, so why not a 2hp :D. Of course, I also believe 2hp requires a 220V source most of the time, while you could get by with 110V for a 1.5 hp.

--nathan
 
I think 2HP is the useful limit. 1.5 is perfectly fine but you could bog it down if you tried, if all you have is 1.5HP then you'll easily work within it, 2 just gives a little convenience. If I needed over 2 I think I'd be doing something wrong.
 
Ive been using a 1-1/2 HP with VS on my KMG, the Leeson motor that Rob F. supplies. I've been using it for about 4 years now with good results. That being said, now that I've got some experience and feel comfortable with my grinding skills I wish I had the extra snort that a 2 HP provides. I have to agree with both Acrid Saint and silver_pilate, you can bog the 1-1/2 HP quite easily at slow speeds and given that they're close to the same cost ? If I had to do it all over again I would get the 2 HP motor with VS. :thumbup: In fact, I've been trying to put together another grinder in my spare time (whats that :rolleyes:)(& for ~ 1 year now). Hey, I've got the steel ;) Anyway, I will put a 2 HP w/ VS on this one .......... when its finished :D

So yes, get the 2 HP if you can. In the end you'll be glad you did.



:thumbup:
 
I don't know that you need it but mine (2hp with freq. drive) sure works nice on wide (2" or more) kitchen blades and I wouldn't want to go back to my 1hp if I didn't have to.
 
I have two 1.5hp VS and one 2hp VFD and it's not enough for me. I burned up a 1.5hp VS motor a few years ago when I started grinding big blades.
I have learned to deal with it but will upgrade to more HP at some point.
 
I have had a Burr King VS 1.5 hp Leeson (DC motor and controller) for 12 years and it's a GREAT machine. I love it.

I bought a KMG with 2hp VFD over a year ago from Rob and love it. I appreciated the increase in power.

Just recently I bought 3hp VFD KMG, and I am stoked about the power.

I wouldn't have wanted or needed that HP before, but with more confidence in grinding, better belts that are currently available, and big, forged knives... more hp is a great thing.

It's not a HAVE TO HAVE type of thing, but if you want to make that argument we don't really need a grinder at all! (and that's just plain crazy talk ;) ). :)
 
yes...I called around today looking at motor prices... I am still deciding over the KMG or the NWG. The MWG seems more flexible...KMG seems cleaner.

I was also looking at some of the rolling tables to put it on.. I need to wheel it around my garage. I already have a big Ridged cast iron table saw in the way.

I also like the way JT can sit in a chair and grind his knives.. verses standing up all the darn time.. very cool.

I am a bowie man. .so I am thinking 14" contact.. and the 2 or 3HP VFD kit from the KMG site. I was checking prices local just to save on shipping.

Might be easier just to order the darn thing.. verses running all over looking for pieces....diesel will cost me more in the end.
 
Glad to hear you are putting some research into it. Getting a QUALITY 2X72 grinder is usually a pivotal point in a knifemakers hobby/job/career.

The 2 and 3 hp set-ups are a good bit of money, but if you're committed to getting a good machine I definitely recommend buying what you really want.

Like they say, buying the expensive, but right tool, only hurts once :)

If you have anybody near you with any of the different grinders and they're willing to let you try them out, or at least show you what their's can do, I'd really recommend you do that.

I actually had a guy come to the shop that decided knifemaking wasn't for him when he saw how close I stuck my fingers next to a 50x ceramic belt going full speed. He said I saved him $2grand... lol Of course that's not the reaction you hope to get out of someone.... but the point is he got to see what a grinder was really all about rather than just seeing it on the pc screen.


I completely agree about scrounging stuff together. Normally I'm all for doing whatever I can to save some $$$, but with fuel costs where they're at, it's usually cheaper in the end to just get everything in one spot. Plus I like supporting good, real, craftsmen like Rob :)
 
Knife making was a hobby when I was a kid.... what else do you do in the swamps...

My dad would only get that craftsman bench grinder... worked great.. made many a knife from files and lawn mower blades.

I have to admit.. JT's videos kinda did it for me as far as bench verses KMG type.

What is also nice is in the old days the stupid grind wheels would get gouges..and the steel would bounce....I think the table we had was not that steady.. so was a constant problem. That seems eliminated with these 'newer' KMG styles.

I had wondered about edge grinding (on the belt.. as we did on the grind stone) but I saw JT doing that.. I assume the belt just bends in the rubber edge of the contact wheel..

Anyway... just being good is not good enough..
 
MORE HORSEPOWER!!!
I have a kmg w'2hp vs now and my next grinder will have more power:D

Rick
 
Nothing but good things to say about Rob, his service and the KMG. :thumbup:
I opted for the 2hp, but didn't get the VFD model. I used the 400.00 instead for a MAP Arm and I couldn't be happier with the setup. At my skill level, the VFD just seemed like overkill, whereas a good heavy duty platen would serve my needs better. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever setup you choose. Best of luck. Cliff
 
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