What all do I need in order to wire my motor for my grinder?

C

coldsteelburns

Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
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So I am just about finished with my NWG belt grinder except I need to wire the motor. This isn't really a question about how to wire it (even though I'll probably end up asking for help with that lol) as it is a question of what materials (light switch box, wire? etc.) I need to buy in order to get it wired.

I know pretty much everybody used a light switch box for an on/off switch so I'm assuming that will be one thing I need to get, but what else do I need in order to actually get it wired up to a "plug" so I can, well, plug it in! ;)


My motor is a single phase TEFC 120v 1 HP motor from Harbor Freight, the Smith & Jones brand. So anyway any help would be greatly appreciated as so what I need, like a list, and whether or not that can all be obtained from the same place like Lowes or Home Depot. Thanks to everyone in advance! :) -Paul


Here are a couple pics showing my motor, it's specs and my grinder setup in case these help you to determin what I need for this particular motor...

DSCF9309_zps885115ab.jpg


DSCF9311_zpsd8be7490.jpg


DSCF9331_zps596aeb40.jpg
 
I would use a PVC switch box, not a light switch box. It will be sealed much tighter against dust. Use a switch rated at 20 amps. Use a pigtail (power cord) rated for 15 amps of more, which should be at least 14 gauge. 12 gauge would be better. The wires from the switch to the motor should be stranded 12 gauge with solidly crimped connectors that match the motor lugs. I would use crimped lugs on all connections. When wiring a device that draws the current a 1HP motor does, you don't want to be just wrapping wires around the screws.
 
Everything Stacy said but

I'd use a toggle switch not a light switch
on-off-toggle-switch.jpg


find one rated at 2 HP at HD


I'd use a switch boot.
They should be right there with the switches.
It's a condom that screws on over the switch bat

Using that toggle switch, you can fit it all into that sealed box on the motor and skip having another box.

If you start with a pre-made 12 gauge extension cord, you can skip buying a wire and plug separately (plus it's cheaper)





If you want connection advice, let's see the connection diagram.
 
I recommend using a switch with an emergency stop on it. I had a light switch when I used a 1/2 hp motor but I could stop that thing with just pressure on the belt, a 1 hp motor has more power and anything getting caught may not stop it quickly. I won't give you any wiring advice. :-)
 
Hey guys, I really appreciate that you're helping my out! :)

I should make something clear, and that is I am pretty lame when it comes to wiring terms and names of things used to wire motors or anything for that matter :o

Stacy, I just looked up what a pvc switch box is and all I say were empty boxes made from pvc.. is that just something that would protect a switch like that one Count suggested, the toggle switch?

Also I'm not sure what a pigtail cord is.. is it just a normal power cord with a male and female plug on it that I would buy and use instead of buying the parts seperately because it would be easier plus cheaper as well like Count also suggested? Sorry if these are rediculous Q's but I'm stumped. I've searched all over the web for what I need to buy to wire a motor and I cant find anything but info about VFDs and reversing motors etc etc.

I'm confused as to where on the motor the 14-12 guage cord would go, I mean do I drill a hole into the wiring box on the motor so that it has a place to come out after being wired to the motor and replacing the box that coveres the wires on the motor. Or actually, do I drill 2 hole in the box? one for the plug, and another for the cord connected to the switch?

Feel free to jump in here as well Count lol ;) Or anyone else for that matter. I kinda need to see it to understand it. I see other nwg motors which two cords coming from the wiring box on the motor, one for the plug and the other for the switch but it looks like there was already a place for the cords to go through.

Also not sure what a switch boot is. I know if I have everything I needed already in from of me, and and Idea of how the cords came out of the sealed wiring box on the motor, I could wire it to the motor pretty easy with the diamgram I have.

Is there any chace you could make a quick list of the names of the stuff I would need to buy,
for example
1. A 14 or 12 guage extension cord to cut in half (being cheaper than putting a cord together myself)

2. A toggle switch

3. A pvc box to put the toggle switch in (not sure if thats what you do with it but I think you'll get the poing o the question I'm asking)

etc etc. I'm just stumped, and you guys are my only hope since I cant find any other info on this stuff lol

but yea, like I said I really appreciate you guys helping me out, and hope that this askin for too much.. :o

Thanks again -Paul
 
A "pig tail" is a pre-made power cord that has a plug on one end, and bare wires on the other. Yes, you could cut the female end off an existing extension cord and make one.

The motor has a hole for the wires to enter. It should accept a cord clamp that will firmly hold the cord in place.

The PVC box has several different tops that you can put on it. There are ones that hold a switch, and have a cover to flip over it when not in use. These are often called "Exterior Switch Covers". This pretty much makes the switch dust proof, so you don't need the toggle switch and boot that The Count was referring to. A heavy duty, 15-20 amp regular switch will fit the box. Another plus of the PVC boxes is that they aren't metal, and this you don't have to worry about shorts and such by wires touching the box.

I am going to tell you what you need most to do this job........a person who knows how to do it. A friend with some electrical knowledge will make one trip to the hardware store and get everything he needs. He will install it without worry about burning up the motor or getting electrocuted.......you really need this person. You might have to give him $20, or just fix some burgers and a six pack while talking about knifemaking, but the cost will be well worth it.
Don't skimp on the parts, as it may be poor economy.
 
Hey Stacy :) Thanks for your reply. I did some reasearch last night about the name of the parts that both you an Count listed, which gave me a clearer picture of understanding what I need to wire it. Though I'm still a lil confused about something..

When you say the motor has a hole for the wires to enter/escape, do you think you could tell me where these hole are by the pictures I posted above? I see there is a button on top on the wire box, which I have no clue what its purpose is.. do I remove that and use a a "cable gland" (same as a cable clamp?) to secure it through that hole? Or is that button important?

Also, That takes care of one hole for the pigtail cord, assuming that's what I would do, so where would the cord that attaches to the switch enter the motor wire box?

I guess "now" ,, that's my main confusion. I got lucky last night when searching the terms and part names you listed and stumbles across this page http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/pdfs/beaumontmetalworks.com_110089-setup.html.pdf which show them drilling a hole in the box to make the toggle switch connected to the actual motor box itself.

So to make it simpler, thats really what I am confused about.

haha thanks for the advice about paying a friend in burgers or some cash ta help me out, however, I don't have any friends that know how to do any of this stuff, my dad is very familiar with wiring, but not when it comes to what parts are needed to get the motor wired so basically I'm gonna have to figure this out myself. Everything I've ever learned when it comes to making knives or making tools or jigs etc etc, the info has come from the internet, or some books, so I'm pretty much alone in person.

Don't worry, I will get as much help and research as I can and make sure I understand clearly what's needed to get this wired but If you could help my understand this whole "holes in the motor" confusion I have, I'd very much appreciate it :) Thanks Stacy, I'll need to send you a 6 pack of your choice sometime lol
Take care brother :) -Paul
 
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coldsteelburns said:
Hey Stacy :) Thanks for your reply. I did some reasearch last night about the name of the parts that both you an Count listed, which gave me a clearer picture of understanding what I need to wire it. Though I'm still a lil confused about something..

When you say the motor has a hole for the wires to enter/escape, do you think you could tell me where these hole are by the pictures I posted above? I see there is a button on top on the wire box, which I have no clue what its purpose is.. do I remove that and use a a "cable gland" (same as a cable clamp?) to secure it through that hole? Or is that button important?

Also, That takes care of one hole for the pigtail cord, assuming that's what I would do, so where would the cord that attaches to the switch enter the motor wire box?

I guess "now" ,, that's my main confusion. I got lucky last night when searching the terms and part names you listed and stumbles across this page http://www.beaumontmetalworks.com/pdfs/beaumontmetalworks.com_110089-setup.html.pdf which show them drilling a hole in the box to make the toggle switch connected to the actual motor box itself.

So to make it simpler, thats really what I am confused about.

haha thanks for the advice about paying a friend in burgers of some cash ta help me out, however, I don't have any friends that know how to do any of this stuff, my dad is very familiar with wiring, but not when it comes to what parts are needed to get the motor wired so basically I'm gonna have to figure this out myself. Everything I every learned about everything I've ever dont when it comes to making knives of making tools ligs etc etc, have come from the internet, or some books, so I'm alone in person.

Don't worry, I will get as much help and research as I can and make sure I understand clearly what's needed to get this wired but If you could help my understand this whole "holes in the motor" confusion I have, I'd very much appreciate it :) Thanks Stacy, I'll need to send you a 6 pack of your choice sometime lol
Take care brother :) -Paul
Click to expand...


Start by taking off the cover to that box

Have a closer look at that button and see if it says reset on it or something
See if there are some wires on it.
It should be really obvious
I think it's a circuit breaker.

In this photo, you can see a circle in the photo on the left beside the cord
The motor manufacturers put punchouts there, so it will come out with a hammer and punch.

Since your motor is a HF model, they may have skipped that and you have to drill 2 holes, one for the cable gland to run the cord in.

One hole for the switch to mount in
 
I think that the button is the motor reset. There should be a hole, you might have to knock out a coin looking thing, that the wires go through. It should be on that little box that the button is on though. The other thing, that motor is 110/220 volt. You have to change a cooper wires around to make it one or the other. Not sure which way I came wired. The power comes out of that box and into the PVC box, and the pig tail comes out of that into the plug in the wall.

I think you need a e ectrician buddy!! Seriously!
Best luck
Cody
 
The fact that you don't know what the button is, or how the wires enter the motor proves your need for a friend who does. Really, this isn't the same as fumbling your way thorough a first knife. Mistakes can ruin a motor, or ruin your life.
 
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I'll bet that your dad, if he is indeed very knowledgeable about wiring, will be able to figure this out pretty easy. That screw off cover on your motor should have a diagram on the inside, with wiring instructions for high and low voltage connections. Usually there are several wires, 6 often, that can be combined in different ways to each other and to the lines in, for your voltage.

Also, a trip to the library could be helpful. You can find books on wiring for houses, appliances, and if you are lucky, machines. It's not too hard to get a basic understanding of how things work, and that will help you to be more safe.

I think you need to cultivate a friendship or at least acquaintance with a local machinist. Perhaps throw that motor in your rig, stop by a local place if they do not look to busy, ask politely if the shop man has a minute of time to spare some advice. Explain what you are trying to do, and that you are a budding metal work enthusiast.

Many of these guys are pretty friendly if approached right. Offer to pay for his time, it's a good chance that he could tell you what to get and what to do with it, or that he would have what you need on hand for a reasonable cost, and save you a trip and some uncertainty.

I know that I'm not as equipped as the average job machine shop, but I could hook up a 1 hp motor and switch for a guy with what I have on hand. Good luck!
 
Hey I just wanted to thank all of you for for your help. hahaa Stacy, I've done more than just fumble my way through one knife in my last 2 1/2 years of making knives, I'd hope so at least :o (most of my time has been spent experimenting with all kinds of things and spent aquiring stuff over the years as well) lol anyway, I really do understand your concern and appreciate it as I know electricity is no joke. Also the button is a "reset", I forgot that I asked someone at harbor freight that over a year ago, when I got the motor, (it's been a loong drawn out project)

Also thank you Count , Cody & Salem :) , that info really helped me out. I know my dad can help me wire the thing for sure, and I don't mean to sound arrogant, or naive rather, but once I get the actual wires in front of me and have the wiring diagram, as well as all the info about how to wire all kinds of different motors online, I'm sure I could get it done pretty easily. I have wired a few things here and there with diagrams, but I'll make sure to get my dads help anyway to be safe.

That really has been my main problem, not knowing how the cords were suppose to come out of the junction box, I think you right Count, that would make sence that HF skipped the step of putting puch out locations on the motor, which is why this has been so confusing for me. I looked at all my othe belt sanders bench grinder motors for any hints but those things are built into or onto the motors pretty much.

Anyway thanks again for all your help! I make sure that it will be "you guys" who I bug if and when I have anymore Q's :D ;) Take care

-Paul


My Youtube Channel www.youtube.com/Lsubslimed
 
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