What do I really need for my KMG?

J. Neilson

J. Neilson

Joined
Feb 6, 2001
Messages
3,621
Finally got the cash and I'm going to get a grinder from Rob. Not giving up my Grizzlies but, adding to them. I don't know squat about motors or math. I know I can slow down my 1 hp Griz. (I push pretty hard), I use the 3M ceramics to start my grinds (fast and hard) and I'm not interested in slowing it down. No offense to the Vari-speed lovers, I'm just use to doing it the way I do. I've looked at motors all over and want to know what the heck I'm really going to need, without getting any close to broke. This grinder is going to be strictly for flat bevels, my Grizzlies will do all the hogging and handle work. Also, going above 1hp, how high can I go without switching to 220?

Sorry, I know this subject has been beaten to death. :rolleyes:
 
J. take a look on ebay for motors. search for "leeson" you should come up with a lot of results. i found the same 1Hp leeson that rob sells but i got it for about 100 bucks. less than 1/3 of the price.
they have a lot of lesson motors which are really nice. ac or dc and many different HP ratings.
if you're going to go with single speed i think AC has more torque
right?
 
J. You knew I was going to say this, but:

$40 2hp surplus treadmill motor and a $150-200 DC controller. 2 high quality 3" pulleys and a belt from the autoparts store.

Steve
 
J you knew I was going to say this, but:

I'm with Steve. :D The variable speed is at its best for the finishing grits; I run mine fast for profiling and at the heavy grits too. But once you've done your finishing at slow speed you'll wonder how you ever did anything else.
 
J Definately shop around. Michael hit the nail on the head in regards to deals available on Ebay....or even in surplus.

Here are my recomendations:

For your skill level and professional requirements.....I would not do less than 1-1/2 hp on the KMG. If you want speed options, get a 1725/1800 rpm motor and use a set of the 2,3,4" step pulleys. If a single speed grinder is all that you want....then don't worry about the motor speed too much because you can use the pulley sizes to run the grinder where you want it. For hogging, I run the KMG drive shaft about 3500-4000rpm. If you find a low cost deal on a 3450rpm motor, run it 1-to-1 to the grinder.

Generally, 1-1/2 hp is the max you can get out of 110V which will approach 20amps. Ideally, 220 is better and will give you more options, but from my experience, the majority is using 110V.

The KMG was always intended to be very flexible in what or how you set it up. This can be a huge cost savings for some....or a nightmare for others. The boards are a great resource should you have any troubles with motor issues....and as always, feel free to drop me a line. I'll be glad to toss my 2 cents.


Sincerely,
Rob
 
PLEASE..get the step pullies. You'll find you use them more than you think.

Also....I'd get the small wheel attachment for sure. I like it but I dont think your knife style would benifit as much as mine does. I tend to have alot of inside curves where you have more hidden tang straightish handles. It would though speed up your slight curved guard style. I have a 1.5 hp motor but I think one day I'll get a higher HP one...KMG is nice!! Good move J.
 
I'm going to do as Rob says and step my pulley belt back up to full speed. I've been killing myself and going through course belts tapering S30V tangs. I use variable DC speed. I had the pulleys steped down to get max. torque on the very low speed.

RL
 
I want a KMG. :grumpy: :D

Congrats on the soon-to-be new purchase.
 
J.,

I have a good and tested variable speed DC controller here I have been keeping as an emergency backup. It is rated 2 HP if running on 220V. It is 1 HP if running 110V. If your shop has 220V service and if you can find a 190 - 220V DC motor at a good price I'll give you a very fair deal on it. For a 190V DC motor your best bet my be Ebay. If you would like for me to help you look for one let me know. This controller is ready to use. It is self contained and all that is needed is hook it the motor and put a 220V plug on the line cord. It is, however, forward direction only (no reverse).

I recommend getting a set of step pulleys too. I think Rob's pulleys are machined and balanced and by all means worth the few extra bucks because of that.

RL
 
If you're not crazy about variable speed.....get a strong 1.5 HP (max you can run on 110V) AC motor and a pair of step pulleys. You'll do fine. These kind of motors are easy to find and are cheap). Just make sure it runs around 1750 rpm. The high pulley will give you 3500 and the smaller one 875. The nice thing is that the torque is constant - important for flat grinding. Can be had for less than $120...."out the door'...


If you decide to go to 220V...the might as well get a 3HP - you'll never bog it down. Won't cost too much ~$200-300 and just use the same step pulleys.
 
J.

I've got a solution....I have a motor for you...free! It is an 110089 Leeson motor (1-1/2 hp) that is new/un-used. It was banged up a bit by FedEx such that the fan shroud is bent and rubbing on the fan. No biggie ...you just take it off and gently hammer out the dent. Bingo bango! new motor!

kmg-subp3.jpg


Anyway, I've finally settled the claim with FedEx so I'm all set.....but now I have a motor laying around collecting dust and taking space. I will not sell it due to the damage...but it is certainly 100% useable. Since you are coming to the Koval Show, I don't need to ship it. Basically you'll do me a service for hauling it away and putting it to use. This rarely happens but you might be in the right place at the right time since I only have 1 motor like this.

Sincerely,
Rob
 
rfrink said:
J.

I've got a solution....I have a motor for you...free! It is an 110089 Leeson motor (1-1/2 hp) that is new/un-used. It was banged up a bit by FedEx such that the fan shroud is bent and rubbing on the fan. No biggie ...you just take it off and gently hammer out the dent. Bingo bango! new motor!

kmg-subp3.jpg


Anyway, I've finally settled the claim with FedEx so I'm all set.....but now I have a motor laying around collecting dust and taking space. I will not sell it due to the damage...but it is certainly 100% useable. Since you are coming to the Koval Show, I don't need to ship it. Basically you'll do me a service for hauling it away and putting it to use. This rarely happens but you might be in the right place at the right time since I only have 1 motor like this.

Sincerely,
Rob
Click to expand...

Rob if J doesn't want it :D you know who to let know :D but a dummie if he doesn't :D
 
Its a good motor J. Thats what I got from Rob. I like it!! My shop is so small that it trips my breaker on high speed but thats a fault on my end. When I get a bigger shop I'll have it wired properly. I like the step pullies Rob. Thanks again for an awsome machine!!
 
Go for it J. That's the set up I have. The step pulley is fantastic! You won't be disappointed. Thanks Rob for all your help. ;)
Scott
 
WOW!!! I'd have to be a complete moron not to take that offer Rob. Thanks a ton. I've just collected on the baler so as soon as you send me a total, I'll send you a check. I can't wait for the Koval show! Thanks again Rob!
 
J,

That's a great combo with the 2-3-4 pulleys and the cermic 3-m belts. I've been flat grinding with that set up for a couple of years. A great machine Rob. A vac. set up that works for me consist of an old car wash vacum with a 3 inch round metal flex hose, about six feet long. I support the hose with a bungi cord under the machine. You can flex it out of the way when you need. It was 35$ for the lot. It fit even my knife makers budget.
If you put a small lip about two or three inches high on your side of the hose, too catch the grindings, the vac. will pick the cuttings up right off the belt. If your a hard grinder, like myself, I know you'll be dreamin about that twenty HP varyable speeeeeed unit.

Watch Your Hair Fred :D :D :D :D
 
This is so great. I can't do anything in the shop the rest of the day. I keep looking at the spot in the cold shop that I cleared for this KMG about 2-3 months ago. Maybe I can go into the hot shop and get some forging done and not daydream so much.
 
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