What motor to look for?

D

Dixieblade57

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Jun 20, 2007
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My next big investment is going to be a KMG clone. So I am starting to put componets together for the build.
I want to have variable speed and plenty of power.

Having said that what is the recomendation for a motor?

What HP?

What kind, ( I know it probably needs to be sealed because of dust), 120volt, or 220volt and how about phase, reversable?

I know some of you have had experience because I sometimes hear some one say well if I had it too do over I would have done this! :grumpy::grumpy:
So I don't want to do it over, so point me in the right direction with a motor!Thanks in advance for your imput on this subject.
 
I had a 1.5hp on my first KMG. I now have a 2hp on my second KMG and it is soooo much nicer. If you have 220 in your shop definately get 2hp. If not go with 1.5hp. Make sure the motor is TEFC.
 
Thanks for the reply! What exactly doesTEFC stand for?

Anyone else want to chime in on this suject?? I take all advice and digest it!

What hp have you got on your grinder, is it 2ph or 3ph, how about reversible, I could see where that would be handy at times?
 
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if you can possibly do it, get a 2 hp 3 phase motor and a VFD speed controller,you won't be sorry. it is light years beyond using step pulleys.
 
TEFC stands for Totally Enclosed, Fan-Cooled and refers to an industrial electric motor equipped with an external fan to circulate outside air to the motor.

This motor is probably the most commonly used motor in ordinary industrial environments. It costs only a few dollars more than the open motor, yet offers good protection against common hazards.
 
dixie i just went through all this and ended up just getting a 1 hp single pulley system .for the money the 3 step pulley is pretty much the same and saves big money. I do my handles in slack belt mode and have had no problems. Unless your planning on selling over 200 knives a year its not worth it and its not needed . I know ill have lots of people dissagree but it depends on how much money you have and how many knives your going to do per year. I havent been on in a while and havew made 20 knives in the last month and a half . way to many relatives lately. I dont think i need a variable speed on mine and even with a 1 hp i can jam a piece of steel into 60 grit as hard as i can and cant stall out my motor. For all you who remember me I hung a lucky rabbits foot in my shop and have not cut myself or routerd off any fingers since. kellyw lol
 
While you might not need it, variable speed is something you will not regret if you spring for it. Same with 2hp over 1. I cant imagine a scenario where I would need a reversible motor on my KMG though.
 
Why would you want the belt to move upward? Seems like it would be unsafe. On-the-other-hand, the motor's turn direction that you will need will depend on what side you mount it on and drive the belt from. Either CW or CCW. Being able to change up the direction at the point of install might come in handy, otherwise you have to make sure you by a motor that turns in the right direction.
 
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