I often get asked what is the most affordable motor option to start grinding. If you don't have access to the ultimate junkyard you can head to your local farm supply, hardware store or even online and pick up a 1hp motor. I highly recommend a TEFC motor (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled). Open case motors are dangerous for this application because it will suck in debris from grinding and shorten the life of the motor and create the potential for an electric shock hazard. I will attach pictures of a 1hp direct drive setup that I built for a customer. The reason I didn't make this a standard option on my site is because I'm trying to keep the cost low for my customers. If I get enough requests, I can make a listing. I don't get much if any discount on electrical components like motor's, etcetera and extra shipping gets added to the price. I’m more than happy thought to share links though.
For drive wheel size I would recommend a 4” diameter on a 3450rpm motor or an 8” drive wheel on a 1725rpm motor. Both options will give you a belt speed of 3600 SFPM. Try finding a motor with a 5/8” shaft. Most new 1hp motor sold in stores are a 56 frame with a 5/8” drive shaft.
Pros of this setup:
- Affordable
- Lighter weight and less bulky when used on a SRG Grinder making it more portable
- Simple and rugged
Cons:
- Can’t slow down belt speed for sensitive/delicate work. Requires more skill
- Decreased bearing life on small wheels especially under 1” due to high RPM
- Contact wheels can delaminate if they’re not rated for the RPM
Note: The contact wheels I sell are rated for 7200 rpm so a 2” diameter contact wheel will work on the above setup.
Here are the links to build the grinder in the pictures. The VFD mount will require the drilling of two holes to mount the on/off switch.
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/motors/ac_motors_-_general_purpose/general_purpose/mtr2-001-1ab36
https://www.infinitytools.com/power-tool-safety-switc
https://kadrmaskreations.com/product/srg-2x72-belt-grinder-sander-frame-with-wheels/
https://kadrmaskreations.com/product/vfd-bracket/
https://kadrmaskreations.com/product/56c-spacer/
Let me know if you have any question and feel free to post links or pictures of your setup pertaining to this topic.
Kyle
I often get asked what is the most affordable motor option to start grinding. If you don't have access to the ultimate junkyard you can head to your local farm supply, hardware store or even online and pick up a 1hp motor. I highly recommend a TEFC motor (Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled). Open case motors are dangerous for this application because it will suck in debris from grinding and shorten the life of the motor and create the potential for an electric shock hazard. I will attach pictures of a 1hp direct drive setup that I built for a customer. The reason I didn't make this a standard option on my site is because I'm trying to keep the cost low for my customers. If I get enough requests, I can make a listing. I don't get much if any discount on electrical components like motor's, etcetera and extra shipping gets added to the price. I’m more than happy thought to share links though.
For drive wheel size I would recommend a 4” diameter on a 3450rpm motor or an 8” drive wheel on a 1725rpm motor. Both options will give you a belt speed of 3600 SFPM. Try finding a motor with a 5/8” shaft. Most new 1hp motor sold in stores are a 56 frame with a 5/8” drive shaft.
Pros of this setup:
- Affordable
- Lighter weight and less bulky when used on a SRG Grinder making it more portable
- Simple and rugged
Cons:
- Can’t slow down belt speed for sensitive/delicate work. Requires more skill
- Decreased bearing life on small wheels especially under 1” due to high RPM
- Contact wheels can delaminate if they’re not rated for the RPM
Note: The contact wheels I sell are rated for 7200 rpm so a 2” diameter contact wheel will work on the above setup.
Here are the links to build the grinder in the pictures. The VFD mount will require the drilling of two holes to mount the on/off switch.
https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/motors/ac_motors_-_general_purpose/general_purpose/mtr2-001-1ab36
https://www.infinitytools.com/power-tool-safety-switc
https://kadrmaskreations.com/product/srg-2x72-belt-grinder-sander-frame-with-wheels/
https://kadrmaskreations.com/product/vfd-bracket/
https://kadrmaskreations.com/product/56c-spacer/
Let me know if you have any question and feel free to post links or pictures of your setup pertaining to this topic.
Kyle
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