Built the grinder, need the motor. I have a couple of motors but they both are single phase and use the centrifugal clutch so I cant change the speed even with a vfd. Now I am shopping for a new motor but not sure what I need. I am thinking 1 1/2 to 2 hp but what type of motor works with a vfd or even a "old style" fan dimmer switch? I really want the speed to be adjustable as I am also making Dancon's small wheel set and don't want to be frying the bearings quickly. I had considered a drill press style pulley system but the time I am done it would be similar cost to a new motor with vfd. Any thoughts?
Hyde, You will need a three phase motor to go with the VFD. I recommend knowing what VFD you will be using and the diameter of your drive wheel, before you buy the motor, but based on the horsepower indicated: For a Small Drive Wheel (2 to 4" diameter) 208 or 220 Volt Three phase 1 to 3 horsepower TEFC 2 Pole (3450 RPM) For a Large Drive Wheel (5 to 6" diameter) 208 or 220 Volt Three phase 1 to 3 horsepower TEFC 4 Pole (1740 RPM) This will keep your surface feet/min within a friendly range. You don't want to be running your motor/drive at half speed all the time as the motor needs to be cooled by its own fan. The last thing to decide is whether you need a C-face or not. This depends on how the motor will mount. I tried to answer a few common questions on this page: http://dcknives.blogspot.ca/p/the-dirt-on-drives.html Hope this helps! Dan
