Change Harbor Freight 1x30 to slower AC 1800rpm motor (fixed speed)?

J

joeguam

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Jun 17, 2024
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EDIT: Decided to return the HF 1x30 and bought this fairly newer Bucktool Low Speed 1x30 on Amazon that spins at only 1700RPM and also comes with a grinding wheel combo on the opposite side of the motor.

Enter this ASIN in the Amazon search bar to find:

B0BTYF1NHZ
Bucktool Low Speed Bench Belt Grinder Combo, 2.1A 1x30 inch Belt & 6 inch Grinder, 1/3 HP Low Speed Bench Belt Disc Sander Combo for Knife Making, Sharpening, Woodworking, Metalworking

ORIGINAL POST:
Has anyone changed the motor on the HF 1x30 to a slower AC 1800rpm motor (fixed speed) to use solely for sharpening? The 3500rpm motor is just way too fast for sharpening, and I don’t really have a need for variable speeds. If you’ve done this (or know how it could easily be done) would you mind sharing some advice please?
 
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It is not worth the cost and/or trouble, and you will still have a minimal piece of equipment.

Look at the Grizzly VS small grinders. There are a few other brands that folks have used. They run $350-400.
 
There is a Sticky thread about grinders with lots of info.

You can get a basic 1X30 Grizzly for around $170. I far recommend the 2X42 knifemaker Grizzly for $400. It is a good entry level grinder. A bit more than twice the price but many times more useful for knives. When you are ready for a 2X72, look at the Reeder Basic Chassis unit.

Grizzly T32459 - 2" x 42" Knife Making Belt Sander/Grinder​


Using the Custom Search Engine in the Stickys you can find many thred=ads on 1X30 and 2X42 grinders as well as hundreds of threads on recommendations for 2X72s.
 
If you only want a sharpener, take a look at Work Sharp. In my limited opinion, what Stacy recommends is spot on if you are doing more than sharpening.
Edit to add: If you consider the Work Sharp, McMaster Carr has many belts for it. It seems Work Sharp has some gaps in their grit offerings.
 
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BTW,
Welcome Joe. Fill out your profile so we know where you live (Guam?) and a bit about you.
Glad to have you join us.
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
There is a Sticky thread about grinders with lots of info.

You can get a basic 1X30 Grizzly for around $170. I far recommend the 2X42 knifemaker Grizzly for $400. It is a good entry level grinder. A bit more than twice the price but many times more useful for knives. When you are ready for a 2X72, look at the Reeder Basic Chassis unit.

Grizzly T32459 - 2" x 42" Knife Making Belt Sander/Grinder​


Using the Custom Search Engine in the Stickys you can find many thred=ads on 1X30 and 2X42 grinders as well as hundreds of threads on recommendations for 2X72s.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I’ve searched the forum with the tool, but haven’t found anything related to just swapping out the 1x30 AC motor for a slower fixed speed. I have a lot of 1x30 belts already and just looking to use it for sharpening, not really knife making.

When I looked into the grizzly 1x30 variable speed that slows down to 1900rpm, almost everyone says the motor burns dangerously hot.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond to this thread, really appreciate it.
 
Yes, the Griz 1X30 VS is basically fast and faster. It gets hot if you run it hard and long. That is why I don't recommend it.

One of the bigger issues with modifying a 1X30 is getting a compatible motor. On a larger 2X42/2X72 grinder, you usually are dealing with a 56C frame. Any 56C motor will fit both the drive wheel and the bolt pattern. Not so much a guarantee finding a match for a Chinese 1X30.

With a little shop-fu you can probably make a short arm for the 2X42 to use your 1X30 belts. Worst case you sell or donate them to someone.

A while back I came across a large box with dozens of 2X42 belts at the local Amazon return sales place. The $7 box had 14 dozen 220-grit belts. I don't have a 2X42 but bought the entire box and gave it away here in Shop Talk with free shipping. I think I have a few dozen left, so if you get a 2X42 I'll send you some belts.

Back to the Grizz 2X42. There were many threads a while back about them. Contender (here on BF) started making accessories for it.
 
joeguam, yet another option if you are determined to stay with 1x30 (which I don't fault you for if you just want to sharpen) is something like this.

Look up on Amazon - Vertical-Horizontal-Abrasive-Brushless-Sharpener

I can't comment on its quality (or the others like it on Amazon) but it seems like a much better machine than the HF grinder, which I have 1st hand experience with. You say you don't need variable speed but what does it hurt? It could possibly be useful on other task you don't know your facing yet. I think the 2x42 is a bit much for sharpening only but since I have one I can say it's worth the $270 they're asking. Good luck!
 
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Please - no direct sales links. I changed it to the proper way to get someone to find it.
 
GRapp said:
joeguam, yet another option if you are determined to stay with 1x30 (which I don't fault you for if you just want to sharpen) is something like this.


I can't comment on its quality (or the others like it on Amazon) but it seems like a much better machine than the HF grinder, which I have 1st hand experience with. You say you don't need variable speed but what does it hurt? It could possibly be useful on other task you don't know your facing yet. I think the 2x42 is a bit much for sharpening only but since I have one I can say it's worth the $270 they're asking. Good luck!
Click to expand...
Thank you for this suggestion, this looks like a great machine but $325 is way out of my price range. I ended up discovering this newer Bucktool 1x30 combo belt sander and grinding wheel that spins at only 1700RPM for $149:

Search this Amazon ASIN: B0BTYF1NHZ
Bucktool Low Speed Bench Belt Grinder Combo, 2.1A 1x30 inch Belt & 6 inch Grinder, 1/3 HP Low Speed Bench Belt Disc Sander Combo for Knife Making, Sharpening, Woodworking, Metalworking

I’m just a hobbyist sharpener but I cut and process anywhere from 50-100 lbs of meat per week, so I just need to sharpen my knife block 3-4 times a month. This 1x30 just makes it so much quicker and easier than when I have to do it on the diamond stones.

Thank you again so much for your recommendation, I really appreciate you.
 
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