Knife grinders

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snewcomb25

Joined
Oct 4, 2021
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There's a ton of Chinese knock off grinders out there....are they generally junk? Can you find a decent kit or setup for under 1200? Under a grand without a motor?
 
Yes, there are quite a few under 1k without a motor. I recently got the Reeder chassis for 600 bucks I think...
Here's a link.
reederproducts.com

Reeder Grinder Chassis

Reeder Belt Grinder / Sander 2" x 72" - Basic assembly Includes: Assembled grinder / sander ready to mount to motor and VFD (Sold seperately) Adjustable platen with 1 1/2" square attachment bar (20" long) Work rest (11 3/4" x 4" x 1/4") Additional 1 1/2" square attachment bar (20" long)(for work...
reederproducts.com reederproducts.com

He also sells complete grinders with all the fixings.
 
Ameribrade has a single speed package for 1170, complete and ready to grind. I use their machine and am happy.

www.ameribrade.com

GET GRINDING PACKAGE — AmeriBrade

INCLUDES: POWDER-COATED, ASSEMBLED, AND TESTED FASTBACK FRAME BLACK OXIDE COATED MOTOR MOUNT PRE-WIRED, SINGLE-SPEED MOTOR AND PADDLE SWITCH 4” DRIVE WHEEL TILTING PLATEN ASSEMBLY ON AN ACCESSORY ARM STANDARD (9.25” x 5”) TILTING WORK REST
www.ameribrade.com www.ameribrade.com
 
The response here is great! Thanks! Time to jump online and look close packages..

And Power....1 hp? And it sounds like variable is worth the money.....yes?
 
snewcomb25 said:
The response here is great! Thanks! Time to jump online and look close packages..

And Power....1 hp? And it sounds like variable is worth the money.....yes?
Click to expand...
Variable is better by long shot, I started out with single speed 1 hp and two different size drive wheels to slow down. I currently use variable on 110 and 1 hp, will upgrade some day but works for me.
I live by Ameribrade so go to their shop and pick up parts. I initially built my grinder frame and used their parts, finally upgraded to full Ameribrade and tolerances are way better than my backyard welding. Essentially I built and upgraded when I could.
 
snewcomb25 said:
The response here is great! Thanks! Time to jump online and look close packages..

And Power....1 hp? And it sounds like variable is worth the money.....yes?
Click to expand...
I would really try to source a used tfec motor from eBay. You can get a really good deal for a 2-3hp motor and it's 100% worth it. Trust me. You also really want a VFD. I know that a motor and VFD will push the budget up but those are so nice to have. I got a Chinese VFD on ebay for $70 and it's lasted 4 years so far and I got a 3hp Dayton motor for like $110 including shipping. It's got 8/1992 scratched into it so who knows how old it really is. It runs great. If you search around on eBay a bit you can probably find a very good deal for a used motor and will get more HP/$. Also +1 to kadrmask grinders, I love mine. Highly underated on the forum
 
Don't rule out your local Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or other classifieds for a used or surplus 3 phase motor. I've seen decent motors going anywhere from $50 to $100. Sometimes a little less, sometimes a little more. Local motor repair shops may have refurbs for sale as well.
 
I'm in El Paso, TX and I'm telling you there is nothing on the used motor market out here. We're on the border with Juarez Mexico and Mexicans are the McGivers of the world...nothing goes to waste and used stuff just doesn't stick around long. 1.5 hp, single phase motors are $600+ delivered.
 
snewcomb25 said:
I'm in El Paso, TX and I'm telling you there is nothing on the used motor market out here. We're on the border with Juarez Mexico and Mexicans are the McGivers of the world...nothing goes to waste and used stuff just doesn't stick around long. 1.5 hp, single phase motors are $600+ delivered.
Click to expand...
Single phase WILL typically run a bit higher in price than the 3 phase motors. If you're running a VFD, however, you'll want 3 phase. Those typically go for a fraction of the price because few people have 3 phase power available and/or aren't familiar with wiring a VFD.

If you're still having trouble finding a used/surplus 3 phase motor, you can always by one brand new for about $220:

I also did a quick eBay search, and you can find similar motors for about $165ish that will work just fine as well. Just search something like "2hp 3 phase 56c" and sort by price. If you don't need a c-face, you may even save a bit more, and if you expand your search to include 7/8" shaft diameter frames (143 and 145 frame sizes) you'll have even more options, though you'll have to make or buy your drive wheel accordingly.

As already stated, you can find up to 2hp VFDs all day long for less than $100 brand new (though you will need 220VAC to run them, and they're typically open framed, meaning you'll have to be careful to keep dust out).

Hope that helps.
 
snewcomb25 said:
The light bulb just went on....the VFD takes single phase and runs a 3 phase motor.....duh..
Click to expand...
Yep! The KBAC27 will take 110V and turn it into 220v 3-phase. You can run up to a 1.5HP motor on that.
 
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Check out e bay for motors. I just bought 2 .5hp 3phase motors for 50$ each with free shipping. Just gotta find the right deal. It takes some patience and luck, but you can get good stuff.
 
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