I still have a Wilton 72” belt grinder (NOT variable speed), 12 speed drill press, 9” bench top band saw, Craftsman grinder (which I used for polishing the blades and handles), and various other tools. I simply thought that I could put the belt grinder to good use with an assortment of belts, and also the buffer I used on knives, but while working on a briar kit I soon realized that things were not going to work out that smoothly. The Wilton belt grinder (stock image pictured) works great with the contact wheel (not pictured) for quickly removing material, and I mean FAST! I then used the open platen, also pictured for finer sanding and it’s there that I ran into some problems.
] Even though the motor is rated at 1725 RPM it seems a tad too aggressive when sanding. Even when I use a light touch with 600 grit belts on the open platen it seems to quickly leave flat spots. I suppose it’s manageable, but that brings me to the buffer I have which is rated at 3580 RPM. While wax buffing an older pipe I quickly realized that it’s just too damn fast. Worked like a charm for polishing knife blades and buffing knife handles, but for pipes, not so well.
So with that I thought I could possibly kill two birds with one stone by purchasing a decent motor at 1725 RPM and use it with the Beall wood buff set and the 4” J.Alan French wheel sanding disk. However, I’m quite confused about the proper motor to buy? Living on a pension isn’t very conducive to high expenditures so I’m trying to keep the cost down here to a manageable level (aren’t we all). I found two motors at a somewhat reasonable price, but I’m hesitant to purchase one as I honestly don’t know what the hell to purchase. Both are 1725 RPM and one HP, but other than that I’m confused. The first one is described as:
Grizzly G2905 Single-Phase Motor, 1 HP – 1725 RPM - amps at 110v/220v: 15.4/7.7. – 5/8” shaft
However, I’m very concerned about the vent openings next to the shaft as that might seem to suck up the sawdust and buffing compound. I guess my concern might be justified as it also states in the description: these high quality motors are excellent replacement motors for use in relatively clean environments. ideal for drill presses fan and bench machinery all motors are dual voltage (110/220v) capacitor start.
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The other motor I have my eye on is described as:
AC MOTOR, 1HP, 1725RPM, 1PH, 115V/208-230V, 56C/TEFC
Single phase –Capacitor Start - 5/8’ Shaft
At least this one is closed and would seem to hold up better under sanding and buffing conditions, but I’m not even sure if this would be the proper one to get? I imagine I would have to attach a cord to it, but would I have to do anything else to it? Then again, you may possibly have better suggestions for a decently priced motor and where to purchase one? Any and all help would be most greatly appreciated.
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). After that I’ll then haul the whole mess down into my workroom and arrange how I want the motor and VFD set up. I also ordered some parts for a dust collection system that I can easily hook up to my shop-vac. For what it’s worth when I get it all set up I’ll try to post some pictures of it.