3 phase Combo Belt grinder

[VoodooCLD]

Does anyone make a 3 phase belt grinder with a grinding wheel on one side?
Similar to this unit from baldor. http://www.baldor.com/catalog/248-183TD
I only have a little space in my garage and would like to just have one unit that takes care of my grinding/sanding/polishing needs. I want 3 phase so i can run a VFD to slow the unit down for polishing with fine belts. I'm looking for a 2" belt, but not that concerned on belt length.

The baldor unit looks great, but its too expensive for my needs. I'd be ok with a Chinese unit as this is just for hobby use.

 

[exmaxima1]

I own a similar Baldor without the extra wheel, and I wonder why you think you will need it. Once you start using belts it will become your most used grinder.

You can buy the simpler belt-only grinder from numerous sources like Kalamazoo, Trick Tools, and even Grizzly. The hard part is finding a 3 phase model.

One option is to buy a 3-phase grinder and replace one of the wheels with a belt grinder adapter from Trick Tools. "Bagged" has a nice Wissota grinder that he wants to sell for $100:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6061103&highlight=wissota+grinder#post6061103 (post 1292)

Add the Multi-Tool adapter for $219 from Trick Tools (or upgrade to the 2x48 belt for $289) and you have a great setup for a bargain price.

 

[VoodooCLD]

I want the extra wheel to run a buffing wheel and wire wheel. I use a wire wheel to strip paint a lot. I also use the buffing wheel to polish. I'd like to sand down with progressively finer belt grits, then hit them with a buffer wheel on the other side.

 

[rsanter]

Find a used one
Or build one. You can build a belt grinder and then add a shaft that you mount the wire wheel and buffer

Bob

 

[VoodooCLD]

This Dayton looks really good and at a nice price, I especially like the dust collection port. However like you said, it's hard finding 3 phase units.
http://https://www.grainger.com/product/DAYTON-Combo-Belt-Bench-Grinder-3NYA7?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/3NYA7_AS01?$smthumb$

 

[exmaxima1]

Buy a complete variable speed bench grinder (no separate VFD) and add the belt adapter. Here's a great start on the auction site:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dayton-2FDB...938258?hash=item568f5595d2:g:3gEAAOSwLnBX2HN6

 

[VoodooCLD]

Buy a complete variable speed bench grinder (no separate VFD) and add the belt adapter. Here's a great start on the auction site:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dayton-2FDB...938258?hash=item568f5595d2:g:3gEAAOSwLnBX2HN6

How does that unit slow the speed down being only a 1 phase unit? Does it cut the torque down too? The 3 phase units are able to run slow speed, but keep full torque so you can really apply pressure while running slow.

Also are there any attachment kits that mount vertically? The multi tool and linishall ones always show pictures of the units mounted horizontally, which wont work with my space constraints.

 

[exmaxima1]

How does that unit slow the speed down being only a 1 phase unit? Does it cut the torque down too? The 3 phase units are able to run slow speed, but keep full torque so you can really apply pressure while running slow.

Also are there any attachment kits that mount vertically? The multi tool and linishall ones always show pictures of the units mounted horizontally, which wont work with my space constraints.

I'm guessing those Dayton VS grinders are actually 3-phase motors with integral (single phase input) VFD controllers, as it would be problematic to vary a single phase motor that employed a start winding. So the torque should remain constant. Power will of course vary, as it is a function of speed.

Regarding the actual torque of those grinders, my Baldor is 3-phase and rated 1.5hp. When I slow it down to approx 1/2 speed via a VFD, I can easily stall it if I push too hard on a low-grit belt. If you are expecting brute power from a small machine I think you will be disappointed.

 

[zkling]

What is your max budget and planned use?

 

[VoodooCLD]

I'm guessing those Dayton VS grinders are actually 3-phase motors with integral (single phase input) VFD controllers, as it would be problematic to vary a single phase motor that employed a start winding. So the torque should remain constant. Power will of course vary, as it is a function of speed.

Regarding the actual torque of those grinders, my Baldor is 3-phase and rated 1.5hp. When I slow it down to approx 1/2 speed via a VFD, I can easily stall it if I push too hard on a low-grit belt. If you are expecting brute power from a small machine I think you will be disappointed.

Thanks for the info. I don't really know how hard i'll actually be pushing. The slow speed would really be used more for polishing. Which should't be done with high pressure anyway. I just want better control over the buffing, sanding process. Do you use the variable speed function very much? Or would you be suited just as well with a full speed unit?

My budget really depends on what i'm getting. But probably around $700 would be tops.

I'm now really curious about those Dayton variable speed grinders.
Here's a 1.5hp one. https://www.zoro.com/dayton-premium-bench-grinder-8-in-15hp-var-spd-2fdb6/i/G1577432/?gclid=CjwKEAjw7svABRCi_KPzoPr53QoSJAABSvxfZZi6QBe_uEr2GOZf24Gwn2fZ2A-cJH7av0xZvLdXaRoCUT3w_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Since it runs on 115v, i gotta believe it's got an internal variable speed drive, which is very cool! Might have to get one of those, with a multi tool attachment. That would make for a pretty sweet set up.

Can you mount the multi tool on the left side? I'd want the unit to be vertical for space saving, but i'd want the platen to be facing forward. Every multi tool set up I've seen has the unit on the right hand side and the platen is on the backside when flipped up.

 

[VoodooCLD]

What is your max budget and planned use?

I mentioned above, but mostly will be using for stripping paint off of smaller restoration parts. Sanding and polishing restoration parts. Sharpening drill bits, and other cutting tools. Grinding metal for welding projects. Pretty much everything you can use a grinder for. It's one of my most used tools in my garage. That's why i want to get a nice set up that will handle everything i could want it to. I just want to own one unit, so i can save space. I plan to build a nice cabinet to put under it that will store a nice variety of belts, wheels, polishing compounds, steady rests, etc...

I could probably go up to $700 or $800.

I've seen this one on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Baldor-248-183TD-Combination-Abrasive-Belt-Sander-Grinder-1-1-2-HP-3600-RPM-3ph-/112164140552?hash=item1a1d80f608:g:56UAAOSwpLNX~Ok6

But it would still need a VFD, and i'd rather not have a piece that looks like it came straight out of an industrial plant. My garage is pretty clean and neat, and i like my tools to stay that way as well.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Buy a complete variable speed bench grinder (no separate VFD) and add the belt adapter. Here's a great start on the auction site:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dayton-2FDB...938258?hash=item568f5595d2:g:3gEAAOSwLnBX2HN6

Thanks for pointing that out. Just bought that grinder!

 

[VoodooCLD]

Thanks for pointing that out. Just bought that grinder!

Let me know how you like it! I'm especially interested in how the torque is affected at lower speed. Try jamming some steel in at lower speeds and see if its still powerful enough for reasonable work.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Will do! Need to wrap up a few projects before I get to it, but I will.

 

[exmaxima1]

I've seen this one on ebay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Baldor-248-183TD-Combination-Abrasive-Belt-Sander-Grinder-1-1-2-HP-3600-RPM-3ph-/112164140552?hash=item1a1d80f608:g:56UAAOSwpLNX~Ok6

But it would still need a VFD, and i'd rather not have a piece that looks like it came straight out of an industrial plant. My garage is pretty clean and neat, and i like my tools to stay that way as well.

I have the same belt grinder, except without the left side wheel, yet I didn't pay anywhere near that amount. A VFD cost me about $100. To answer your question, I don't think you really need the variable speed---I just needed the VFD to run a 3P machine off single phase power. I used the speed change feature a few times when I first got it, but now I just leave it at about "normal" speed.

 

[Duker]

This may have already been mentioned or linked but Linishall or Multitool make belt sander attachments for regular grinders that are pretty nice quality. I found a used baldor grinder on Craigslist and added a multitool 2" belt attachment for my dad for using when making wooded spoons etc.. I think my all in cost was under $450 so you could be in your budget with a the addition of a VFD for speed control.

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