Baldor 712 Grinder - Wire switch with lights

[Beaupr]

I have a Baldor 712 and will be adding the Baldor lighted eye shields. Sorry if the answer is an obvious yes but is it possible to wire the two lights into the main switch for the grinder.

I believe I can add a small box to the back of the grinder base and make the wire connections but will the main switch be able to handle the additional power draw? Not sure if there's an amperage rating on the switch.

Also instead of a box on the back of the base, what if I drilled two holes in the base, routed the wires into the base and made the connections inside the base?

Thanks

 

[micromind]

If the lights and the motor are both 120 volts, it'll work fine.

If the lights are 120 and the motor is 240 or 3 phase, post back and I'll tell you how to hook it up but I'll need a bit more info.

 

[Beaupr]

If the lights and the motor are both 120 volts, it'll work fine.

Thanks for the reply and yes, everything will be 120 volts.

Also, may be silly to ask but what would others do to make it more of an OEM look. Drill holes in the base and pass the wires from the lights to make the connections there, or add an 1 gang electrical box to the back of the base.
What is done for the other Baldor Grinders that come with the lights installed?

 

[micromind]

The ones that I've done, I have always punched a 7/8" hole in the base near where the factory cord comes in, and used either a 2 screw connector or a cord grip.

If there's not room for this, then I will remove the factory cord, punch out the hole and run both (or all 3) cords out using a 2 screw connector.

There's usually plenty of room to splice under the base.

 

[RMERR]

I've got a 7" baldor. I don't have lights, but if I were adding them I would simply drill into the back of the base and run the wire in through it. There's plenty of room inside the base for some wires and wire nuts. Add a grommet to the hole for a cleaner OEM look.

 

[seber]

One thing to keep in mind, the lights should be LED to keep the load down on the switch. They are available with the proper voltage and form factor but you may need to do some searching for them.

 

[torqueman2002]

I have a thread on a Baldor GA9 Eye Shield, 'Glass' replacement.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/baldor-ga9-eye-sheild-glass-replacement.443586/

Here's a picture of how it's lighted eye-shields power cords are passed through the base.

 

[Beaupr]

Here's a picture of how it's lighted eye-shields power cords are passed through the base.

Thanks! That's great.

 

[torqueman2002]

You are welcome.

PM me for more info. on the 'rebuild' of the grinder.

 

[bpwoodworking]

That looks good to me, the original grommets are fine and if I couldn't get those, I'd use cord grips. There is a nickel plated type I use from McMaster that look slick to me.

 

[torqueman2002]

"cord grips" - I like this idea because they seem to use a round hole vs. the 'double D' hole for Heyco OEM strain relief.

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/strain-relief-connectors/

 

[Beaupr]

I like how it turned out. Thanks @torqueman2002 for the picture of the wiring into the base.

My only question is....the wiring in the base is likely touching the capacitor. Is that a concern? Does the capacitor get hot?

I tried to zip tie as best I could to keep it away but I'm sure it's touching.
Sorry for what seems silly questions.

 

[micromind]

The capacitor does not get hot and certainly not hot enough to have any effect on the wiring.

 

[Beaupr]

The capacitor does not get hot and certainly not hot enough to have any effect on the wiring.

Awesome, thanks for confirming!