Converting angle grinder from 220 to 110V

[Toymeister]

The shop here was trashing a Makita 7” angle grinder http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I6QWQM/?tag=atomicindus08-20 because it came from Europe and was wired for 220 (the European standard household current) and our generators here are wired for 120 volt.

While I could use this at home if I run a 220 line I am interested in using it as a 120 grinder. I looked at the inards closely and did not see a secondary winding for 120 volts. It is a capacitor start grinder. Any suggestions?

 

[Monte]

i think you need a different motor + switch ?

 

[humber2]

Can you get a step-up transformer ?

 

[Toymeister]

Yeah, I can get a step up but a big enough one costs 95.00 - too much. What I was hoping for was a dual wired motor like a lot of motors are and someone, somewhere would know the majical secter on how to do that

 

[diesel research]

Easiest solution is to replace it. That's not the answer you want to hear, but I am nearly positive it is NOT a dual wired motor. I wouldn't say "most" are either. As a matter of fact, it is safer to call it "extremely rare" when it comes to powertool motors (which typically use brushes)

I wouldn't even bother with it. Too hard to sell, too expensive to convert the motor (replacement motors are available) Correct that it requires a big stepup transformer. Probably 2000watts?

 

[Toymeister]

Thanks for all the input, just trying to save the tax payer a few bucks

 

[sberry]

Someone already did that by throwing it in the junk.

 

[rsanter]

first off if its from europe then its 220 50hz verses the 120 or 220 60hz we have here.
the easy thing to do is just run it off the 220 60hz but you have to remember that doing so it will spin faster than the rated RPM so you better be sure that the wheels or whatever you put on it can handle that added rpm

if your not going to run it off the 220 then dont bother

bob

 

[G_P]

Strip it for parts and buy a 120v model. This way if you damage any part of your new grinder you'll have spares.

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, when I wired my shop, I put 220V outlets beside all the 110V outlets. This is because I wire all my stationary motor driven machines - drill presses, grinders, sanders, lathes, saws on 220V. When run on 220V, they pull less amperage, run cooler and stronger. If I had that little grinder here, a new plug and ready to work.

jack vines