Identify a Belt Sander...Kalamazoo

[thr3squared]

Hey all,

I recently got a belt sander from my work and other than a Kalamazoo decal, 2”x72” belt, and Baldor 1 HP motor there are no real identifying marks or model numbers. I’ve looked on the Kalamazoo site and didn’t see any current models that mimic this one. I emailed Kalamazoo but haven’t heard back yet.

I was hoping some of the experts here might be able to offer some insight. It would be good just to know the specs on the machine if I ever need parts, etc.







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[The Cobbler]

that's a nice looking machine!

 

[thr3squared]

that's a nice looking machine!

Thanks! I had cleaned it up for those pictures. It was super dusty. Came with a simple stand too, that I’m in the process of painting and resurfacing the top


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[exmaxima1]

Kalamazoo model S272. Yours has a few extra guards added around the wheels. It is a variation of the original "square grinder" as supplied by Wilton and others.

 

[Straightgrain]

That looks like quite a machine! It's odd though that it would take a 72" belt but have such a small useable working area.

 

[thr3squared]

Kalamazoo model S272. Yours has a few extra guards added around the wheels. It is a variation of the original "square grinder" as supplied by Wilton and others.

Awesome, thanks! Just curious, where did you find that?


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[thr3squared]

That looks like quite a machine! It's odd though that it would take a 72" belt but have such a small useable working area.

It’s beefy for sure, that motor has some serious throttle too it. I was wondering about why the long belt too




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[thr3squared]

Kalamazoo model S272. Yours has a few extra guards added around the wheels. It is a variation of the original "square grinder" as supplied by Wilton and others.

Perhaps the extra guards were added to keep the dust in? See the adapter for the dust collector port at the bottom?



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[exmaxima1]

Awesome, thanks! Just curious, where did you find that?

I used to own a Wilton "Square" grinder, so I just searched for "Kalamazoo Square Grinder" and found it under the images.

 

[thr3squared]

That looks like quite a machine! It's odd though that it would take a 72" belt but have such a small useable working area.

https://www.kalamazooind.com/products/belt-grinders/s272-belt-grinder/

Figured it out. If you look at the pictures you can change the setup/angle of the belt.


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[Straightgrain]

Got it!

 

[ModularMadman]

Sweet score. I'd get a kbac VFD for it right away. Depending on size of the drive wheel with that 3450 rpm motor those belts are screaming. It's nice to slow them down sometimes.

 

[Mandres]

Great score, that's a world-class grinder. Any knife maker would trade his magic beans for that one.

 

[thr3squared]

Got the stand cleaned up and re-mounted the grinder, here’s a few pictures.

Taped off the threaded holes and levelers


Repainted gloss black


Sanded and painted the shelves. Added a stainless top (glued with 3M contact adhesive)





Mounted and install a new belt



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[thr3squared]

Sweet score. I'd get a kbac VFD for it right away. Depending on size of the drive wheel with that 3450 rpm motor those belts are screaming. It's nice to slow them down sometimes.

I’ll have to look into that. No doubt this thing roars to life when you hit the switch. Took a little video of it and the sound recording does zero justice.

How difficult are VFDs to wire? I’ve never installed one.




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[exmaxima1]

Sweet score. I'd get a kbac VFD for it right away. Depending on size of the drive wheel with that 3450 rpm motor those belts are screaming. It's nice to slow them down sometimes.

I was under the impression that only 3-phase motors are usable with VFDs

 

[thr3squared]

I was under the impression that only 3-phase motors are usable with VFDs

Did a quick search and came across this unit


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AOCLIEU/?tag=atomicindus08-20



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[American Locomotive]

Did a quick search and came across this unit


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AOCLIEU/?tag=atomicindus08-20



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That is for 3-phase motors, but has a single-phase input. In general, single-phase motors cannot be safely run on a VFD. When the motor slows down, the centrifugal start switch will kick back in, causing problems.

Some PSC or shaded pole single phase motors *may* run from a VFD, but it's not ideal.

 

[thr3squared]

That is for 3-phase motors, but has a single-phase input. In general, single-phase motors cannot be safely run on a VFD. When the motor slows down, the centrifugal start switch will kick back in, causing problems.



Some PSC or shaded pole single phase motors *may* run from a VFD, but it's not ideal.

Got it. Good to know


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