Thread: Capacitor help

Not what I wanted to hear but the motor is the least important part at the moment, I can swap that out easily. Mostly the grinder build. Thanks for the input I should be able to get another motor.

The best way to go - not the cheapest, but the best - is a variable speed, shielded, AC motor. My set up for the phase controller and a used motor was about $340. You can use a DC treadmill motor, usually available free if you are a good scrounger, and a controller available for around $75. Most of these motors are unshielded, and don't last very long - mine lasted three years, and wasn't used heavily. Good luck on your machine.

Call 972-233-0337. Ask for David.

Give him the Cat# off of the Motor. He is a Leeson Dealer. He can get a cap for you.

There may be hope for this motor still, found this, just depends on what I make with it.

I have ground the vast majority of the razors that I have made with a ¼ HP motor. The grinder that I use most has 1” belts and the widest razors that I grind are about 1” wide, so my biggest area of contact is about 1” square inch. I have also ground razors on a grinders that use 2” belts with a ½ HP motors that also worked fine for my grinding style. I have also used other grinders with 2” belts with larger motors.

My conclusions are,

¼ HP per square inch of contact = OK
½ HP per square inch of contact = good
1 HP or greater per square in of contact = more than good

Charlie

From Spazola

Charlie is a master grinder, who uses a very light touch grinding method. I learned a lot about precision grinding watching him grind at Mike Blue's razor-in last spring. I use my grinder for many things, and prefer to have more power if I need it. If you are making a 1x42 grinder (or 1x72) I'd go for 1 hp, and 2 hp for 2x72. I'd rather have more power than I need, than not quiet enough. Just my personal opinion.

Seeing as how the cap is pretty cheap. I don't think you'll go wrong by building a grinder around that motor. If you want a bigger motor later, it's not gonna be out of the question. I use a 1/2 hp motor, and it works fine. BUT, I've never experienced a 1hp motor, so maybe if I did, then I'd say my 1/2 is no good. Who knows. Anyways, the point is that changing out the motor isn't a huge mechanical feat for someone who already built the grinder it goes in.

I found this old grinder I may use as is or part it out, getting it for cheaper than what is asking. Figure the parts alone are worth it. Otherwise if it works I could just use it too or replace a grinding wheel if needed with buffer.

Bench Grinder for BEST OFFER

I don't know if the motor runs but we'll see.

Originally Posted by Crotalus

Call 972-233-0337. Ask for David.

Give him the Cat# off of the Motor. He is a Leeson Dealer. He can get a cap for you.

Thanks Crotalus! David gave me the number to Leeson and their parts division told me the ratings I need. This should get me somewhere. I need a 50 Microfarad, 240-Volt capacitor. I should be able to pick one up at a local store.

Originally Posted by Minnebrew

Thanks Crotalus! David gave me the number to Leeson and their parts division told me the ratings I need. This should get me somewhere. I need a 50 Microfarad, 240-Volt capacitor. I should be able to pick one up at a local store.

Be sure you take the old cap with you. Sometimes caps with the same ratings have a different shape.

Originally Posted by regularjoe

Seeing as how the cap is pretty cheap. I don't think you'll go wrong by building a grinder around that motor. If you want a bigger motor later, it's not gonna be out of the question. I use a 1/2 hp motor, and it works fine. BUT, I've never experienced a 1hp motor, so maybe if I did, then I'd say my 1/2 is no good. Who knows. Anyways, the point is that changing out the motor isn't a huge mechanical feat for someone who already built the grinder it goes in.

Originally Posted by Crotalus

Be sure you take the old cap with you. Sometimes caps with the same ratings have a different shape.

Don't have the old cap....:-(