Pillow block question (2"x72" grinder build).

Abbott

Abbott

Well-Known Member
I am collecting parts to build a 2"X72" grinder. I have noticed a drive wheel, axle and pillow block setup as a package deal on Ebay. The only way that the price of $120.00 or so looks worthwhile to me is if they use cast iron bearings which run about $40.00 to $60.00 each.

Stamped steel housing bearings run about $10.00 or $15.00 per. I am an experienced welder/fabricator (railroad) so building the belt-grinder from scratch is just another fun chore as far as I am concerned however if pre-assembled parts or available for about the same cost as fabricating them then it makes sense to me to purchase them and just deal with the mounting. (I plan to purchase the aluminum rollers already machined.)

A few links I am looking at are;

Stamped steel bearing housings
http://www.mcmaster.com/#pillow-block-mounted-ball-bearings/=vp120s

Cast iron bearing housings
http://www.mcmaster.com/#pillow-block-mounted-ball-bearings/=vp18ig

Ebay drive wheel assembly
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Knife-Makin...689?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35e20b5ee1

You guys have have been through these grinder builds before please let me know of you're experiences.
 
Now, that is more like the price cast iron should be. Do you have your motor? OR - will you need to purchase it? My first grinder was with blocks, bearings, and belt like that to have 3 speeds. Since changing to a direct drive with VFD, WOW!!! what a difference. Had I known how much better the VFD was with direct drive I'd done that first. BUT - at first I had the motor on hand, and most of the pulley/belt stuff so it wasn't much of a cost to go that way. Now, I see if I had to buy motor, shaft, pulleys, etc, not much difference in cost, and SO MUCH BETTER with VFD speed control.

Ken H>

Later
 
I also already have the motor and pulleys in the shop. I have a 2 horse heavy duty motor off of a large green house fan and a couple of one horse motors from the same nursery that closed. I considered buying a VFD and a 220 3 phase motor but I have decided that since the grinder will be home shop built that I can change the drive out when I want to down the road. I have a new mill on the way so my shop budget is pretty much bottomed out for a couple of months.
 
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