Gave the old girl a brand new lease on life! Actually pretty simple, after Matt shared the images of his conversion. I personally like the rubber covered drive wheel better then a solid metal wheel...... less slip on the belt. All I can say is there is a HUGE difference in how the machine grinds and feels versus the belt drive.
Essentially all I did was remove the to "stanchions" that held the pillow blocks, drive shaft, and pulley, and using the existing bolt holes and bolts, drilled and threaded the new motor adapter plate, and simply bolted it to the KMG's frame...... you just have to be cautious of the spacing to ensure you can align all the wheels when the motor is in place/new drive wheel is installed.
The motor I chose is: http://www.electricmotorwholesale.com/LEESON-113890/ I've been buying motors and controllers from these folks for several years.... they always seem to have the best prices, and are very helpful when you need tech support/advice.
Ed Caffrey, ABS MS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.CaffreyKnives.net
Ed, that is great. Did you make the plate?
A friend, who has MUCH better machines then me made the motor mount plate for me, and then I made the mount and assembled it. I don't have a large enough mill to make the motor mount/bolt pattern plate. <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//smile.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' />
But I was wise enough to use his part to make a template, just in case I wanna do another conversion.
Ed Caffrey, ABS MS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.CaffreyKnives.net
Thanks!
Ed,
Where did you get the rubber coated drive wheel from?
The rubber covered drive wheel is available from Beaumount Metalworks (Rob Frink). I've been using them for a few years now, and far prefer them to solid metal/aluminum drive wheels... quiet, and far less belt slippage.
Also, here's another pic to help illustrate how I mounted the 56C frame/3hp motor ( http://www.electricmotorwholesale.com/LEESON-113890/ )
Ed Caffrey, ABS MS
"The Montana Bladesmith"
www.CaffreyKnives.net
Thank you Ed!
