Circular Saw Motor....can I use it to build a buffer?

[walkerironworks84]

I had a cheap circular saw that I picked up at a yard sale for $3. Well the casing broke so I took it apart. Could I use the motor and build a buffer or a grinder? Any help would be great.

[Bentiron1946]

What's the RPM? I guess that you could get a tapered spindle and make some kind of buffer out of it.

[walkerironworks84]

I thinks it's about 4000rpm.

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

I wouldn't. Motors like that use brushes, and will more than likely not last very long under long loads in abrasive environments. There are plenty of other motors around for free to inexpensive.

[Steve Sells]

You could use it for a while, but the metal dust from its use will eventually kill the motor, but its only $3so how long does it need to last to be worth the effort is your call, I would go for it. if a guess is 4000, then most likely in US at 60Hz 3450RPM at 50 Hz 2850Hz

[Dragons lair]

Belt or streight drive? I have had both. Steve is right on if its streight drive. If its a 2to1 belt drive its closer to 1725.
Ken

[thingmaker3]

Go to a thrift store and buy some ladies' nylon stokings. Pull one of them over the motor. This does an excellent job of keeping the motor innards clean without blocking air-flow for cooling.

If you are embarrassed about buying such an item, have your wife or sister or someone get them for you.

[Dragons lair]

They do OK till the dust/dirt clogs them up.
Ken

[CBrann]

couple of things ...for what its worth.... they are not made for torsional loads.. so the bearings are eventually going to give out..

the spindle may or may not have a left hand thread.. depends on how the saw is built... for lefty or righty and motor orientation... but not made to take a blade much over 3/16" thick... so it needs a thin buffer or pulley to run something else...

also the motor probably not made for continuous duty...

and how are you going to hold it steady to something?

how do I know these things?

I have blown up 1 thrift store saw that way... fire extinguiser and electrical fire blown up...

but if its what you got .. go with it and be careful!! remember not to let the smoke out of the motor ..

good luck and post pics of your finished "machine of doom"
Cliff

PS like the pantyhose trick.. will have to try that...

[welder19]

They do OK till the dust/dirt clogs them up.
Ken

Better to clog up and have to change a filter, be it stockings or otherwise, than to burn up a motor.

welder19

[Dragons lair]

Problem is when ya get on in yrs. The first sign of filters needing cleaning is the magic smoke. Opps
Ken

[walkerironworks84]

Thanks for the advice guys, I'll try the pantyhose trick...it seems like it would work. It didn't even dawn on me how I would mount the silly thing...oh and it is straight drive motor.

[edge9001]

what would you guys think of an appliance motor, such as a washing machine or a dryer? I believe these are both used for belt driven systems already. Anyone have any luck using these?

[Mainely,Bob]

what would you guys think of an appliance motor, such as a washing machine or a dryer? I believe these are both used for belt driven systems already. Anyone have any luck using these?

Yep,use them all the time. :D

[shortdog]

How would a squirrel cage fan motor from a central air system work for a buffer? Too much or too little?

[Ian]

How would a squirrel cage fan motor from a central air system work for a buffer? Too much or too little?

IMO way too little. You can stall those motors by hand with hardly any effort. You need something with torque.

[golgotha forge & anvil]

In Wayne Goddard's book "The $50 Knife Shop" he uses a washing machine motor for his bench grinder.

Gene

[pkrankow]

I have a 1/6 hp motor on my 1x42 inch belt, it is _slightly_ underpowered, but is hard to stall. I do not plan to replace the motor at this time, mainly because it is working properly and serves my needs the way it is. If this motor goes bad I am going to 1/3 or 1/2 horse.

Phil

[BIGGUNDOCTOR]

Buffers, and grinders can be had inexpensively. Even though I dislike Chinese items, my friend has beat the crap out of one of those $9.99 4" HF grinders, and it was still running last I saw it. I got a buffer I will sell ya for $5. Garage sales, flea markets,Craigslist, etc. A lot of tools are being sold to pay the bills now. As far as I am concerned it isn't wort the time, and effort. And this comes from a guy who can squeeze a penny so tight I give Lincoln a headache.