Need advise on a VFD for my mill??

[scapegoat]

Alright guys need help here I am getting ready to run the power to my mill I have 230v and am looking at this VFD for my 3 phase mill it is a 1.5hp, and here are the specs http://www.medfordtools.com/jvm836.html (http://www.medfordtools.com/jvm836.html) . I have a contact that is running this VFD on his lathe http://www.dealerselectric.com/FM100.html (http://www.dealerselectric.com/FM100.html) , and has had good luck with it. What I am wondering is, is this the one for me, or are there better ones for the $275, are there other options I should be looking at, such as a remote switch, HOA switch or anything like that. I like this option better than a $500 rotary converter, and $150 phase converter. I will also be plumbing in 115v for the coolant, power-feed, and work light so let me know if I need anything else. Also is a 10 amp breaker all that I will need on the breaker box for this setup, that’s what I was told, just double checking.

Thanks again Andrew

[rsanter]

I love my VFD, best thing I ever did for the Mill.
I bought mine on ebay new in the box with the remote control. the remote I have is a wired remote so I only have a small box placed by the head of the mill which has the speed knob, on-off-reverse switch, and a jog button (which I do not use), and a needle type guage which lets me know what percent of speed I am running (which helps estimate speed because I have a step pully machine).
I would look at ebay and then do a web search for the model number to verify the specs you need.
got mine for under $200

bob

[gator 1]

The big question you need to ask yourself here is this the only piece of 3 phase equipment your likely to buy. There's a lot of good deals on saws, mills, brakes, and welders that run on 3 phase and can be bought cheep because no one want to mess with 3 phase. What im getting at is if your plans include other equipment id go with the rotary converter now and be able to add on at no cost later. I got mine from Anderson, 10 hp shipped to my door with everything to run for 675 dollars. Im running a shear, band saw, lathe, and a mill and pullmax from it.

Whats in your future plans should decide your present buying plans. Just my 2 cents from outside the box.

PS.. My converter is no louder than a pool pump. I also installed a separate panel after the converter so all i ever have to do is run a wire and breaker and im up and running with a new piece of equipment....Gator

[Doug98105]

The big question you need to ask yourself here is this the only piece of 3 phase equipment your likely to buy. There's a lot of good deals on saws, mills, brakes, and welders that run on 3 phase and can be bought cheep because no one want to mess with 3 phase. What im getting at is if your plans include other equipment id go with the rotary converter now and be able to add on at no cost later. I got mine from Anderson, 10 hp shipped to my door with everything to run for 675 dollars. Im running a shear, band saw, lathe, and a mill and pullmax from it.

Whats in your future plans should decide your present buying plans. Just my 2 cents from outside the box.

PS.. My converter is no louder than a pool pump. I also installed a separate panel after the converter so all i ever have to do is run a wire and breaker and im up and running with a new piece of equipment....Gator


Gator,

You're right if he just needs a phase converter. I assume he wants the VFD to act both as a phase converter and variable speed drive. the VFD is the only way to easily have the variable speed.

The drive he's looking at doesn't have to be derated for single phase input so it appears to be a good price (but, what do I know about current pricing? my last VFD purchase was a few years ago when the prices were higher, well over a thousand bucks for a 5hp drive).

Andrew, be sure and remove all motor controls from the mill, use the VFD as the only control in the circuit. Most VFD's can be damaged by having off/on controls between the the VFD and the driven motor. Also, forget about listening to AM radio in the shop, too much signal interference from the VFD.

Doug

[tusk]

hey Gator, how much hp is your shear?
Doug

[gator 1]

The shear has a 3 horse motor on it. All my 3 phase is either 2 or 3 horse motors. Ive had all 3 running at once on a 10 horse converter...Gator

[tusk]

Gator the reason i was askin is cause I have a 7 1/2 hp 10ft-10ga shear but don't have it powered up yet. being that it starts under a load (the flywheel) it going to draw some power. Do you think a 10hp generator will do it or go with the rule of 2x the shear hp. How many amp for the 10hp generator?
Doug

[Kerry Pinkerton]

With a rotary converter, as you 'turn on' more equiptment, you effectively increase the load capability.

For instance, Dutch Comstock has a 10' 10 ga mechanical shear. Huge mother with a big honking motor on it. His 5 HP rotary converter won't start it but when he turns on the Pullmax also it fires right up.

[tusk]

Hummm.. Thanks Kerry, got some iders to try now
Doug