Help me set up my new bandsaw

[Thumper68]

I picked up this Rockwell/Delta 28-365 20" very-speed bandsaw last weekend and after getting it into the shop had to leave it sit until today, I was out there and gave it a better once over there are a few issues that I know I have to tackle before I can get it cutting.



The first is what VFD do I need to convert the single phase to 3 PH? If anyone can point me in the right direction.

Stats on the motor.

1.5 hp 3 PH 1725 rpm.



The next issue I am sure I can handle on my own, when I pulled the switch I noticed that the insulation is in poor shape with cracks and missing chunks. Just a matter of picking up the correct wire and installing it.

2 other small issues I have found so far, the bolts for the trunion are a bit galled so I will have to pick up 2 7/16 x 2 1/2 inch bolts with matching nuts

The handle for the high/low range selector is missing as well so I will order a replacement that looks ver similar to the one on the FPM hand wheel.

I do want to make this a plug in unit, so if needed I can make use of the outlet for other things, so I will need to install a cord and plug any idea what gage cord and which plug/outlet combo I should go with.

More pics.

 

[bsg]

You need the VFD first to be able to determine the gage size for the wire and disconnect......110/220 makes a big difference as well.

Why not just hook up a static phase converter to the saw, you already have variable speed?

If this is your only piece of equipment that requires three phase! I wouldn't bother, unless you want the soft start feature.
A static phase converter can be had new for what a VFD would cost?

VFD is a lot harder to wire up than a static phase converter......

Kevin

 

[A_Pmech]

I would look for a 240V 1ph in 240V 3ph out vfd. These are available from numerous manufacturers at price points from $90 or so well into the $400 price range. I like the Hitachi VFD's with remote control panels, although most VFD's have a potentiometer input so you can use a remote speed control pot.

12ga wiring will be fine for the input and output of the VFD if you're going to use a 240V VFD.

 

[Thumper68]

Someone PM'd me asking why I just don't replace the motor with a 1ph, There are 2 reasons, 1 the output shaft is 3/4 inch most modern motors in the size I would need are 5/8ths the 2nd is that there is a air pump on a secondary output on the opposite end that feeds a blower tube to keep your cut line clear of dust, nice feature IMO.

Would a static phase converter work?
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Static-Phase-Converter-1-to-4-HP/G5841

 

[WWIIjeep]

Would a static phase converter work?
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Static-Phase-Converter-1-to-4-HP/G5841

Not well.

Static phase converters are very inefficient, regardless of manufacturer claims to the contrary. You'll lose about 1/3 of the nameplate rated horsepower that way, and 1-1/2 HP is already marginal for that saw, making 1 HP inadequate.

Try these guys:

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Drives

You'll probably need a GS2 drive, but call them to be sure. They have excellent telephone customer service.

Factorymation (TECO) is another source for VFDs, and a lot of people use those, but I prefer Automationdirect's product and customer service.

Nice saw. Three things to remember before you use it:

Do not shift the high/low gearbox while the saw is in motion.

Make sure the center section of the center-mounted variable speed pulley slides freely as you adjust the speed.

Make sure the little air pump on the end of the motor has some oil in it (SAE 10, IIRC, just needs a little bit in the center housing). It wouldn't be a bad idea to open it up and make sure it's clean inside, as I'm pretty sure replacement internal parts for it are no longer available from Delta. If you're careful, you may be able to reuse the gasket between the pump and the motor; otherwise you'll have to make a new one.

 

[ybnormal70]

I purchased one of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HD-3-5-HP-S...499?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a759bfdd3

for my Delta Uni-saw and it has worked great. The one I purchased was for a 1-3hp but I don't see it listed right now. For $50 is worked great and my saw worked great for everything I have cut on it.

Kevin

 

[Whitworth]

1: I wouldn't waste time or money on a static phase converter for a 1.5 horse motor.

2: that is an un-usual but not impossible to find motor frame, if replacing with single phase. But new motors are very expensive now.

3: a VFD rated for 1.5 horse will be around $150 - $200 range.

4: 16 gauge wire will do.

 

[nine4gmc]

 

[454ragtop]

Fairly cheap VFD http://dealerselectric.com/FM50-202-C.asp I wouldn't waste my time or money on a static phase converter, your motor will thank you for it. Recommend 12 GA wire in and out of the VFD, any external switch wiring to the VFD is low voltage, and 18 GA is fine for that.
HTH, Jim

 

[Thumper68]

Can anyone point me to a schematic on how to wire the VFD, Switch and anything else that I will need to get this up and running?

 

[454ragtop]

Don't have a schematic, but this one should be simple, and the VFD's come with manuals. Basically you will have your 220 volt power cord coming in, with2 hot leads and a ground, and the 3 motor leads going directly to the motor. You'll want to make sure the motor, and the frame of the saw are grounded. Then if you want to control it with the switch that is on the saw now, 2 small 18 GA wires from the switch to the VFD and you're done, one to the common low voltage output, the other to the F (run, forward) terminal. This is about as simple as wiring a VFD gets, no need for the variable speed or reverse, so this simplifies things.
HTH, Jim

Edit to add, the saw probably has a motor starter/contactor now, this will be phased out/ eliminated with the VFD.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The next issue I am sure I can handle on my own, when I pulled the switch I noticed that the insulation is in poor shape with cracks and missing chunks. Just a matter of picking up the correct wire and installing it.

If you have the correct connector (typically fastons) and you have some slack, cut the connector off an slip on some heat shrink tubing.

 

[Thumper68]

As I was cleaning it up today I decided to remove the fuse panel and mag starter, To my surprise A bunch of paper work fell out of the mag starter I will post it up here in case anyone can use the info.

If you need better images drop me a PM and I will send hi res to you.








to be continued.....

 

[Thumper68]

 

[Thumper68]

I finally got around to ordering this today

GS2 2.0 HP AC DRIVE 230V 1/3 PH IN 3 PH OUT
http://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Drives/GS2_(115_-z-_230_-z-_460_-z-_575_VAC_V-z-Hz_Control)/GS2_Drive_Units_(115_-z-_230_-z-_460_-z-_575_VAC)/GS2-22P0

Now I just need to get everything wired and find a good source for blades.

 

[Thumper68]

One more step done in setting this thing up.

230 outlet installed.

 

[Thumper68]

Well I finally got it up and running today, wireing the vfd was as simple as ya'll said.

Now I just need to find a source for some 140" bi-metal blades, anyone?

I mounted the vfd high on the post next to the saw, I didn't want to have to find an enclosure to keep the dust out of it.

 

[Thumper68]

I finally remembered to check with my local supplier and they have the best price yet so I ordered 2 bandsaw blades
140.5 inches
bi metal
1/2 inch
14-18
.025
$42.70 each

No shipping but I will have to cover tax.

I believe that they use Lennox blade stock

 

[2oolhound]

WOW! That's a beautiful band saw!

 

[nine4gmc]

Yes and great job with the VFD and outlets!

 

[Thumper68]

WOW! That's a beautiful band saw!

Yes and great job with the VFD and outlets!

Thanks guys, It is something that I have wanted in the shop for years.

I have had a few uses for it over the last few weeks and I can say that having the vari-drive is awesome and while I haven't had time to pick up my metal blades yet I have cut all kinds of wood, from ripping green treated 6x6 into wedges, some scroll work on white oak to resawing birch logs into lumber, short of having a dedicated re-saw this thing is great.