220 3 phase converter

[47WDXPW]

I currently have 220 single phase in my garage and I would like to install a lathe that needs 220 volt 3 phase that will support a 3hp motor its a small precision tool room lathe that wont see use like anything it was designed for. In searching for a converter I have found static flat panel types for $150 to rotary types that go as high as $1000 which would be best for my usage thanks.

 

[930dreamer]

For (1) tool/machine 3 hp and under I'd look at a vfd. Over the 3 hp a rotary phase converter, not a fan of static converters. I've built a few RPC (rotary phase converters) and it can can be built easily.


https://dealerselectric.com/230V-si...cTree=&gnsTid=123456809&SortBy=&GdPageSize=20

 

[larry_g]

Do you expect to have many more tools that require 3-phase? As 930 said, for one or two tools then a VFD will do the conversion for you plus give you some other benefits. For me, I have half a dozen tools that run 3-phase and I use an RPC to drive them all. So a bit of looking into YOUR future is needed.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Dont use a static converter.

BTW 220v doesnt exist in the US...

 

[larry_g]

BTW 220v doesnt exist in the US...

Neither do 2x4's but thousands of houses are constructed with them.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Neither do 2x4's but thousands of houses are constructed with them.

lg
no neat sig line

Theres a big difference between dimensional lumber and electricity.

Thinking you have one voltage and it turns out to be another can have consequences...

 

[larry_g]

220 is the colloquial term for house voltage and it seems that most understand that. Has nothing to do with the real voltage.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[alfredeneuman]

VFDs don't like the connection between the VFD and the motor being switched.
It slowly, and cumulatively does damage to the output transistors, drastically shortening the life. The only things that are supposed to be are emergency stops.
If you have the right VFD you can program it to control the lathe. (The operation manuals are comprehensive and complicated)

As said above static converters are out.

Rotary converters don't have the limitations

 

[My Old Tools]

I put in a 10hp rotary years ago, but for a single machine, and especially a lathe, a VFD is a great solution.

 

[Norcal]

220 is the colloquial term for house voltage and it seems that most understand that. Has nothing to do with the real voltage.

lg
no neat sig line

But it is ignorant.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

But it is ignorant.

no one cares. it's a nominal rating. 220V means not 110V. I might see 110V at my air compressor motor terminals, or 130V at the pole.

Thinking you have one voltage and it turns out to be another can have consequences...

I better buy all new everything - turns out it's not 240V either!

 

[My Old Tools]

220, 221, whatever it takes.....

 

[rsanter]

VFD all the way
Control the lathe on,off, and reverse all through the VFD

 

[RogueFab]

Get a 5HP "SINGLE PHASE INPUT" VFD. They are about $125 on eBay and will work great. Don't expect it to stop fast unless you get a braking resistor set up on it. I put single phase in quotes because 240-250v power here in the US has two hot legs, which means 2 phase to my brain.

I prefer the rotary phase converter route myself. I have a 5HP running now, and a 5hp single input VFD. Our new shop will have a 20/40 HP RPC set up.

 

[Mr. T]

Get a 5HP "SINGLE PHASE INPUT" VFD. They are about $125 on eBay and will work great. Don't expect it to stop fast unless you get a braking resistor set up on it. I put single phase in quotes because 240-250v power here in the US has two hot legs, which means 2 phase to my brain.

If the VFD is rated for single to three phase conversion without derating its a waste of money to buy a larger one.

Also, in a residential 240V split phase service, the 240 is a single phase. There are two “hots” because the transformer is grounded at the center tap instead of either end of the transformer winding. They are two ends of the same transformer winding 180 degrees out of phase.

no one cares.

People that know what they’re doing care.

 

[matt_i]

Dont use a static converter.

If you bought (found) a 3 phase motor and hooked it to the static you now have a rotary converter....

VFDs are good. The power side wiring is very easy. However integrating the controls and setting various parameters to make it work right is more challenging.

 

[matt_i]

I put single phase in quotes because 240-250v power here in the US has two hot legs, which means 2 phase to my brain.

How can there ever be 2 phases. The potential between L1 and L2 is ~240vac, and that is the one and only possibility. If we add another powerd wire, there are now 3 phases possible between L1, L2 and L3. (L1-L2, L2-L3, L1-L3)

 

[wyliesdiesels]

And there is really something called 2-phase-

it uses 4 wires minimum...

Philadelphia still has it in certain areas...

 

[u3b3rg33k]

People that know what they’re doing care.

you must be an engineer. people that know what they're doing know it doesn't matter. you aren't designing anything to run at 240V max for something that runs at 240V nominal. same with a car. it's a 12V system, but it never runs at 12V.

How can there ever be 2 phases. The potential between L1 and L2 is ~240vac, and that is the one and only possibility. If we add another powerd wire, there are now 3 phases possible between L1, L2 and L3. (L1-L2, L2-L3, L1-L3)

you can have any number of phases you want. you just need enough wires to support it. you can have 2 phases with 3 wires. no one seems to bother with more than 3 phases because what would it get you?

 

[not enoughsmoke]

3hp Static box here with no issues on mill and lathe

 

[tab2]

https://www.factorymation.com/FM50-203-C

This is what I use for a 3ph, 3hp wood planer.

 

[DpSyChO]

https://www.factorymation.com/FM50-203-C

This is what I use for a 3ph, 3hp wood planer.

I have a few Teco and second them.
For that matter, any name brand VFD should be fine.
Here are some other options:
https://www.wolfautomation.com/products/ac-drives/3_hp-120_240v,_single_phase_only-200_240v,_single_ph_only?dir=asc&order=price

 

[Augus7us]

I run a static 1hp converter on a surface grinder and a 3hp VFD on a belt grinder and have had no issues with either.

That said I'd like to get a rotary and just pipe a few 3 phase outlets throughout the shop.

 

[1redTA]

And there is really something called 2-phase-

it uses 4 wires minimum...

Philadelphia still has it in certain areas...

I worked for a Mechanical Engineer who had a 2 phase mill from the Philadelphia area in his shop in Mobile. We never really used it