Craigslist score

[outlander800]

I hit the craigslist tool section today and found a 8 inch baldor bench grinder. Its a 3/4 hp and its 3 phase. Got it for $60 bucks. Just dont know what its going to take to get this thing wired up in my garage correctly as I dont have 3 phase.
Sorry for the crappy cell pic. Its actually in real nice shape, but hard to tell from that picture.

 

[darkk]

3 phase, really? why do you say that? Is it marked 3 phase? Just curious, not being asmart ***. Just never saw one wired that way...

 

[outlander800]

Yeah, its marked 3 phase on tag riveted to the front of it.

 

[kc-steve]

No doubt the wiring is why it was priced low. Look on Google for wiring a 3-phase to single phase.

Steve

 

[outlander800]

I figured for 60 bucks its worth getting, they are between 800-900 dollars new.

 

[Delbert G]

For less than $200 you can purchase a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) which will allow you to run the 3 phase motor from single phase input.

 

[Kurt4440]

I saw that one listed, keep us informed on how you progress with the wiring.

 

[littletoes]

For less than $200 you can purchase a VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) which will allow you to run the 3 phase motor from single phase input.

Not sure, but I don't think a VFD is for "converting phase's", its for varying speed of specific motors, its used for energy conservation on commercial/industrial site's.

Perhaps a phase converter might be what you want for running a 3 phase motor on household voltage.

 

[Slip_Kid]

You will need something like this, http://www.amazon.com/Grizzly-G5840-Static-Phase-Converter/dp/B0000DD4LL .

 

[whelenfan]

I can't wait to see how it goes. Does it need a good cleaning, or is it good to go as is?

 

[stock z/28]

I have several 3/4-1 hp and bigger grinders in the shop that are 3 ph, but I have 3 phase, so its no big deal.

As inexpensive as a decent single phase grinder can be bought for I am not sure of the practicallity of converting a 3 ph to single ph?

I think a VFD would do the conversion for you but I have never seen one used on a small bench grinder. It may work fine.

Good Luck

Jeff

 

[Amitygravel]

Whatever way you end up wiring it , you still got a Baldor for 60 bucks.
New ones are not cheap by any means and that thing will last a long time.

 

[2oolhound]

+1 on the VFD but it's an expensive solution to a 3/4 hp grinder. However if you are planning to expand your shop with other HD equipment it doesn't hurt to invest in one that will be compatible to a lathe, compressor, welder or other 3 phase equip. (you only use 1 at a time). Keep in mind a VFD is dedicated to specific size motors so all equipment you wish to use it for must be very similar in HP.

 

[bluebolt]

You have the same problem as me, a 3 phase Baldor LOL. For now I am going to "shelve" it but in the future will get a converter.

 

[outlander800]

The grinder could use a new set of wheels and a quick cleaning, otherwise its good. Im probably going to hold on to it till I have another piece of 3 phase equipment to hook up to make it worth while financially. Would a single phase grinder that is 3/4 hp be as powerful as this one being 3 phase?