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Drill press electric motor

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Davefr

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The problem with treadmill motors is as follows:
1. Most have non standard mounts and shafts. That means lots of work to improvise. Existing DP motor step pulley and belts probably won't work. Failure to use a step pulley means you'll sacrifice any torque amplification capability.
2. TM controllers lack features available on VFD's. (ex: remote control, overclock, reverse, braking, direct RPM readout, safety protections, etc, etc, etc)
3. Finding the treadmill where you can harvest an appropriate motor and the hassle/expense disposing of the rest of it.

Unless you have a cheap treadmill with all the correct components, a 3 phase motor + VFD is basically plug and play.
 
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PoorUB

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I have to wonder about the HP ratings for these motors. If they run on a typical 120 volt outlet they might be 1-1/2 HP at full speed. at 1/2 speed what are they, 1/2 HP or less? With a drill press if you need less RPM you are probably drilling large diameter holes which means you need more power, not less. Step pulleys or a variable speed belt drive overcome the RPM and power issue.

I have never messed with one, but then my drill press is 1 HP, 3 phase with variable speed pulleys and a VFD.
 

Davefr

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I have to wonder about the HP ratings for these motors. If they run on a typical 120 volt outlet they might be 1-1/2 HP at full speed. at 1/2 speed what are they, 1/2 HP or less? With a drill press if you need less RPM you are probably drilling large diameter holes which means you need more power, not less. Step pulleys or a variable speed belt drive overcome the RPM and power issue.

I have never messed with one, but then my drill press is 1 HP, 3 phase with variable speed pulleys and a VFD.
You're right. A step pulley arrangement can amplify torque. I use a 1.5 HP motor + VFD and I set the pulleys on the highest speed setting. But if I ever need higher torque at lower RPM I can always change the belt to a lower range. It's very rare I've ever has to but you could get by with a much smaller motor and still have that option.
 

bubinga

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You're right. A step pulley arrangement can amplify torque. I use a 1.5 HP motor + VFD and I set the pulleys on the highest speed setting. But if I ever need higher torque at lower RPM I can always change the belt to a lower range. It's very rare I've ever has to but you could get by with a much smaller motor and still have that option.
I agree the VFD and a VFD duty 3 phase motor is a better option. I have that set-up on my wood lathe.
I even have a 110 volt VFD.
But the treadmill set-up worked out well for me on my drill press.
As stated, it is basically a 56 frame motor, with a 5/8" shaft.
(I keep my pullies on the lower speed settings, as to allow a higher motor speed for higher HP out of the motor)
 
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Davefr

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What do you guys think of this motor for my drill press?
263776800_10165754487105246_5523307051163850945_n.jpg263586790_10165754487100246_5292153167629996409_n.jpg
If the pulley fits the shaft and if the mount is compatible, then use it. Ideally a TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) motor would be better but I wouldn't worry about it for a home shop.
 

lilredex

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Here's a tool board I saw on another Beaver, over on OWWM, that might be useful.
 

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