Drill Press

[Dustyflannel]

Made a purchase. First, I want to thank everyone that commented! I read them all, and considered them carefully. In the end, I took your input and evaluated the actual machine in person. So, I went with the Rockwell 15-655. My shop floor is wood framing(Rockwell is 100 lbs. lighter), and I drill more wood than metal. I was able to test it and it ran well. The VS is pretty sweet(although more complex, and prob expensive to fix) and seemed to be in working order(more on this in a moment). No cracks in casting/pulleys (I looked over the pulley/sheaves? as well as I could), table up/down nice. Not sure if this has belt tension- I need to learn. It ran quietly and without vibration(under normal conditions) and made nice holes in wood. We had no metal to test(my bad). Now, for specifics: The seller did not have true 3ph (which he told me before I went to see the DP, 4hr. round trip). He had a VFD and he said that when he started the drill on high rpm it would pop his VFD. So, we were only able to run from low to a little over half speed, but it seemed to run beautifully at those speeds. Easy to shift, no vibrations. But, the speed dial would not go all the way to the lowest setting(seller had no answer for this), so, I don't know if whoever put the new "clutch plates" (or are they called sheaves?) on the machine just didn't adjust it all correctly or something else. Also, the hand dial for rpm seemed to drift a little, not cool. He assured me that there was a tension bolt/set screw/adjustment on the dial that would fix this(right now I can't remember if this drifted up or down) it seems the spring tension on the top sheave(motor side not spindle side) could also affect this(not sure if that's adjustable). Also, even though it seemed to drill well, and without any noises/vibrations, I extended the spindle half way, then all the way while running and applied pressure to the front of the quill(pushing it towards the support column). When I did this, there was a new noise/grind/rattle(minor, couldn't feel it but, I could hear it) from somewhere in the housing/upper spindle area. Probably bearings. Neither the quill nor spindle seemed to have any play/slop. I have taken many photo's so that I can post specific questions w/images in the future. But, the first order of business is to purchase the correct VFD and get it up and running. The DP came with a panel attached with lots of wires inside(see pic). I will need help with this for anyone willing, ty. I would greatly appreciate any and all comments on any of these issues. Thank you all, Dustin

 

[Whitworth]

Vintagemachinery.org will have the user manual and parts breakdown for that model.
There are adjustments for most everything you noted, but it sounds like you have a better than average condition machine. I have the same drill press.
Congrats !

 

[grant00]

Can you post a picture of the motor nameplate so we can see the motor specs to help recommend a VFD?

 

[grant00]

Actually since you bought the already variable speed Rockwell, it might be better to just replace the motor for a single phase. Either way, let's see what the name plate says. Putting the VFD on the variable speed drill seems like nonsense...

 

[Dustyflannel]

Can you post a picture of the motor nameplate so we can see the motor specs to help recommend a VFD?

Thanks for the reply, I should've thought of that... Here's the nameplate(top and bottom). Also, you can see punch marks on the motor housing. Does anyone know if motors ever came from the factory punched? or does that mean someone has worked inside and hopefully done some general cleaning and replaced the bearings? Thanks much,Dustin

 

[Dustyflannel]

Actually since you bought the already variable speed Rockwell, it might be better to just replace the motor for a single phase. Either way, let's see what the name plate says. Putting the VFD on the variable speed drill seems like nonsense...

Thanks for the reply, I think I need the VFD to run the 3ph motor as I don't have 3 phase power. Or, I guess I could switch to single phase, but the idea of infinite speed control and reverse sounds nice. I wonder which would cost more the VFD or the new single phase motor. Just thoughts. Thank you, Dustin

 

[grant00]

This motor looks like it would work to swap the motor and go straight to single phase:

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/motors/ac_motors/general_purpose_and_inverter_rated/b319

This drive could work, I believe, with your motor. BUT your motor is not inverter rated. Maybe someone else can chime in on putting the VFD on that. The VFD is cheaper than the motor above. It looks like you already have infinite speed control on your drill press??

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/drives_-a-_soft_starters/ac_variable_frequency_drives_(vfd)/micro/cfw100c04p2s220g2

 

[Dustyflannel]

Vintagemachinery.org will have the user manual and parts breakdown for that model.
There are adjustments for most everything you noted, but it sounds like you have a better than average condition machine. I have the same drill press.
Congrats !

I was at Vintagemachinery to find what you described and was unsure if I found the proper paperwork. Not sure the year of my machine and they were listed like--> " 15” VS DP (6” TRAVEL, BEGINNING WITH SN 139-3001)". It did not say 15-655. So not sure if I have the correct papers. Thanks, Dustin

 

[Whitworth]

You're gonna need 230 volts 1 phase to operate a single-to-3 phase inverter.

56 frame, 1725 rpm, I'd lean towards replacing motor.

 

[Whitworth]

I was at Vintagemachinery to find what you described and was unsure if I found the proper paperwork. Not sure the year of my machine and they were listed like--> " 15” VS DP (6” TRAVEL, BEGINNING WITH SN 139-3001)". It did not say 15-655. So not sure if I have the correct papers. Thanks, Dustin

That looks right

 

[Dustyflannel]

This motor looks like it would work to swap the motor and go straight to single phase:

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/motors/ac_motors/general_purpose_and_inverter_rated/b319

This drive could work, I believe, with your motor. BUT your motor is not inverter rated. Maybe someone else can chime in on putting the VFD on that. The VFD is cheaper than the motor above. It looks like you already have infinite speed control on your drill press??

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/drives_-a-_soft_starters/ac_variable_frequency_drives_(vfd)/micro/cfw100c04p2s220g2

This guy in the video hooked up a foot pedal for reverse and it allows him to tap holes on the fly. The torque is low, but it seems to work. Skip to 3mins. for the tapping, the whole video is 5:38. The minimum speed on my press appears to be 450 rpm. Not sure what low rpm is with 1140 motor because the manufacturer put the roll pin through the number...

 

[Dustyflannel]

This guy in the video hooked up a foot pedal for reverse and it allows him to tap holes on the fly. The torque is low, but it seems to work. Skip to 3mins. for the tapping, the whole video is 5:38. The minimum speed on my press appears to be 450 rpm. Not sure what low rpm is with 1140 motor because the manufacturer put the roll pin through the number...

Totally forgot to add the video, didn't I .

And this was 2014.

 

[Dustyflannel]

This motor looks like it would work to swap the motor and go straight to single phase:

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/motors/ac_motors/general_purpose_and_inverter_rated/b319

This drive could work, I believe, with your motor. BUT your motor is not inverter rated. Maybe someone else can chime in on putting the VFD on that. The VFD is cheaper than the motor above. It looks like you already have infinite speed control on your drill press??

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/drives_-a-_soft_starters/ac_variable_frequency_drives_(vfd)/micro/cfw100c04p2s220g2

Grant, thank you for those recommendations!

 

[shawhite]

You're gonna need 230 volts 1 phase to operate a single-to-3 phase inverter.

56 frame, 1725 rpm, I'd lean towards replacing motor.

This is incorrect several vfds on the market that will turn 120v 1ph in to 230v 3 phase out

 

[Dustyflannel]

This is incorrect several vfds on the market that will turn 120v 1ph in to 230v 3 phase out

I've been searching for one like that, but haven't found it yet. Thank you! It's good to know it exists.

 

[CallumRD1]

I've been searching for one like that, but haven't found it yet. Thank you! It's good to know it exists.

Look at the KBAC and KBDA lines. The 24D and 27D models in either line will take single phase 115V or 230V in and output 230V three phase. I’ve been using them for years and quite like them, especially for use on my belt grinder where conductive dust will quickly kill vfds that aren’t properly sealed.

 

[Dustyflannel]

Look at the KBAC and KBDA lines. The 24D and 27D models in either line will take single phase 115V or 230V in and output 230V three phase. I’ve been using them for years and quite like them, especially for use on my belt grinder where conductive dust will quickly kill vfds that aren’t properly sealed.

Thanks for the reply. I was looking at this one earlier.. is this in the ballpark? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AOCJT0K/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Looks like I need to find the AC orDA model is what you're sayin'.

 

[PoorUB]

I've done power tapping in a mill (using back gear) with the reversing switch, but never with a VFD. Can they reverse quickly enough for tapping in a drill press?

No. You need to kill the power then reverse the switch drum.

Wrong! I have a VFD on my drill press and use it for tapping holes. When I get to the point of no return I just hit the reverse button and it slows to a stop and reverses.

 

[PoorUB]

Teco builds a VFD to go from 120 volt to 1 HP 208 volts 3 phase. I have on on order to replace the way oversized VFD on my Powermatic drill press. It will be nice to be able to run it off 120V.

Dusty, I beg you not to replace the motor and buy a VFD and hopefully find some help to get it set up. A VFD is so sweet on a drill press.

Some of us here can help get you going. I have been working with VFD's for twenty years, and though not so much in the last few years, but I can figure it out!

 

[Dustyflannel]

Wrong! I have a VFD on my drill press and use it for tapping holes. When I get to the point of no return I just hit the reverse button and it slows to a stop and reverses.

I have to agree UB. I posted a video (just up like 3 posts^) that shows a guy tapping. He attached a foot pedal which is pretty cool.. it would free up the hands. Question, his torque was pretty low at the low speed in which he was tapping, Have you had a similar outcome with the torque? Thanks

 

[Dustyflannel]

This motor looks like it would work to swap the motor and go straight to single phase:

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/motors/ac_motors/general_purpose_and_inverter_rated/b319

This drive could work, I believe, with your motor. BUT your motor is not inverter rated. Maybe someone else can chime in on putting the VFD on that. The VFD is cheaper than the motor above. It looks like you already have infinite speed control on your drill press??

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/shopping/catalog/drives_-a-_soft_starters/ac_variable_frequency_drives_(vfd)/micro/cfw100c04p2s220g2

Grant, thanks also for pointing out the "not inverter rated" motor.

 

[Indexmill]

All 230V VFDs can run on 120V, but, oofficially, they must be de-rated a little. For home shop use, just do it.

 

[shawhite]

In the 1hp category there are several vfds that will take a 120v 1ph input and output 230v 3ph. In the 1.5hp category I have only found 2 that will work on 120v 1ph input. That is the kb drives and invertek I own one of each and like both equally. I will say KB drives has excellent customer service. Had a drive fail that was out of warranty(I suspect the failure was caused by repeated loss of power). They had me send it in for evaluation and repaired it for $30 and shipped it back. Turn around was 2 weeks. Have not had to deal with invertek customer service.

1hp vfd | 1 horsepower variable frequency drive

1hp VFDs for Any Application Available. Authorized Distributor of Top Brands. Get Free Shipping on $100+ Orders!

www.wolfautomation.com

 

[PoorUB]

I have to agree UB. I posted a video (just up like 3 posts^) that shows a guy tapping. He attached a foot pedal which is pretty cool.. it would free up the hands. Question, his torque was pretty low at the low speed in which he was tapping, Have you had a similar outcome with the torque? Thanks

I run the belt speed all the way down, that way the motor can run a bit faster. But I have not had any issues with torque.

Some guys try to run the belt at mid or high speed and have the VFD do all the speed reduction, then the motor runs so slow it has no power so they can stall out.

 

[PoorUB]

Grant, thanks also for pointing out the "not inverter rated" motor.

The motor on my drill press is not inverter rated and it has been running for years.

I am not sure when this "inverter rated" motor thing appeared. all I know is over the years with my job I have installed VFD's on hundreds of motors the were not labeled inverter rated.

I wonder if the rated motors come with shaft grounding. Inverters do some weird things with motors and I forget the proper description, but electricity wants to flow from the rotor through the bearings and slowly pit and ruin the bearings. Manufacturers started adding a ground brush of some sort that rides on the shaft to drain that electricity instead of going through the bearings.

I haven't added shaft grounding to my motor, but I should.

 

[Davefr]

You'd be absolutely foolish not to simply VFD your DP. Your VFD can be used to do most of the speed control but when you dial down the DP's speed control and then dial down the VFD's speed your get unstoppable torque at extremely low RPMs. A VFD will also get you direct spindle speed readout, reverse, soft start, braking, overclock capability, much simpler start/stop/speed control and so much more.

 

[PoorUB]

Here is the Teco drive I ordered for my frill press, but I ordered locally and got a better deal.

https://www.wolfautomation.com/vfd-1hp-115v-single-phase-ip20-med-duty/

 

[exmaxima1]

Here is the Teco drive I ordered for my frill press, but I ordered locally and got a better deal.

https://www.wolfautomation.com/vfd-1hp-115v-single-phase-ip20-med-duty/

Is there a button for instant reverse? It looks like you need to change modes to do that. Or, do you add a remote reverse switch?

 

[grant00]

You'd be absolutely foolish not to simply VFD your DP. Your VFD can be used to do most of the speed control but when you dial down the DP's speed control and then dial down the VFD's speed your get unstoppable torque at extremely low RPMs. A VFD will also get you direct spindle speed readout, reverse, soft start, braking, overclock capability, much simpler start/stop/speed control and so much more.

You make a good point!

Since you have the same drill as the OP, what motor are you running with your VFD?? The original or did you change it out to an inverter rated? What voltage are your running off the wall?

 

[PoorUB]

Is there a button for instant reverse? It looks like you need to change modes to do that. Or, do you add a remote reverse switch?

You need to set it up correctly, but just a push of a button.

 

[Davefr]

You make a good point!

Since you have the same drill as the OP, what motor are you running with your VFD?? The original or did you change it out to an inverter rated? What voltage are your running off the wall?

I was using a 1.5 HP Baldor motor using a Teco L510 @ 120 VAC VFD. Even though the VFD was rated for 1 HP it powered the 1.5 HP Baldor motor just fine. The amps specs were pretty close and I performed an auto tune on the VFD. These Teco VFD's are conservatively rated and have lot of protections built in. I never once overloaded it. I have no idea if the motor was invertor rated. (no longer have that DP).

I have another DP that uses an old WT 1.5 HP 3 phase motor with a 1 HP Teco L510 VFD. This motor is so old they probably didn't even know what an invertor was back then. It runs just flawlessly.

 

[Dustyflannel]

Look at the KBAC and KBDA lines. The 24D and 27D models in either line will take single phase 115V or 230V in and output 230V three phase. I’ve been using them for years and quite like them, especially for use on my belt grinder where conductive dust will quickly kill vfds that aren’t properly sealed.

Callum, Do you have experience with the reverse on that model? Does one have to push "stop" then push "reverse" then push "run", or can you simply push "reverse" while it's running and it takes care of it? Also, do you know if a remote reverse switch could be wired in? Can the original power switch be wired in, or do you use the keypad on the VFD to start your machines? Lastly, (just to be sure) is this the model like you own, or suggested? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AOCKQ2A/?tag=atomicindus08-20 It's pricey, but I wouldn't have to cobble some sort of enclosure together. The dust is definitely a factor, but more importantly, I have seven children (only God can keep an eye on seven children constantly) and their safety is top priority. I have scoured the innerscreen for photos of the bottom, side, most importantly the inside of the VFD unit in question and have found none, not a single photo that shows how the wires enter the box. I assume that there is a plugged hole or two in the bottom for a Romex clamp or a cable gland or something else built in. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thank you for the recommendations.

 

[Dustyflannel]

In the 1hp category there are several vfds that will take a 120v 1ph input and output 230v 3ph. In the 1.5hp category I have only found 2 that will work on 120v 1ph input. That is the kb drives and invertek I own one of each and like both equally. I will say KB drives has excellent customer service. Had a drive fail that was out of warranty(I suspect the failure was caused by repeated loss of power). They had me send it in for evaluation and repaired it for $30 and shipped it back. Turn around was 2 weeks. Have not had to deal with invertek customer service.

1hp vfd | 1 horsepower variable frequency drive

1hp VFDs for Any Application Available. Authorized Distributor of Top Brands. Get Free Shipping on $100+ Orders!

www.wolfautomation.com

Thank you for the recommendations. If you don't mind, which Invertek and KB models do you have? Have you had either of them connected to a DP? Thanks

 

[Dustyflannel]

Here is the Teco drive I ordered for my frill press, but I ordered locally and got a better deal.

https://www.wolfautomation.com/vfd-1hp-115v-single-phase-ip20-med-duty/

The Teco L510 looks like it would work and it's much cheaper than the KB. But, I think it would have to go into an enclosure for safety and dust protection. I was unable to find any enclosure that would fit it well, especially if I wanted to be able to read the display. They make enclosures with clear covers/lids/doors, but I couldn't find one deep enough. Also, I wasn't sure if it would breath inside a sealed box. Does anyone have any experience putting a VFD in an enclosure? Fan+filter? Thanks Poor for all the input!

 

[Dustyflannel]

You'd be absolutely foolish not to simply VFD your DP. Your VFD can be used to do most of the speed control but when you dial down the DP's speed control and then dial down the VFD's speed your get unstoppable torque at extremely low RPMs. A VFD will also get you direct spindle speed readout, reverse, soft start, braking, overclock capability, much simpler start/stop/speed control and so much more.

Hi Dave, thanks for the feedback and recommendations. That's a nice looking DP. The L510 looks great and appears to do more than I'll need. I would love to save $200 and go with that VFD.. but I'm concerned about the safety of the wiring being somewhat exposed. I have no experience with VFD's so I don't know how they hook up. Do you feel that the wiring is safely contained in the unit? Are the screws on the front hot while the unit is on? or are they all low voltage? and how about the power wire connections? Are they recessed? Are the screws/terminals exposed? Thanks so much!

 

[shawhite]

Thank you for the recommendations. If you don't mind, which Invertek and KB models do you have? Have you had either of them connected to a DP? Thanks

I have a KBDF-27D and invertek optidrive E3. Both are connected to arboga gearhead drill presses.

 

[PoorUB]

The Teco L510 looks like it would work and it's much cheaper than the KB. But, I think it would have to go into an enclosure for safety and dust protection. I was unable to find any enclosure that would fit it well, especially if I wanted to be able to read the display. They make enclosures with clear covers/lids/doors, but I couldn't find one deep enough. Also, I wasn't sure if it would breath inside a sealed box. Does anyone have any experience putting a VFD in an enclosure? Fan+filter? Thanks Poor for all the input!

I would recomend and enclosure of some type. There are some plastic eclosures on Amazon that might work. When the VFD I ordered gets here I will get serious about looking for something. I figured a computer fan and a filtered intake cut into the box would do it, but nothing specific yet.

 

[shawhite]

Why not just buy a nema 4x drive?

 

[CallumRD1]

Callum, Do you have experience with the reverse on that model? Does one have to push "stop" then push "reverse" then push "run", or can you simply push "reverse" while it's running and it takes care of it? Also, do you know if a remote reverse switch could be wired in? Can the original power switch be wired in, or do you use the keypad on the VFD to start your machines? Lastly, (just to be sure) is this the model like you own, or suggested? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AOCKQ2A/?tag=atomicindus08-20 It's pricey, but I wouldn't have to cobble some sort of enclosure together. The dust is definitely a factor, but more importantly, I have seven children (only God can keep an eye on seven children constantly) and their safety is top priority. I have scoured the innerscreen for photos of the bottom, side, most importantly the inside of the VFD unit in question and have found none, not a single photo that shows how the wires enter the box. I assume that there is a plugged hole or two in the bottom for a Romex clamp or a cable gland or something else built in. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. Thank you for the recommendations.

I have KBAC-24D, KBAC-27D, and KBDA-29 all in service at the moment. I installed the reversing switch on all my KBAC models (extremely quick and easy) and the KBDA models have it integrated into the control panel. When either are running you can go directly from run to reverse (but doing so at a high speed can put a ton of load on your motor as the windings are energized in the opposite order). The cable ports are on the bottom; I use waterproof ports like these: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0993CWBGV/?tag=atomicindus08-20. No way for a child to get a finger inside the drive! These ones are all NEMA 4X sealed for dust and water which matters less on a drill press but is essential on any machine creating conductive grinding dust and a good idea on any machine creating a lot of wood dust. I've attached photos of the KBAC-24D attached to a 1.5 hp motor on my Royal 18 drill press and the KBDA-29 attached to a 3 hp motor on my 2x72 belt grinder.

(Aside: please ignore the black and white wires dangling out of the bottom of the VFD on the drill press. They're a 120V AC break off to power the 12V DC power supply connected to the RPM readout. I've been meaning to wire it in properly but it hasn't happened yet.)

 

[Davefr]

Hi Dave, thanks for the feedback and recommendations. That's a nice looking DP. The L510 looks great and appears to do more than I'll need. I would love to save $200 and go with that VFD.. but I'm concerned about the safety of the wiring being somewhat exposed. I have no experience with VFD's so I don't know how they hook up. Do you feel that the wiring is safely contained in the unit? Are the screws on the front hot while the unit is on? or are they all low voltage? and how about the power wire connections? Are they recessed? Are the screws/terminals exposed? Thanks so much!

The L510 has recessed screws/terminals. It would be hard for the operator to accidently touch them but I would definitely be concerned about kids playing around in the area. I would also never leave a VFD energized when not in use. If you take a look at my images, I have a GE power switch with pilot light on the right side of the DP that kills incoming power to the VFD. (never add a switch between the VFD's outgoing power and the motor). That main power switch could also have a keylock for added child protection.

The L510 is not a NEMA dustproof/waterproof enclosure. Since mine is mounted a ways back I've never had a dust/debris problem but YMMV. There's no reason you couldn't enclose it but I'd probably recommend a cooling fan for the enclosure. However a drill press is not a typical machine with a long duty cycle so heat may not be a real issue. Wiring a remote control at the head of the DP is great. (easy to control and keeps the VFD out of "harms way".

I'd highly recommend you downloaded/study all the manuals for any VFD you're considering. That's as important as the VFD itself. Some of these no name VFDs on Amazon/Ebay have worthless manuals written in "Chinklish". The Teco documentation is excellent/thorough IMHO and I'm sure there's plenty of youtube videos and online expertise to draw on for the L510.

Hope this helps.