Help me select a a VFD?

[rust buster]

I just purchased a 1957 DoAll 16-3 bandsaw. It’s a monster and all original. It’s a 3 phase machine with a GE 208/220/440V 3HP 1750 rpm 3-phase motor. I’m looking at VFDs, but following the rule I’ve always followed: the VFD being double the HP of the motor, I’m not finding many options for 1-phase input around 6HP…
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[Stuart in MN]

Teco is one popular drive for home use. Another source may be Automation Direct.

 

[Steve from Socal]

You don't need a 6HP VFD, you want to look for 3HP VFD that is single phase input. There are many out there. When I had my 1612-3 in my garage I ran it on a static converter with no real issues.

The whole double the size is related to inverters/vfd's that are native 3 phase input. A VFD that is single phase input is rated for the KW/HP it is listed for.

Steve

 

[rust buster]

Ah, that makes sense and will definitely open up some more options.
Thank you!

 

[Steve from Socal]

Post up some pics of your saw, I think you made a one shot post on PM? My 1612 is 1965 but the older ones are very similar

 

[Norcal]

3 HP & under single phase input drives are used at the rated HP, Automation Direct is one vendor, and many folks like Teco, avoid ChiCom no name brands as they are cheap, but they are garbage and offer no, or limited, tech support, but one gets what they pay for.

 

[alfredeneuman]

I've always had success with Drives Warehouse.
Their tech support is excellent

 

[rust buster]

These are all from before it shipped to me. I just got it and have only done a cursory look-over. It's a monster and appears to be all there, however I do not know what works and what doesn't yet. I did reach out to DoAll yesterday, just on a chance that they could provide any info, and they sent over the operating manual within 20 minutes.

 

[rust buster]

You are correct!! Is there any difference between the 1612 and the 16-3 other than the production year? Do you have a VFD on yours?

Post up some pics of your saw, I think you made a one shot post on PM? My 1612 is 1965 but the older ones are very similar

 

[Steve from Socal]

The big differences are, the welder, no drawer under the blade for coolant maintenance and, the newer machine has a tension and blade speed indicator.

My shop has 480/240 three phase it is on 240 three phase. You have the cycle pedal, I never could fine one, my saw didn't have it when I got it.

 

[Norcal]

These are all from before it shipped to me. I just got it and have only done a cursory look-over. It's a monster and appears to be all there, however I do not know what works and what doesn't yet. I did reach out to DoAll yesterday, just on a chance that they could provide any info, and they sent over the operating manual within 20 minutes.

Nice saw DoAll bandsaws are well regarded.

 

[rust buster]

The big differences are, the welder, no drawer under the blade for coolant maintenance and, the newer machine has a tension and blade speed indicator.

My shop has 480/240 three phase it is on 240 three phase. You have the cycle pedal, I never could fine one, my saw didn't have it when I got it.

Pardon my ignorance but what exactly does the cycle pedal do? Is that part of the hydraulic feed system?

 

[Steve from Socal]

Yes,

The pedal is for cutting with the hydraulic feed. The manual has some examples of the pedal usage. DoAll has several booklets on using these saws in production and, special operations like slotting. I don't use the hydraulic feed often but, when I do use it is is really a nice feature. I use my saw nearly every day for something, it is one of these things that once you start using it you wonder how you got by without it.

Steve