Hello, orange,
The place to ask about your P-W would be on the 'antique' section of the Practical Machinist internet board.
Several model B owners have put in queries and comments there, and.....if I remember correctly......such manuals and drawings as are known to exist have been posted there.
I've never owned one of those myself, but have worked on a couple of them......very high quality lathes, to be sure, but one wants to be ever so careful to be certain that the oil pump is getting enough oil up to the gearing on spindle, before running more than 'just on test'.
Your lathe most likely has either a 2 or 3hp 3ph motor. Your motor is most likely a '9-lead' motor, meaning it can be wired for either 220 or 440.
If yours is wired 440, opening up the leads, and re-connecting for 220 is straightforward. (single-voltage 440 motors were a Navy spec, unfortunately.....if you've one of those, have it rewound, as finding a dual-voltage motor of the correct frame dimensions to fit the mounting would be quite difficult.)
Look in the magstarter for the coil voltage. If its a 440 coil, you may have a difficult time finding a 220 replacement coil, and will have to have a 220 coil custom-wound for it. Alternatively, for private shop use, one may simply fit a common drum-switch, with a fused disconnect box on the wall.
A rotary phase convertor is the most practical, cost-effective choice.....you really don't need the variable speed capability of a VFD for any practical use of the machine. Ask in the 'electrical' area of the Practical Machinist board for advice as to the best make to get.
cheers
Carla
