I am looking at a Rockwell lathe 11" x 36" It has a 3 phase motor on it. I have a single phase 2 hp. motor. Could this motor be installed without alot of problems? I would like to have it set up for 220 as if I ever want to sell it, it would be alot eaiser. I see that most all Jet, Enco, Grizzly, etc are set up for 220, some even 120.
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Rockwell Lathe ???
- Thread starter john11139
- Start date
Richard D
Well-known member
Get one of these. Gives you variable speed, you can add a remote speed controller, even an emergency stop button.
http://www.factorymation.com/Products/FM50_230V/FM50-202-C.html
http://www.factorymation.com/Products/FM50_230V/FM50-202-C.html
rsanter
Well-known member
We have to see the motor mounting plate and shaft size to know if it can be done easily.
If the motor matches up then go for it, if you have to buy a motor I would rather buy a VFD and keep the original 3ph motor
Bob
If the motor matches up then go for it, if you have to buy a motor I would rather buy a VFD and keep the original 3ph motor
Bob
justanengineer
Well-known member
Would it be safe to assume this is a metal lathe? If its a wood lathe, go ahead and switch it. OTOH, never put a single phase motor on a metal lathe. Spend the $100 for a VFD.
Last edited:
JasonMcElroy
Well-known member
Get one of these. Gives you variable speed, you can add a remote speed controller, even an emergency stop button.
http://www.factorymation.com/Products/FM50_230V/FM50-202-C.html
That's a great controller at a good price.
I converted my Rockwell lathe using this exact unit. I believe it took me a couple hours. I even used the existing switches, now using them just to send control signals to the appropriate terms on the VFD.
Been on there about five years now with zero problems. Small enough to fit in the existing control panel once you remove all the motor starter **** from the box ;-0
I rigged up my Bridgeport J with this unit too and also use a variable speed pot switch. It also works well.
Jason
RPH
Well-known member
Problem with putting single phase on is the reversing aspect. I have a larger version of your lathe. I have the same unit but a little larger and this conversion. The drum switch can't handle the single phase current on the contacts so I had to install a reversing contactor assembly. Lucky that I had one on the shelf. The drum switch now controls the contactors for direction. Go with the vfd drive as it is so much easier. When I get the chance I will be converting to one. Let me know what model number you have as I have the manual for mine and it may cover yours too.
I think the model is 250x6. Does any one know much about these lathes (metal). I have heard good things and bad (no parts available). I know you will say this is too much but I think I could get it for around $900. Any thing I should look for that is worn. Good lathes this size are hard to find that are not worn out.. I was also looking at a Enco (1994) very little use but the few people I talked to said stay from China made lathes.
I think the model is 250x6. Does any one know much about these lathes (metal). I have heard good things and bad (no parts available). I know you will say this is too much but I think I could get it for around $900. Any thing I should look for that is worn. Good lathes this size are hard to find that are not worn out.. I was also looking at a Enco (1994) very little use but the few people I talked to said stay from China made lathes.
If it has been in use in a production shop you want to look carefully at the ways (the long flat bed the carriage rides on) close to the chuck end. Any visible damage? wear? You can, if the owner allows, run the carriage down close to the chuck and try to move it back and forth - towards and away from you - and then run it off to the far end (right) and see if it seems tighter. If so, it might be still serviceable, but it won't be accurate enough for close work. And fixing that problem is a bear, only worth it for something very very good, or collectible (at least in my limited experience). BTW, 900 is a GOOD price, what does it come with?
spongerich
Well-known member
I wouldn't spend $900 on that one. Parts are going to be hard to find, which == expensive.
I'm a bit biased having owned a half dozen of them, but I'd be searching for a South Bend. With some patience, you can find 9" model A or B for under a grand. SB made 800,000 of them, so parts are plentiful and (mostly) cheap. A 10" or 12" Atlas/Craftsman would be a good 2nd choice. They're a bit lighter than the South Bends and the flat ways make them (in theory at least) a bit less accurate.
As for the motor, I've never had any issues with single phase 110v motors on smaller lathes. In some ways, you're better off with too small rather than too large. If something goes wrong, stalling the motor is far preferable to breaking gears and other parts.
Lastly, before you buy any lathe, read METAL LATHES – A BEGINNER’S BUYING GUIDE
I'm a bit biased having owned a half dozen of them, but I'd be searching for a South Bend. With some patience, you can find 9" model A or B for under a grand. SB made 800,000 of them, so parts are plentiful and (mostly) cheap. A 10" or 12" Atlas/Craftsman would be a good 2nd choice. They're a bit lighter than the South Bends and the flat ways make them (in theory at least) a bit less accurate.
As for the motor, I've never had any issues with single phase 110v motors on smaller lathes. In some ways, you're better off with too small rather than too large. If something goes wrong, stalling the motor is far preferable to breaking gears and other parts.
Lastly, before you buy any lathe, read METAL LATHES – A BEGINNER’S BUYING GUIDE