Rotary or Digital Phase Converter?

[calandrod]

I am going to buy a small 5hp phase converter to run my 1.5hp Bridgeport. I have done some research into American Rotary Phase Converters and they use Baldor motors which I like, have a great warranty, have great customer service, and overall it seems like a very quality product. I’ve spent a long time talking to them and they have been helpful in figuring out what I need. The model I’ve been looking at is the ADX-5.

My father in law does a lot of electrical for his business and he likes the digital phase converters, specifically recommending the 5hp Phase Perfect digital converter.

Does anyone recommend one either way? They are equally priced so longevity and quality are main concerns.Thanks!

 

[dave*99]

I wired a Bridgeport 20 years ago. I used a digital phase converter (VFD). It was the only 3 phase machine the guy had and it seemed like a natural choice. It is still running today. The digital phase converter allowed the user to vary speed and change direction.
Yes I know the Bridgeport has those functions too - but the owner liked using the phase converter for those functions.

 

[APEowner]

I've got an American Rotary unit on my milling machine and it's been great for about 15 years now. It just works.

 

[marinusdees]

I am going to buy a small 5hp phase converter to run my 1.5hp Bridgeport. I have done some research into American Rotary Phase Converters and they use Baldor motors which I like, have a great warranty, have great customer service, and overall it seems like a very quality product. I’ve spent a long time talking to them and they have been helpful in figuring out what I need. The model I’ve been looking at is the ADX-5.

My father in law does a lot of electrical for his business and he likes the digital phase converters, specifically recommending the 5hp Phase Perfect digital converter.

Does anyone recommend one either way? They are equally priced so longevity and quality are main concerns.Thanks!

I have four VFDs running a small mill, a medium lathe, a band saw, and a relatively large drill press. I have a (homemade) rotary convertor for an overhead chain hoist. I don't need speed control for the hoist. Just on the basis of use and not commenting on durability, since I have had no issues, hobby use for 10 to 15 years, I prefer the VFD, mostly since I don't have to run another motor.

 

[Steve from Socal]

A 'digital phase converter' like Phase
perfect is needed for many machines with regenerative motor drives etc. For simple single-three phase conversion of a machine with multiple motors like a mill with a feed motor a rotary is fine. A very basic conversion like a mill or lathe with one motor under 5 HP a VFD is really the most pracital and maybe least expensive?

Steve

 

[tool_scrounge]

A single 3 phase low horsepower milling machine? I would get a VFD.

A 3 phase lathe with a 2 speed motor and relay controls? Multiple 3 phase powered machines? Price is an issue? I would buy a rotary phase converter. Price is REALLY an issue? I would build a rotary phase converter.

Price no issue? Get a Phase Perfect. The Phase Perfect is an awesome device. But please note you usually have to replace the capacitor bank at some point. Also, a blown board out of warranty is $$$, presuming it is still available. Search for more opinions on Practicalmachinist.com.

 

[walta]

Seems to me going with a VFD would give you the option to change the speed of the cutting tool to any speed you want with the twist of a knob I would think that would be a huge advantage.

The real question is how many 3 phase machines will you end up with for one or three VFD is a clear winner If it is a dozen the rotary is a clear winner.

Walta

 

[nadogail]

A Rotary Phase Converter can be assembled from "Junk or Bone Yard" parts, possibly without any cash outlay. They do have moving parts and frictional and heat losses.

A Static Phase Converter, or Variable Frequency Drive will, in theory, be more efficient and have fewer, if any, mechanical parts to wear out. VFD's also offer the option of Variable Speed.

You study your options and takes your chances.

 

[Norcal]

A Rotary Phase Converter can be assembled from "Junk or Bone Yard" parts, possibly without any cash outlay. They do have moving parts and frictional and heat losses.
bought
A Static Phase Converter, or Variable Frequency Drive will, in theory, be more efficient and have fewer, if any, mechanical parts to wear out. VFD's also offer the option of Variable Speed

You study your options and takes your chances.

A static converter just starts a 3Ø motor then it just single phases, losing about 1/3 of the motors HP, this works but is not ideal. A VFD for a 3 HP or smaller motors is fairly reasonable, & no derating is required for single phase input models, just avoid no name drives from China off eBay or other vendors, they have poorly written manuals & no technical support. I bought a 3 HP drive for a Rockwell HD wood shaper, with a 2 HP 200V single voltage motor, the drive allowed me to adjust the output voltage so did not require a buck boost transformer to buck down the nominal 240V line voltage, it was cheaper then buying a new motor.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I did a bunch of research including asking Keith Rucker a few questions. I bought an American Rotary from an Ontario, Canada Company. The seller called me before they shipped. The wanted to make sure I had ordered the best on for my needs. There was no attempt to up-sell me.
I mounted the phase converter on a used pressure washer cart. I want to be able to roll the cart to the machine. The cart has a long cord for 220 volts and 50 amps. I added a welder outlet plug.

 

[rawen2]

I used to have a 10HP rated rotary phase converter for a lathe. I got tired of the noise from the rotary.
If I had it to do again I'd get a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD).

 

[ez-duzit]

American Rotary is a very highly regarded brand. I recently sold one of their ADX20 models. A good reason to buy an RPC is if you plan to add other 3-phase equipment. One thing to note regarding RPC's is that they do not want to be started and stopped frequently.

My ancient Index Super 55 mill runs fine on a Phase-O-Matic static phase converter, an inexpensive option that allows you to retain the machine's original controls, unlike a variable frequency device.

 

[jar944]

My ancient Index Super 55 mill runs fine on a Phase-O-Matic static phase converter, an inexpensive option that allows you to retain the machine's original controls, unlike a variable frequency device.

You can keep the original controls with a vfd, it just takes more work with rewiring of the controls to the low voltage control side of the vfd.