Run a 3 phase welder w/ a phase converter?

[iknownothing]

Ok, I know, this is probably a stupid question...but is it possible to run a 3ph welder on a phase converter? I know you can run machine equipment on a VFD or phase converter but didn't know if you could do the same with a welder.

The reason I'm asking is I have my old RV listed for sale on Craigslist. I am asking for $1000 or I'd trade for a tig welder. A guy calls me and says he has four of these and he is willing to trade me straight across...

He's a contractor and did some work for a guy who couldn't pay up. He took these as payment. Now he's moving and needs to get rid of them...

I'm pretty sure it's not possible but I had to ask. By the way, I tried the search function and it didn't want to play...

Thanks.
Dan

 

[Merkava_4]

I've heard rumors about the existence of inverter based phase converters, but I don't know for sure if they exist.

 

[LoneGunman]

Yes, a phase convertor can run a welder, I have never used one in that application though. Of course for the cost of the right phase convertor I think you can buy the TIG machine you want/need Heres some info:

http://www.kayind.com/products_application/right_converter.htm


http://www.phaseconverterinfo.com/phaseconverter_app_welders.htm

 

[Merkava_4]

Of course for the cost of the right phase convertor I think you can buy the TIG machine you want/need

Yeah....I've heard they're expensive.

 

[LoneGunman]

Yeah....I've heard they're expensive.

I ran into two TIG welders last weekend at the flea market, one went for $600 in an hour and the other has been sitting there, both 3 phase, guy wants $300 but it looks beat to hell and I don't know a damn thing about them so I walked, I was almost goint to come home and PM you about the one, but I figured I should learn to use what I have (stick and Mig) before I get another machine.

I should post some pics so you can laugh, welded all weekend, talk about NOT pleasing to the eye. My problem is I just can't practice, I get bored, so I go ahead with a project knowing it's going to take forever and look pretty bad but at least it's practice. I'm building a pressure assisted abrasive blaster, luckily the tank only gets pressurized 7-10lbs

 

[danski0224]

I should post some pics so you can laugh, welded all weekend, talk about NOT pleasing to the eye. My problem is I just can't practice, I get bored, so I go ahead with a project knowing it's going to take forever and look pretty bad but at least it's practice. I'm building a pressure assisted abrasive blaster, luckily the tank only gets pressurized 7-10lbs

Yeah, that's 7 to 10 psi... as in pounds per square inch.

Figure the square inches and multiply by 10 to get the force exerted on your vessel.

Big ouch if you don't know what you are doing.

 

[iknownothing]

Of course for the cost of the right phase convertor I think you can buy the TIG machine you want/need

Good point...I was trying to get a tig with little additional investment but that welder looks so bad ***. And it's definately worth more than my RV, several times more!

The other thought was getting it and finding someone who has three phase and trading again...or just selling on ebay.

Thanks for the info.

Dan

 

[Merkava_4]

Just call your utility company and tell them you want 480V 3-phase hooked up to the house and you want them to get right on it.

 

[LoneGunman]

Just call your utility company and tell them you want 480V 3-phase hooked up to the house and you want them to get right on it.

I can picture the person answering the phone, putting him on hold, getting all his buddies together and then start playing along. Like, "hey, why stop at 480, if we are going to big hell then lets go big and go 4160, heck, it will only cost you around another 50k".


Back to the original subject, if you are sure that machine works and know the value of it then it sounds like a no brainer to me. Buy it, flip it and buy what you want in something brand new.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You need to look real close at the data plate on the welder, its possible it will work on either single or three phase. Some welders will take anything you throw at them, current wise. The Lincoln TIG/stick unit I have is that way, any voltage, either single or three phase, just a matter of setting up jumpers in the unit and how you connect the cord.

Charles

 

[iknownothing]

Just call your utility company and tell them you want 480V 3-phase hooked up to the house and you want them to get right on it.

Well, even though I work for our utility company, I don't think my discount would cover it...

Too bad I moved away from near your neck of the woods Merkava. I lived at Ashlan and Academy a couple years ago and had a three phase well pump which was 50' from my shop...

 

[iknownothing]

its possible it will work on either single or three phase.

Unfortunately not this one. I looked at the manufacturer specs and its strictly 3ph. I guess I'll pass and just sell the beater.

Thanks.

Dan

 

[rhandwor]

http://www.phaseconverter.com/ This will give you a quick price. I've found you can roll your own by using a 220v wound rotor motor,run caps,capacitor and ect. They used to sell plans on ebay for $10.00