VFD for a single phase drill?

[akdiesel]

I just recently acquired a Rockwell 20" drill press that has a single phase 1.5 hp motor (most are 3 phase). The drill works great but needs some cleaning.
I just found a YouTube video of a guy that has a Rockwell 15" drill press 3 phase and installed a Teco vfd inverter. He construes the speed very easilly with a dial switch and an additional rpm digital gauge to slow the speed down to 30 rpm and as high as 1100 rpm without having to change the belt configuration.
This set up is very slick with some other nice additions.
Sorry for the long wording but can I install a VFD onto a single phase motor and if so does anyone recommend a brand and model?
Here is the YouTube link.

 

[Stuart in MN]

It won't work with a single phase motor. If you want to use a VFD, you also need a three phase motor.

 

[DenisG]

They're available, but they're not as common as the 3-phase output types:
http://www.invertekdrives.com/variable-speed-drives/optidrive-e2-single-phase/

 

[akdiesel]

DenisG

That will work, but I am unable to find a retailer. The Hitachi brands are not that expensive in the 3 phase converter vfd's ($100 - $200 range). Are these in the same rice range?

 

[larry_g]

DenisG may have a solution but according to the website that controller is for

Designed to be cost effective and easy to use, the Optidrive E2 Single Phase is for use with PSC (permanent split capacitor) or shaded-pole single phase induction motors.

So make sure you have the proper motor as it probably will not control just any old single phase motor.

lg
no neat sig line