Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Apr 11, 2006 06:43pm | #1

   J. T.,

   Replacing the motor would certainly work, but watch that the shaft diameter on the new motor matches the old motor, otherwise you'll have to get a new drive pulley or a sleeve for the old pulley if it has a larger bore than the new motor's shaft.  In theory two motors with the same frame size have the same shaft size, but occasionally you'll run into an oddball, especially in older machines.

   The alternative would be to get a phase converter.  There are several different types available, but even the least expensive converter would be more expensive than a single motor. 

   If you expect to buy more old machinery, that might also have three phase motors, then buying a rotary type converter might be worth considering, since in the long run it would be less expensive than modifying several machines by trading out the motors.  In addition, three phase motors are far simpler and more reliable than single phase and run with less vibration.  

   Another advantage to buying a converter is that it allows you to keep the old motors mounted, which keeps the vintage look of the machine, and allows you to buy machines that have specially made three phase motors that can't be traded out for stock single phase motors.

   John

   
   

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   Edited 4/11/2006 4:45 pm ET by JohnWW

1. 
   user-126164 | Apr 12, 2006 09:55pm | #2

   Hi John,

   Thanks for the advice, I'll get a rotary.

   Take care---J.T.

    

1. 
   JohnWW | Apr 13, 2006 02:21am | #3

   J. T.,

   Just for your information, I suggested a rotary because they can handle multiple machines, the other two common types, static and inverters, need to be matched to a single motor, so they can't be used to power different machines. 

   Old tool junkies often make their own rotary converters, they're basically just a  slightly modified surplus three phase motor, but I wouldn't recommend this unless you like to play with old machinery and electricity.

   Good Luck,

   John 

1. 
   user-126164 | Apr 14, 2006 01:19am | #4

   Hi John,

   The fact that I bought another machine at that auction besides the press which requires 3-phase too had a bearing on my decision to buy a rotary as you suggested.  Again, thank you.

   J.T.