Replies

1. 
   RickL | Jan 06, 2006 04:03pm | #1

   Look in the yellow pages under electric motor repair shops. They sell them.   You can find them a bit cheaper but the tech help more than offsets the cost.   VDF's are tricky to program. The manuals are typically 1/2" thick. You will need a step pulley as you woll loose torque on the low speed. If you look at the companies who are using VFD's on lathes they have at least a two step pulley. Look at the specs on the ONEWAY lathe.  I've put them on Bridgeports, drill presses, etc so I know what to expect.

1. 
   Pippins | Jan 06, 2006 08:15pm | #3

   RickL, thanks for the feedback.

   Steve 

2. 
   JohnWW | Jan 06, 2006 06:57pm | #2

   Steve,

   A variable frequency drive will only work on a three phase motor, you can't use one with a single phase motor for a number of technical reasons.  You can get variable frequency drives that only need a single phase input, but they still must be connected to a three phase motor. 

   Since a variable frequency drive puts additional strain on a motor, a more expensive motor designed for the use with a VFD is the best choice if you need to replace the motor, but a conventional three phase motor will work if you don't overtax it.

   If you decide to use a jack shaft instead, using a linked belt will make speed changes go a lot easier since you don't have to deal with tensioning the belt each time you change the speed. 

   John W.

   
   

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   Edited 1/6/2006 12:23 pm ET by JohnWW

1. 
   Pippins | Jan 06, 2006 08:21pm | #4

   John, thanks for the good input. You corrected a misunderstanding on my part.

   I did not realize that the VFD only worked with three phase motors. A friend of mine has one of the Oneway lathes and only has single phase supply. So, my assumption was that a single phase motor would work.

   I am not sure what I will do now. 

   Thanks again.    

   Steve

3. 
   jim | Jan 07, 2006 04:30pm | #5

   Steve;

   Contact this guy for variable freq drive info. They do work on single phase, just require a three phase motor.

   Chuck Woodruff

   5507 55th Ave South

   Seattle, Wa 98116

   206-723-8487

   [email protected]

   [email protected]

   Regards,

   Jim

    

    

4. 
   cigarmike | Feb 15, 2006 05:41pm | #6

   Check Craft Supplies USA, the company that supplies turners. They sell VFD systems that are the same set-up that is used on the Woodfast lathes they sell. But if I remember, they come as a system, with the motor as part of the package. They are available in DC versions and AC versions. I am typing this at work (don't tell anyone) so I don't have my catalog in front of me. Check their website or call for a catalog.

   Good luck and happy turning.

1. 
   Pippins | Feb 15, 2006 05:55pm | #7

   Mike, OK, thanks. I have seen their catalog and the prices seem to be on the high side.

   Steve Pippins