Need advice on acquiring new machines

just buy a rotary (or static) phase converter.

how big are the motors on the 3 ph equipment? you can get a static phase converter from grizzly for less than $250, and if you need a rotary phase converter, grizzly’s start at $750. you should be able to scrimp that much together.

(and, no, i don’t care how handy you are, i doubt that you’ll be able to build a rotary phase converter.)

ok so heres the info:

lathe is:
South Bend
precision lathe model a
1/2 hp 1725 rpm
230/460 volts
3/1.5 amps

the drill press is a 1.75hp Powermatic

I was looking up some static phase converters and found this one for $65
is this what im looking for?

I dont think ill be building a rotary phase converter either, i was just trying to convey that I am resourceful and can work with creative solutions.

-- see my story @ http://refinedhomerelics.blogspot.com/

I agree with uffitze. You need to bring 220 power to the converter. You need to know the motor size. For example I have a heavy duty phase-a-matic converter runs 220v – 3 phase motors on 220v – single phase power. Hp range, min. 8 hp, max hp 12. Single phase full – load is 33.6 ampers. You need 1 converter for each tool for best results. It might be cheaper to change the motors.

-- Have a great day.

thanks for the info. where would be a good place to start looking for replacement motors?

-- see my story @ http://refinedhomerelics.blogspot.com/

I would try looking on Ebay first.

-- Wayne - Plymouth MN

if you can get 220 single phase to your work area, you can then pass it through a phase convertor to get 3 phase. depending on the capacity , you can get 1 convertor to power all 3 machines.

the south bend sounds fantastic – and at FREE almost unbelievable. since it’s a 1/2 hp 1720 rpm, another thought is that you could just replace the motor with an equivalent single phase motor. these are not really super powerfull motors, and only run on 3 phase to match the electric current found in industrial facilities.

-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

I would bother with phase converters. The lathe is using 1/2 hp motor at 1725 RPM, you can buy used motor that size cheaper than the hassle of matching phase convertors. IF you are running your motors ALL day long, 5 days a week ,yes 3 phase will save you money. Being a hobbyist.Change the motors to single phase.

-- "My mission in life - make everyone smile !"

thanks so much for the additional comments guys. With what you guys are saying im going to grab these machines for sure, and start searching for a replacement motor.

-- see my story @ http://refinedhomerelics.blogspot.com/

Both machines can be motor switched out
or run off a VFD ,for about $150 each

Forget ya ever herd of a Static converter

-- Hutch

I don’t know anything about the lathe but, in general, I consider 1/2 hp to be too light for a lathe, unless it is a very small lathe and you only intend to turn very small items.

If you follow the change the motor route, this will give you an opportunity to increase the hp on your lathe. I’d suggest at least 1 hp.

1.75 hp for the drill press is plenty. You could even save some money by getting a smaller motor. The 1 hp motor on me Delta drill press is all anyone needs if you are only working with wood. Sometimes drill presses have more hp for the people who drill holes in steel.

-- Rich, Cedar Rapids, IA - I'm a woodworker. I don't create beauty, I reveal it.

Nobody ever mentions how much power you lose with static converters.

1/3 to 1/2 power is lost with a static converter. That’s because a static converter only starts a three phase motor and it runs on 200 single phase. It’s basically skipping the third phase and the momentum keeps it going. Static converter have their place if you know what you are doing. A static is a good option to make a rotary phase converter to run the slave motor which can run multiple machines of various HP.

Rotary converters are very simple to make. My first phase converter was made for less than $200 with a used 10 hp motor and can run multiple machines. Far cheaper than changing the motors to single phase motor and converting the controls. Another point not mentioned is some machines have the motors built into the casing and it would be impossible to change the motor to a single phase motor. The VFD is another good option as they have come way down in price. Sad to say there is more bad info on this post than good info.

Not an electrician but from my early days of buying used machinery over thirty five years ago I ran into a lot of old timers with home built phase converters. I ended up repairing machines professionally and have a group of several technicians on hand to deal with technical details such as motors, electrical issues, hydraulics and such. Also have a sculpture degree but haven’t done anything with that professionally.

-- Few folks really know how to maximize the potential of their tools!

Those small motors are ealily replaced, that is what I would do. Second option would be to get a small VFD to run them.

-- "some old things are lovely, warm still with life ... of the forgotten men who made them." - D.H. Lawrence Wake Up America!! Please read; http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/01/26-0