Denford Software & Machines

I am looking for advice on which phase converter is best for my lathe that I just bought, I'm not sure at the moment which way to go on this, either change the current 3 phase motor for a single phase one or just to buy a 240v to 3 phase converter for it, if I go down the phase converter route which type would be the best for this lathe, any suggestions please.

Don't know much about the various inverters available, but when you ask about a 240 to 3 phase converter I assume you mean a VFD ( variable frequency device ) to run a 3 phase motor from 240v, if so, it is likely your current motor will not be suitable, they need a dual voltage motor.

I stand to be corrected on this, but when I converted my TDS to run with a VFD I was told the original motor would not work and brought a new motor and VFD .

John

Have a look inside the motor terminal box. If it has 6 connections a VFD should be simple enough.
You could take a picture and post it on here as well.

Hello

3 terminals means the motor is fixed 400VAC.
6 terminals means the motor will run 240VAC or 400VAC.

With VFD, motor power peaks at the rated 50/60Hz. This has nothing to do with the VFD. It is because of the physics of motor design. For this reason, it is usual to fit a larger motor that provides sufficient power away from 50/60Hz. Torque remains constant below the design Hz.

You should also expect to completely rewire the machine except for safety switch wiring.

I have a Transwave Converter 1.5hp Rotary which I use on my Viceroy. When I got the lathe it was 3 phase, so made the decision that this was the simplest way for me to go. i bought used off eBay £200, it also can run my 3 phase pillar drill. I have checked the speeds on the chuck and all run to specification. the motor is the 1.5hp. I think for my use it is fine. But would have got the 3hp Transwave Rotary, just that I had little knowledge at the time, I have posted lots of drawings on my lathe and some info. Hope these may be of use, good luck Alan.