Originally Posted by thkoutsidthebox  My understanding is that 3ph is more efficient for any large machine which draws a lot of power, or needs more torque. You cant get 415V on 1ph power. I'm considering using phase converters to let me get a bigger welding machine later (Better duty cycle), and possibly for a larger table saw also.
Although I'm not sure if I need a phase converter, plus an inverter to up the voltage aswell, or will the phase converter do both? |
Building a RPC to run other 3 phase motors is simple enough. For a welding machine however some of my home brew RPC work better than others for that. Unfortunately there seems to be some difference on the motor you choose to build one for a welder. My rule of thumb for a welder RPC is to use the oldest, heaviest, ugly, bulky motor you can find. You definately don't want anything that is labled energy efficient.
I am running an entire machine / fabrication shop with 5-6 employees on 220V single phase with the use of RPC's For the amount of work we do my power bill is very reasonable. For this level of power usage though I do have (2) 400A 220V service entrance drops.