I am in the process of moving my shop to a new location that does NOT have three phase available. I am expecting to use vector drives for my machines instead. I will have 220 volt single phase available.
My machines are:
1. surface grinder (3/4 HP)
2. Bridgeport BOSS retrofit (2 HP)
3. Bridgeport clone (2 HP)
4. 13 X 38 Toolroom Lathe (3 HP)
5. Series II Bridgeport N/C retrofit (4 HP).
Can anyone recommend a good Vector Drive for these? Price is a concern but I want decent quality.
I only need to provide three phase for motors. The retrofit controls are powered from 110 volt single phase.
THANKS!
"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." Antoine de Saint-Exupery (1900 - 1944)
It is going to cost quite a bit because you will need a VFD for each machine. A rotophase might be a much more economical solution for you, a single 5-10hp unit or so will run everything at once. It is not uncommon to take the rotophase output and feed it to a 3ph breaker box where your machines are then connected.
Going prices for 2hp VFD units are approx $200-$250 and rise quickly with increased HP ratings. a 4hp unit I would not be surprised to be close to $500.
Alternately, you can make your own rotophase, all you need is a 10hp 3ph motor, a few capacitors, a switch, a relay, and a specialty relay called a "potential" relay. I helped a friend make one like this that was 15hp.