How much power required?

[ddgman2001]

We're considering adding a 4020 with a 10K spindle. I haven't found one yet so I don't know if it will be a 15 or a 20 HP. We'll be using it for wood, meaning that the cutting forces will be low, but the RPM high.

I'm negotiating a lease right now and power is an issue.

Anyone have an idea of what the current draw/power requirements would be considering our intended use?

Thanks in advance.

[ltmquik]

It really does not matter what your intended use(s) are. The machine still draws a certain amount of current when starting and stopping. I would expect based on our 4020 10K machine that at 208V, 220V, or 240V you need about a 100 Amp service. While at 440V, 460V, 480V you can get by with about a 60 Amp service. Of course all the above voltages are three phase so if you do not have three phase you will need phase converters and possibly transformers.

Jeff Lange

[scadvice]

...how you are going to keep the wood dust out of the ways (and oil in), spindle, and the computers fans ect.? These machines are made to cut metals, plastices, ect.They are not protected against the wood dust and that will be a problem if you want to keep it running. Just wondering?? The machines normally have 40 to 60 amp circ. brkrs. at 208 to 240 volts.

Steve

[ddgman2001]

Thanks Jeff and Steve. That's exactly what I needed to know.

Regarding the dust, I'm not sure how we are going to keep things clean. All I know is that the 4020 and Haas VM-3 are the most common machines in US guitar factories. Most of the machines I've seen had dust collection plumbed in although I saw two at a factory recently without dust collection and was a little surprised at the amount of sawdust allowed to buildup in the bottom.

[Scanfab]

We have run a 4525 through the hoops when installing-all servos moving and 15000rpm 30 horse spindle motor at full song. Just testing.. The machine has 100 Amp breakers in the cabinet, but off my panel I only had an extra 20 AMP breaker that we did all the tests on. This machine is bigger(higher consumption) than a 4020(whick I have 3 of) and has never tripped the 20 amp breaker(3 phase 240 volt).

My EMC's have a 30 AMP recomendation for the breakers, have a 7500 rpm spindle. I run two of them on one 40 amp breaker.

Dont sweat over it-worst case the breaker trips!!!!!

I recomend a 45-50amp(as per the [anelson my 4020's) so everyone on this forum wont think I a looney!!