Phase Converter & HAAS SL10

[HelicopterJohn]

Hi,

I am currently looking at purchasing a HAAS SL10 CNC Lathe. This will be for a home workshop and I don't have 3 phase power to that location.

Is anyone here running a HAAS SL10 on a phase converter? My understanding is the the SL10 has a 15HP motor and requires 3 phase current for operation. I currently have a home made 3 phase converter but it's limited to 3 HP so I will need another one if I purchase the HAAS Lathe.

1. What size phase converter are you running?

2. What brand?

3. Approximate cost and suggested vendors/contact information.

4. Any useful information about installation etc.

Thanks in advance for any information you may have to offer.

John

[123tool]

I purchased a Phase Perfect PT-355 which goes upto 20 hp. It does take a 125 amp breaker, it hangs on the wall at 150? lbs but delivered was $4,800... it does have a slight hum when running.

[Donkey Hotey]

I can't recommend a good phase converter. Mine was about $1500, delivered but, it required a lot of horsing around to get it installed. The electrical cabinet was designed to mount separately from the motor and I really wanted it all in one.

But since I'm posting, SL-20. They're closer in price and size than I thought. I was in your shoes two months ago. You'll thank me later.

And since you didn't ask for that opinion, () I don't think there is anything in the SL-10 that couldn't be run from the single-phase power supply that they put in your TM. The limiting factor would be the coolant pump and the hydraulic pump (three phase). Everything else should be low current and run from the 320V DC bus. I wonder if they'd make you a custom machine.

[TEntpeg]

QUOTE=HelicopterJohn;705718]Hi,

I am currently looking at purchasing a HAAS SL10 CNC Lathe. This will be for a home workshop and I don't have 3 phase power to that location.

Is anyone here running a HAAS SL10 on a phase converter? My understanding is the SL10 has a 15HP motor and requires 3 phase current for operation. I currently have a >home made 3 phase converter but it's limited to 3 HP so I will need another one if I purchase the HAAS Lathe.

1. What size phase converter are you running?

40 hp RPC, 200 amp service panel

2. What brand?

American Rotary (Gentec), “soft start”

3. Approximate cost and suggested vendors/contact information.

$2550 delivered to my house (6/09)
$600 estimated wiring including 200 amp circuit breaker (Dale Electric, New York), fuse box/on-off switch, #6 and 00 wire, conduit, copper lugs, lug crimping tool, etc. Even with detailed planning it took a lot longer than I expected to be up and running, I am a one man show and have just transitioned to CNC. Running 00 wire will definitely make an old man out of you, and I am way behind the power curve on that one.

4. Any useful information about installation etc.

Mine the forums for info, esp the RPC forum.

Follow the electrical codes to the letter. They are the minimum safety factor
to prevent death, injury and loss of your house/equipment. The company that you buy your phase converter should be knowledgeable and respond promptly to your questions. If they treat you badly before the sale, it will not get better after the sale. I was pleased by the service that I received from American Rotary. I would make it clear to the engineer that handles your call that you do not want to cut corners on installation and safety equipment. That’s why I went with American Rotary. Ask them about their safety switches, they are brand names and a lot cheaper than I could find elsewhere. They do not advertise this.

I run a VF1, or a SL 10, and a Wacheon 18x40 and a Tree heavy mill (3hp) off this phase converter. I haven’t got the nerve to run both the VF1 and the SL 10 at the same time. It is my understanding that the safety factor in running both CNC machines at the same time on a 40 hp RPC is marginal and I choose not to risk it. Yes, I know that I can "de-rate" the speeds and feeds to allow more power to a second CNC machine but I choose not to. I can run either machine to the “max” with this phase converter but again, I choose not to.

I put the phase converter outside in a “dog house at the side of the garage. Best thing I ever did. Listened to a home made, self balanced 7 1/2hp /10hp home made converter whine for 15 years in my garage. What a pleasant change to be able to talk to some one without shouting. I was really pleased when the HAAS tech said that the power was very clean and both machines run very well. Take the time to balance your RPC. I would probably run the 3 hp and the CNC phase converters independently, unless there was a good reason to take out the 3hp unit.

Best Regards and Merry Christmas!
Jim

Thanks in advance for any information you may have to offer.

John[/QUOTE]

[tobyaxis]

I'll second what Greg (Donkey Hotey) said, buy the SL20, it is a very capable machine for the price. You will be thankful later.

[HelicopterJohn]

Thanks guys for all the information and tips.