VF-2 on a phase converter?

[Dugg]

Some time back, I asked a Hass Rep if I could run a VF-2 on a phase conveter as I was hoping to put one in my garage.... after I win the lottery.

He said, "It's been done." That's not the answer I wanted. So, I'm wondering if anyone is running one on a converter or what might be considered the highest horsepower that will run reasonably on a phase converter.

Yup, I realize if I win the lottery I can just order a big helping of three phase.

[nervis1]

I have a new VF-2 in my garage I run from a 20 hp phase perfect. Works fine.

[ddprecision]

What did a 20 hp phase converter cost if you don't mind me asking?

[DEAN]

You're looking at a little over $4k + freight ~$300.00. This was direct from Phase Perfect.
There was a Fadal/CNC parts house out there on the net that has them listed for a few hundred dollars less. Can't seem to find the URL now. It would seem it would be better to buy direct from PP to avoid any service/warranty problems down the road.

[Drew]

I also use a 20 hp phase perfect to run my 10in hyd. chuck cnc lathe w/0t-e(15hp main 5hp hyd pump), cnc mill w/6Mb(5hp main 3hp hyd pump), HNC lathe(vfd 5hp main),small man. lathe(3hp),5hp air compressor and 1ton hoist. I have turned every thing on at the same time just to see if I could. The only problem I have is when my cnc lathe slows down from over 1200rpm the spindle it puts out regen volts on the line which trips my mills spindle controler overvoltage alarm. I have run my cnc lathe ,cnc mill, HNC lathe and 5hp air comp. all at the same time with no problems as far as current is concerned. I have a 100amp 1p breaker for supply to phase perfect and a 60 amp main 3p load center aft.

[ddprecision]

WOW!! nice to know....

[PBMW]

My entire shop is run on two 20hp and a 10 hp Phase perfects
Works great

[ddprecision]

PBMW, Question, Is it cheaper to run your shop on a phase converter verses having 3 phase power.

[PBMW]

The cost of bringing in 3phase would be about $80k The cost of the three phase perfects I own was about $14k. The power is cleaner than I could get from the power company and they run about 95 or 96% efficiency
Good deal in my book.

[miljnor]

In my area the power company WILL NOT supply a residential house with 3 phase.

So you may have to use phase converters anyway, regardless if you don't like them or not.

[Dugg]

I have the perception that running a 20 HP phase convereter from the 220V 100Amp service in my garage would fill the globe of the electric meter with smoke from spinning so fast.

Does the electricity take a quantum leap in cost with a converter?

[PBMW]

[QUOTE][/Does the electricity take a quantum leap in cost with a converter?
QUOTE]

No....
i Have three phase perfects in my shop. I'd have to go check but the bill is not outragous. These are NOT rotary phase converters. They are digital phase converters. There is no phase lag like with a rotary . they are VERY efficient, unlike a rotary. They provide cleaner three phase power than the utility company.
They cost about 20% of what it would have cost me to get three phse to my shop and I have yet to find a down side to operating them. I have four CNC machines in my shop and they run 16hours a day 7 days a week. Never had a problem