Is there a complete idiot's guide to motors?

[bogiestl]

My mentor is telling me that I'm going to need to go with a three phase system when I open my own shop, and that it's more efficient to use the phase converter to run the machines than it is to use "regular" 230... The shop is going to be basically just a garage-type setup for small product runs, prototyping, etc...

[mike_Kilroy]

sounds like u need a new mentor friend.

if u want to list the possible motor sizes u envision, you will get lot of crap but also lots of good ideas here.... list away!

[Al_The_Man]

It depends on the size of the machines, power demand etc, for small machines 240v 1 ph with 3 phase spindle motors and VFD can be sufficient.
Some of the small machines sold by vendors in these forums also have BLDC and DC brushed spindles, neither of which require 3 phase supply.
Al.

[keebler303]

Normal US household power is 220V single phase (or split phase, some people call it different things, its the same). Most industrial equipment uses 3 phase motors because they are more durable, more efficient and cheaper to build/buy. So you need to turn your single phase power into 3 phase power to run 3 phase equipment.

If you only have one or two machines, Using a VFD for each machine may be more cost effective. If you have several machines (air compressor, dust collection, mill, lathe, grinder, etc. etc. then you are probably better off buying a single rotary phase converter to power the whole deal. You would trun on the phase converter and leave it on while you were working in the shop, then you can turn your equipment on or off at will.

[Al_The_Man]

It should also be noted VFD provides variable speed of any 3ph motor it is applied to whereas the RPC or SPC will not.
Al.