good VFD for bridgeport s1, 3ph in 3ph out?

[Prl motorsports]

i'm sure it has already been asked, but i'm new to the VFD and had some questions on whether or not what i want to do is the best route to go or not.

We just picked up an early 70's bridgeport series 1 9x42 with the 1hp step pulley head on it. i like the reliability of the step pulley head, but i don't like the limited speeds available as well as having to change the belt for the adjustment.

the shop we're in has 240v 3 phase service, so i could just wire it up and not worry about it, but i've been reading about the vfd's and i'd like to use that for the speed control.

the questions i have are:

1. is this a smart way to go, or does it end up being more of a headache in the long run.

2. can someone point me to a good vfd to use with this mill?

3. should i get a braking resistor for when i'm tapping on the mill? or will the internal resistor in most vfd's be enough to quickly go from fwd to reverse?


thanks for the help

jason

[gta/spec]

I would definatly get a vfd for your mill. The added control that a vfd gives you is amazing.
I would recommend it to any Bridgeport user, but especially guys that have pulley heads.

Tapping, indicating, tramming, not having to use back gear, % spindle load display, immediate stopping and reversing, plus variable speed.... awesome.

[Al_The_Man]

There are a few things to consider especially when tapping, is this rigid tapping or floating?
Rigid obviously requires stricter control and synchronization with the Z axis.
Depending on the controller, Rigid also requires an encoder on the final shaft.
If non-CNC then things are a little simpler, but VFD is definitely a plus, I have tended to pick up the higher end VFD off ebay rather than get the cheaper new or non-NOS type.
Mitsubishi or Telemecanique Altivar are nice.
Al.