rotary phase converters

[D Sellers]

Anyone have any experience with rotary phase converters. Is it best to purchase one already built or make one yourself.I now have a 3 phase drill press,1.5 HP, that I need to power up and only have 220V single phase power supply.
Thanks D Sellers

 

[TractormanNC]

No experience with one, but as an electrical engineer I will tell you don't try to build one, buy one. WWW.wttool.com has a good selection, rather spendy though. If a CNC machine or heavy duty 3 phase air compressor is in your future plans, you are smart to thing in terms of a rotary instead of static.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I made my own, they are not hard to build, and you can do it for almost nothing. You have to give the shaft a small roration on the converter.

I purchased a brand new one at a estate sale, and never hooked it up yet. If you buy new, you will have thew cost of a new drill press in the converter.

Google to find out how to convert a larger motor into a converter...it always has to be bigger than the unit you want to power up. You can find old 3hp motors (for your converter) for junk price at auctions etc.

 

[Commentator]

You might be pleased with a VFD if used properly.
Mine works great on a vertical mill.
VFD use and limitations.

 

[Kentb of SWMO]

I built one with a 2 hp 1200 rpm motor. Started without a starting system, rolled it with my foot. I later added a time delay starting system and run caps to limit it idle current, Check out the phase converter/VFD sub-form on praticalmachinist(DOT)com
If you understand elctricity they are easy to build.
Kent

 

[Butch(OH)]

I have owned a 10HP Phase-o-matic for 10 years and it has been trouble free. You can build one pretty easy and pretty cheaply if you scrounge. I was in a hurry. A simliar HP mtor and a static convertor will due nicely. A web search willgive you all the info you need x10

 

[Dusty MI]

If that's all your going to run, why not just buy a single phase motor to replace the 3 phase one?

 

[buickddeere]

For that single load. Just swap motors.
The old rotary units are simple, effective and reliable for most applications. Just don't expect full rated capacity or efficiency from the motor.
For a drill press the variable frequency drive makes sense. The motor speed can be varied. The rotation can be easily reversed. Torque can be limited. That way when the drill bit jams, the bit stops without damage. Instead of spinning the work into your fingers.

 

[JMS/.MN]

Very simple to build- google 3 phase generators and you"ll find plenty of plans. I had a spare 3 phase motor, (they are worth little), smaller single phase, mounted them on a cart and added a switch box. All scrounged material, only cost was for some new cable and plugs for the lathe, milling machine, and hacksaw. However, I agree with those that say- if this is for only one machine, and you can switch to a single phase motor- do it. If a built in motor, then make the convertor.

 

[Kelly MT]

Try this site,
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=11
I'm building a 10 HP rotory converter. Lots of good advice and plans. PK

 

[LouNY]

Get a small VFD, they can take a single phase input and give you a variable speed for your three phase motor.