Replies

1. 
   RickL | Oct 25, 2009 01:23am | #1

   Talk to the techs at http://www.factorymation.com Best prices and very knowledgeable. I've bought four VFD's in the last 2 years.

1. 
   Tony Z | Oct 25, 2009 04:02pm | #2

   Is it really cost efficient to use a VFD when you take into account the need for a dust proof enclosure for the VFD, plus the on/off switch and wiring?

   A single phase motor, using the original magnetic starter, with re-sized heaters may be easier & cheaper.

1. 
   RickL | Oct 25, 2009 05:07pm | #3

   Of course it is. Dust proof enclosures are available and most lathe manufacturers are using VFDs now. Plus slow start, infinitely variable speed are the main reasons to use a VFD. The VFD is the switch. As I stated before...talk to the techs at Factorymation to find out what is best. Many metal shops and wood shops are using the technology.

2. 
   [email protected] | Oct 25, 2009 07:53pm | #4

   A suitable VFD, (in it's own environmental case), can be found on eBay for about $150 to $200. 

   The problem with switching out the motor, is  finding a motor with a comparable frame, and mount, which actually fits your machine without modification.  This frequently means that you are forced to buy a factory replacement motor.  Those motors tend to be expensive.

1. 
   Tony Z | Oct 25, 2009 08:19pm | #5

   I've done it both ways--with a VFD and a single phase motor.  The VFD was within the past month on a Delta 3 phase drill press (1 HP).  The VFD was $120 plus change.  However, the unplanned costs were the dustproof box, switch (either use a switch ahead of the VFD or you must unplug the tool after each use, or keep the VFD constantly powered) and wire.  I already had a 220V outlet.  Reason I did it was I could have found a single phase motor easily enough, but the shaft size was 3/4" (non standard).

   A VFD is a nice option (particularly using it to vary the speed of the motor, which would be mucho nice on a lathe), but as I said, make sure you price both methods for budget purposes.

1. 
   RickL | Oct 26, 2009 01:49am | #6

   Do you know that for motors 1 hp and less you can get a VFD that runs on 120 volts. An other benefit of the VFD is you can double the motors rated rpm. Seems that folks that doubt the benefits of VFD's haven't tried them.