Thread: Three phase to convert or not to convert?

Greg,

There was a pretty comprehensive conversation on the topic of three phase power a couple of months ago.

A search on "three phase" should find it.

here it is

Thanks
I'll check it out.
Greg

As to the above post Greg I think you'll find a NZ link that may aid in your enquiries.
Cheers

What link are you referring to.
I could not find a post that had any kiwi contibutors?
Thanks
Greg

Forget that last bit I found your connection
Thanks
Greg

In case you get misled in some parts of this

There are ways of running 3 phase gear off 1 phase BUT it is horribly inefficient and your power authority would probably not approve! It is strictly for emergencies only. Sort of 3 hp in - 1 hp out, if your lucky!

If you are going to set up a decent workshop it is well worth while.

If you live in the right spot (I don't) 2nd hand 3 phase machinery can be found quite cheaply.

3 phase motors are more efficient - depending on type and useage can be a LOT more efficient particularly once you get over 1 hp. They can also be smaller and lighter. They can also be much simpler to reverse should you need to.

Oh! and if you do much welding (I know it is not woodworking) a decent size stick welder is just so much better than those little toy things!

As I see it you have three options:
1) Get three phase power put on (if possible)
2) Buy an invertor
3) Buy new single phase motors (making sure of course they have similar H.P. ratings, RPM and are same construction, usually T.E.F.C.- Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled)

Get on the phone to you electricity supplier and a few sparkies, ring some electrical wholesalers and do an internet search on "phase convertors" and "rotary phase convertors". Whip out your calculator and see what weighs up as the least expensive.

Mick

option 4 buy a thumping great generator!!!!

yer you can get a 10KVA gen set for $3500 off FeeBay now 10Kva will run 4x 2Hp motors similtaniously

CALCULATION is ....AMPS x 1.42 = KVA

If you have 3 phase you can buy a $10,000 table saw for $500.
Conceded you also need some room for it.

See this one

PS
What's with the e-bay's naming-avoidance-exercises? Feebay Freebay Flippenbay?

Originally Posted by Kiwi Greg

I have three pieces of Three phase gear. A combination machine, a band saw and a lathe.Is there a convertor/rectifier which allows me to run three phase gear effectivly off singlephase input. Or do I need to install three phase to my Garage.
Any ideas would be appreciated

Greg

Saw this on the new inventors a few weeks ago .
http://www.phasechanger.com./index.php

I have no connection ( no pun intended ) to this company ,I just saw it on TV and went and investigated the website .
May be interested myself a bit later on down the track.

Kev