converting a combo machine to 3 phase

[currawong]

does anyone know if hard and costly it is to convert a combination machine from single phase to 3 phase for more power? or is it more practical to just get a new machine. the machine I have is a scm minimax

[echnidna]

the best way is to replace the motor with a single phase unit

[currawong]

i want to convert it to 3 phase from single phase, in which case i'm guessing it would need to be rewired

[Vernonv]

Yep, new motor and new wiring and switching. Motor would have to be the correct size to make the swap easy.

Not sure on price.

[Ivan in Oz]

A 3 Phase Motor with a VSD might be easier and Cheaper in the Long run
for occasional use, I mean NOT 8 Hours a Day, continual use.

VSD.....Veriable Speed Drive, they "Ramp up" to a predetermined Speed.
You can vary their Acceleration/ De-Acceleration AND their Final Speed.

[echnidna]

Changing motors would be cheaper unless it has a special motor.
The wiring is easy enough to modify.

[currawong]

who would you talk to to arrange something like that, an auto electrician? does anyone know of any places in sydney who would be able to do it, and thanks guys

[echnidna]

An autoelec or a house elec should be able to do it

[Chris Parks]

I presume you have 3 phase supply available? After that it is simply a case of getting a motor and control switch and making an extension lead. 3 phase plugs are not cheap, I have seen them on ebay a lot cheaper than buying from a wholesaler (the common source). Converting to 3 phase and then using a converter to drive it might be a bit exxy. Ring the agents, they may have a motor from a machine they converted to single phase or know where there is a suitable motor.

[Ivan in Oz]

G'Day Guys and Gals, oh! and kids,

I was going on the assumption that SINGLE Phase was all that was available.
If so, Go the VSD !!!!

[Stringy]

I would contact Gabbet Machinery in Sydney as they are the importer of SCM. They also refurbish and re-sell second hand SCM/Minimax.

Most of these machines are available in either 240v or 415v. Gabbet's will be able to tell you exactly what you need and will probably have the parts/motors.

Cheers,

James

[Stringy]

Link, http://www.gabbett.com/sitemap.htm

[NCArcher]

You need an electrician not an auto elec. Does the minimax have only one motor? Some of the combo machines have more than one.
It could be costly if this is the case but not impossible.
You would need to replace each motor with an equivalent or higher rated 3 phase motor, the controls would need to be converted to suit the 3 phase and the lead would have to be changed to suit the 3 phase outlet you have in the shed. (or a new 3 phase outlet would need to be purchased and installed by a qualified electrician)
You also need to ensure that the shaft sizes on the new motors match the existing and also that the motor mounting is compatable.

[Machine_Guy]

Try New Lambton Electric Motors in Newcastle. They do alot of our work and always do a top job. Keep in mind though it isn't going to be cheap.

[currawong]

Thanks fellas, very helpful