Thread: Fitting VFD to Craftsman Lathe

Ken I've mounted all mine inside the actual cabinets the machines stand on. The downside of this of course is that I can't see the RPM figures but overall I'm happy I do it this way and expect to continue to do so.

I've seen many people mounting their VFDs up and away from the machine (out of the line of fire from the chuck), say on an adjacent wall for example. So I'm not sure it's essential that it's enclosed, but you definitely have the right idea about the swarf!

Pete

Pete,

Mounting my VFD inside my Arboga cast iron base, is also an option. This may not be ideal due to the lack of ventilation, and I would also lose the ability to view the VFD display, unless someone knows of a way of hooking up a remote display.

Ken

Talking about shielding again for a minute. All the control wiring for my inverter is in cat5 cable which is of course shielded, but it's just occurred to me that the shield isn't connected to anything.
Does this matter? If so which end should be earthed? not sure that I want to earth both ends.

Stuart

p..s I ran my VSD at 5Hz today and it run fine but had an error on shut down. This is strange as I have it set on free run stop.

Normal cat 5 isn't shielded, it uses twisted pairs for shielding.

Ah yes I was having that problem with one of my VFDs and it was because the braking was set incorrectly. Just check how it's being braked.

Pete

"cat 5 isn't shielded" oops thats right, no wonder I havent connected it hehe

Its not braking or atleast its not meant to be.

Stuart

Yeah that's what I thought (about the braking), but as it turned out that's what it was. I had the motor set to spin down relatively slowly, but just the same that's what was causing the problem. Possibly due to the regeneration voltages produced???? Honestly don't know. I'll scratch around through the manual and see if my goldfish memory can be nudged a bit. No guarantee it will be the same as yours, but could give you something.

Pete

Operating mode (setting also
on the operating panel with
, P-01)
0 / VFC (field-oriented voltage flux control mode) or
VFC & HOIST (field-oriented control mode for hoist applications, can
only be set in MOVITOOLS)
3 / VFC & DC BRAK. (field-oriented control mode with DC braking)
4 / VFC &FLY.START (field-oriented control mode with flying restart circuit)
21 / V/f character. (voltage/frequency controlled mode)
22 / V/f & DC BRAKING (voltage/frequency controlled mode with DC brak-
ing)

Yes I THINK this was the area, but can't be sure without going in to the unit and finding out. I can do so if you also have a Sew-Eurodrive, but if not there's probably no point as yours will be different, although will likely have something similar.

Pete

Thanks Pete, but I have a Teco drive and those setting sound nothing like the ones on mine. It's only done it once(but then I have only used it that slow once on that motor). If it turns out I need to stay over 10Hz it wont be a big deal.
I was only running that sow dew to some lazy head math I got wrong lol

Stuart

Originally Posted by Stustoys

Talking about shielding again for a minute. All the control wiring for my inverter is in cat5 cable which is of course shielded, but it's just occurred to me that the shield isn't connected to anything.
Does this matter? If so which end should be earthed? not sure that I want to earth both ends.

Stuart

p..s I ran my VSD at 5Hz today and it run fine but had an error on shut down. This is strange as I have it set on free run stop.

Hi Stuart,

What was the error? DC Bus overvoltage perhaps?

Regards
Ray

Ray,
I have no idea lol
The motor wasn't doing any real work by the way. Just turning the coaxial indicator

INDICATION OL1

CONTENT Motor over-load

POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Loading too large

2. Improper V/F model setting

3. Improper F_18 setting

COUNTERMEASURE

1. Increase capacity of motor
2. Adjust to use a proper V/F curve
setting
3. Adjust F_18 according to

instruction

F_18: Motor rated current = 50~100 %
set at 70(as it was supplied)

Stuart, yes this was the area I was suggesting. Just try changing your V/f model setting.

2. Improper V/F model setting

Pete

Originally Posted by neksmerj

Col2310.

How do you intend mounting your VFD? From all the recommendations I've read, it's absolutely vital that the VFD be mounted in some form of enclosure to keep swarf well away.

What sort of plastic box did you purchase for the remote control pod?

When I get mine up and running, I'm thinking of using a discarded computer case, gutted except for the fan.

Ken

Hello Ken
My garage is the workshop and the Hercus is against the wall so I have mounted the VFD above and to the left of the headstock.If I get the remote working I may re-locate it.
The plastic box is part # HB6212 from Jaycar. Polycarb 115x65x40 with a built in dust seal and room for the 2 wire stop/start switch. Also bought a 48mm knob.

Good luck with your set up.
Col

Hi Stuart,

Just to get in the ball park.

Start by Increasing F18 to 100%

Check to see what F13 (torque boost) is set to. I've got it set it to 10% (maximum)

Regards
Ray

PS..FWIW I just checked the Teco FM50 on the Mill, and I've got F18 set to 200%.. F13 set to 10% Miniumim freq 5Hz

Pete,
I used it again today at 5Hz with no error. Maybe it was just a glich.
I wont worry about it unless it happens again.

Ray I think my F13 is set to 0(I'll check)
Is the motor you are driving higher rated than the VSD?
I didn't want to increase F18 if I dont need to as I am not sure if the "front side mod" could handle the current.

Stuart