Grrrrrrrroan - not another VFD thread!

[neevo]

Sorry for bringing up what I would imagine is quite a common thread. However after reading I'm not 100% clear on what I would require to upgrade my lathe to a variable motor setup.

I'm thinking of going down the VFD setup, using a controller that with do the variable piece and also look to convert single phase to 3.

Looking at something like this:

http://bit.ly/OS3V0Q

It's a 2HP rated controller which I assume will be fine with a 1HP motor and provide some headroom shouldi wish to get a higher rated motor (although 1HP seems more than enough for my little 9" Hercus).

Also the benefit of VFD seems to e that 3 phase motors are much cheaper to come by. Do I need anything specific in a 3 phase motor or will anything do at this HP range?

Looking at something like this:

http://bit.ly/OS4AiU

This isn't an immediate mod as I plan on getting the lathe working first. However this and a wedge QCTP are top of the list for next items to do.

Thanks in advance.

[RayG]

That will be fine. That's a Huanyang drive, and you'll find plenty of threads here specific to that particular drive as there are lots of people who are using them.

They aren't a top of the line quality wise.. but they work well enough, and are cheap.

I'd probably go for a bigger motor, (say 2hp) just to get more torque at the lower rev ranges.

Ray

[jhovel]

I can help you save a little towards your QCTP: go to http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/281245139329 then contact the seller for a better postage and he will knock another $10 off the postage. That's the best I can find, including directly from China (postage from China is a killer for anything with a bit of weight... ).
Oh, and follow Ray's advice! A 1HP motor will have bugger all torque at low rpm. My lathe has a 3Hp motor and at 960rpm (roughly equivalent to a 4HP 1400rpm motor). Very nice all the way down to 10Hz - unstoppable above 15Hz.... and will spin up reliably to 100Hz (not much torque left there). Pretty good range that. I have never changed pulley ratios since I fitted it....

[neevo]

I was looking for one with a dial for the speed control. Hence the original choice, however not the cheapest option unfortunately.

Can I confirm the VFD will work with any 3 phase motor?

Just read through one of the long threads on this site regarding VFD's, great read and some really good info on settings.

[neevo]

BTW that link was for a VFD, was it supposed to be for a quick change tool post?

Will also look at how I can get a 2-3HP motor instead. I assume more is always better when it comes to power?

[jhovel]

BTW that link was for a VFD, was it supposed to be for a quick change tool post?

Will also look at how I can get a 2-3HP motor instead. I assume more is always better when it comes to power?

No, it was a link to the cheapest VFD seller in Australia! It would give you $20 towards a QCTP.....
You will need a 2HP motor with 240V 3-phase in Δ configuration (You can assume that it will have 415V in Y configuration as well.) So look on the label to be sure.

[neevo]

Oh, sorry... I'm an idiot. Just re read it. Thanks for all the info, really appreciated.

Do you have a VFD with buttons to vary speed, if so how do you find it? Have you used a speed control knob instead? How does it compare?

Also how do the speed readouts on some of these VFD's work, is there a hall sensor on the spindle or does it estimate it based on frequency (and be out when I used the back gears)?

[jhovel]

Like some others here, I have actually fitted a button to all mine ($2.95 from Jaycar)....
However, I find adding a remote control panel fitted to the lathe or mill or whatever is the best way. You can keep the VFD in an enclosure protected from dust and dirt and swarf - much better for it!

[Ueee]

Hi,
The speed readouts on the vfd just take the frequency and motor type and you put in a multiplier and it gives you a speed. All good and well if you only use one belt setting!
You can easily set up a cheap pot and switches to control the VFD remotely, Rob posted a link to tacho's a few days back, and it may be worth reading this thread....https://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/mars-lathe-dc-motor-conversion-159263

Cheers,
Ew

Here is Robs thread https://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/tachometer-181982

[neevo]

Legends. Will get some more reading happening. Cheers all!

[Ueee]

Legends. Will get some more reading happening. Cheers all!

I should have said, the first half of that thread is about he DC drive and the tacho, later on it covers the VFD after i burn't the DC motor out.....

Ew

[neevo]

Cheers, I was wondering what the link was reading the first few posts.

[BobL]

I reckon 1HP is more than enough on a 9" Hercus. Unless special care is taken, big motors on small machines can create short and long term problems. I have a 1HP Fasco motor (running under a 2HP SAJ VFD) on my 9" and when the parting tool grabs the whole machine feels like it's going to turn itself inside out. I have started running the belts a little looser but they cannot be run too loose.

The ebay motors you linked to look identical to 2 motors I have. The ones I have say "CMG made in Australia" on them but now that I see that link I'm beginning to wonder how true that is.

I have 4 of the VFDs you linked to (Huanyang)- 2 with and 2 without knobs plus another "SAJ" VFD with a built in knob.
One of the Huanyang VFDs with a knob seems to have a very short knob speed range the other one is fine.

I had some overheating problems with one of the CMG motors - thread here https://www.woodworkforums.com/f271/1-5-2-2-kw-vfd-comparisons-182081

Different combos of motors and VFDs seem to behave differently and make a range of vibes, bleeps, squeals and vibes and draw different free running currents

My quietest and smoothest combo is a 1HP Crompton motor from an old WW lathe which I have running on my small WW lathe using a 2HP Huanyang.

The noisiest combo is the 2HP CMG with a 2HP Huanyang VFD, interestingly the same motor with a 3HP Huanyang is a lot quieter.

Anyway there is heaps of folks on the forum who can help out.
Good luck

You don't say where you are from - West of the rest could be WA? if you are in Perth I'm happy to help out.

[neevo]

A few quick questions when searching for VFD/motor options.

The VFD I have my eye on is only 240v (single-phase input/ 3-phase output), so I assume that limits motor options to 240v only (no 415v). Even in 240v 3-phase there seems like confusing number of options from Y to a triangle (is this delta?).

Can someone point me in the right direction so I know what I should be looking for in a motor to match it to a VFD?

[RayG]

Can someone point me in the right direction so I know what I should be looking for in a motor to match it to a VFD?

Small 3 phase motors are most often supplied as 415volt Y and what you need to do is re-wire it as 240V delta. Motors that are already setup will have 6 wires coming from the motor to the terminal box. If you only have 3 wires and the name plate says 415v, then you have to get inside the motor, find the star point and bring out the extra three wires. Get a motor rewinder to do it, it should cost $80 or so. ( Although if you live in Nowra it's $400 )

If in doubt, take a picture of the nameplate and the inside of the terminal box and post it on here.

Ray