Thread: Voltage Converter Needed?

Our lathes come fitted with 240V motors
Rather than using a converter, you might find it easier to obtain a 240V motor

Originally Posted by ian

Our lathes come fitted with 240V motors
Rather than using a converter, you might find it easier to obtain a 240V motor

*Faint* should have just ordered one with a 240v motor.

Here in the UK we have the same problem with buying from the USA so what you need is a construction site transformer to drop 240V down to 110V

You will need a step down transformer from 240 vots to 110 volts ( I think there are 2 types ) a transformer type and a Toroidel type , A little research should let you find which is best for your purpose , you will need to find out your wattage of motor, or horse power rating ,should be on your lathe specs , eg 1/3 HP, 1/2 hp, 3/4 hp , then make sure you get a converter with a bit more capacity than you need , If the motor is 1/3 HP then go for a converter that will cover say 1/2 HP,that will give you a bit in reserve . Lots of New ones of both types on E-Bay if you use that method of buying .
Cheers ~ John

The important thing is not voltages but CYCLES. We have 50 cycle 240 volts.

What CYCLES do you use.

In America there CYCLES are 60 this is not compatible. Why I hear you ask because a converted voltage is easy but the direct result of running a 60 cycle motor on 50 ncycles it will overheat in ten mins or less.

Now there is a magic voltage at which the motor will run all day on 240 volts in and there is a formula for this to use a transformer to convert the converted, not even worth doing. My experience was a USA Saw I converted its 220 v 60 cycles motor with a transformer half the size of the house and it ran all day no overheat at 187 volts from memory.

Now you only have a smallish motor you live not far from everywhere probably cheaper to buy a replacement motor. Singapore is full of genius far greater than mine but you cant get kittens from a cat named George.

Sometimes catastrophe has resulted using 220 and 230 volt applyences from Germany here in Aussie why cause the Electricity gurus guarantee voltage at a percentage up or down that means when it is higher than normal some places you are dealing with a real overvoltage additional problems.

The last 8 yrs of my former life as an Electrician at a Major University I learned of the real costs involved purchasing incompatible voltage, current needs and particularly CYCLE compatability. Working in the 60,s last century as a Tech at Canberra Airport the mix of Lighting, motors, etc were legion coming from France, Germany USA etc. Your first extensive O/Seas trip tells you very few things in life are the same everywhere.

I will go to Google myself but I suggest you ask Simomatra who must be the most experienced among us with recent knowledge having served as a Ships Electrician for so many years in so many countries. The only real comparisons are apples with apples and so on.

My advice given freely is to cut your losses and check with the local sellers of the product you purchased, or go to a University Electrical workshop and get advice for your location, go to the Electrical Supply people take the specs of your motor written on its label you did not mention if it had variable speed etc find all the facts and act accordingly. I do remember staggering via Aeroplane handluggage a giant at the time DVD player from Singapore forever ago but the sales people were very familiar in those duty free places as to my requirements.

Take care treat electricity with absolute care it bites every which way if you dont.

Have success Regards Peter.

Just reread your post and heck Jet Dealers are like grasshoppers pop up everywhere after all it is not a huge size nor should it be too expensive either, you are on a main route from everywhere look for a mate in Airline freight for mates rates etc.

Check out all possibilities probably made in China (sure to be made in China)

Regards Peter.

quote :=
but you cant get kittens from a cat named George.

My latest thoughts I went onto Google (as I do) and remembered the lathe of a mate of mine had a motor that I felt was underpowered so I fitted a !/3 HP )50 cycle motor underneath the lathe ( A jet mini Lathe). At one time it was common to burn these out since they are a large in turning height lathe folks tend to expect too much from them.

So any 1/3 HP 240 volt CHECK YOUR CYCLES< MATCH YOUR CYCLES motor will do. Search out through friends etc (mates rates such a motor) make your decision bite your tongue nails etc restrain your anxity to proceed too quickly.

Have success. Peter.

Cheapest option--buy a 240v motor to suit, as Peter has pointed out , there are more than just volts to worry about. Amos