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F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums _ General Discussion _ Phase Converters - Making a 3 phase lathe work at home shop

Posted by: StanIROCZ Nov 12 2014, 02:28 AM

I have a chance at getting an old lathe from work for a good price but it needs 3 phase power. Below is the tag on the machine:

http://s116.photobucket.com/user/StanIROCZ/media/Garage/50075BD2-2F97-49DD-977F-83140E50730F_zpsgdwwgyp0.jpg.html

I've read this article on http://www.finewoodworking.com/workshop/qa/three-phase-machines-in-shop.aspx

It sounds like I have 3 options for phase converters, a static converter being the lowest cost option. Problem with it is in cuts the power in 1/3 and needs to be sized properly for the motor it runs. Not sure if this would work for me or not.

Not sure on exact cost of the lathe but I'm figuring around $3-500. It's not a great machine but is good enough for making spacers and other odds and ends. It is manual (no CNC), the 3 jaw isn't true, the tool holder base has some stripped threads that make it hard to get it locked down rigid etc. There are some odds and ends tools that come with it (ball bearing tail stock, 4 jaw, etc and quite a few other things that I'll probably never use). Size is around 36" not sure on the throw. So given the cost of the machine and its condition I don't want to sink a ton of money into correcting the phase.

Looking for guidance from anyone who might have been through this before.

Posted by: StanIROCZ Nov 12 2014, 02:44 AM

Is this what I need?
http://www.wnysupply.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/25434/subcatid/0/id/336301

if so no sweat spending $46

Posted by: Racerdad916 Nov 12 2014, 06:14 AM

The guy that used to play drums in our band is a commercial electrician, I'll call him and find out.

Posted by: StanIROCZ Nov 12 2014, 07:28 AM

Let me know what he has to say. My father in law was an industrial electrician and ran lots of wire but never needed to convert a machine.

Posted by: Jacks2000 Nov 12 2014, 02:31 PM

From your description this doesn't sound like a very big lathe. Is it belt drive? It might be cheaper to just buy a new motor.
Might have to do some rewiring on the switch.
Jack

Posted by: SS Performance Nov 12 2014, 02:35 PM

I have a phase converter for my lathe.

I've had it for about 15 years, I think I paid about $2200 for it back then.

So swapping the motor might be a better deal for you.

Good luck
Craig

Posted by: DAlgozine Nov 12 2014, 02:57 PM

I agree. A new motor will likely be cheaper and run more efficient. Phase convertors can be finicky, and inefficient. A new motor and rewiring will get you going. Then sell your 3 phase motor to recoup a couple bucks.
How many HP is the motor? A quality, brand new 1 HP single phase motor is about $100 to $150. You can find them used very cheap.

Posted by: Racerdad916 Nov 12 2014, 03:01 PM

Wil just told me the same thing. Swap the motor.....

Posted by: StanIROCZ Nov 13 2014, 01:35 AM

1.9 kW is 2.5 HP. I need to take another look at it to see the motor. I cant remember the name brand of the lathe but i remember it being from Brazil which seems kinda strange for its age. Hopefully it will take a universal motor.