Difference in VFD's

Wloch248

Wloch248

Joined
Jan 2, 2010
Messages
337
I just got my 2hp 3ph 3450rpm 220v 56c frame motor for CHEAP from Ebay!

Now I have to decide on a VFD. I got the link to dealerselectric.com from a KMG grinder thread :http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=721079 and there were 2 VFD's recommended but one wont show up now on the website, it was the GE branded one that was the same as the Teco FM50.

I looked at the website and found 2 that seems like they should work but was wondering if anyone had any experience or recommendations. They are

http://dealerselectric.com/item.asp?cID=&PID=1026

and

http://dealerselectric.com/item.asp?PID=617

The first one is a GE branded one and only 1 phase input and 3 phase output for $136. The 2nd one is the Teco FM50 single or 3 phase in 3 phase out for $144. Does it really mater which one I get??? They both seem to be basically the same thing. The GE branded one lists a weight at 6lbs and the Teco 8lbs.

I know Nathan B (silver_pilate) has the FM50, so if you read this let me know what you think of it or if you see any reason not to get the other one.

Thanks guys! I can really taste the grinder getting close now!:D
 
If you read the specks on the TECO FM50 I believe you will find that it will operate on single phase 230Vac if it is 3HP unit or less, over 3HP it needs three phase input. I have a FM50 3HP that I have been using for about 10 years and it has worked flawlessly. I have it located across the shop from my grinder to keep the metallic dust out of it and operate it with a remote. You can probably down down load the manual from Dealers Electric or from the Westinghouse website. Happy hunting!

Jim A.
 
I think the one in the link is only rated for 2hp?? could be wrong

Model FM50-202-C

I tried looking through the manual that I found online but couldn't find specific spec for both models to compare.
 
Well, I haven't had a problem with my TECO in the year + that it's been running. I built a clean box for it, and a few weeks ago when I opened it up, it had not a smidge of dust in it. I'm running a 2hp 3 phase motor on my KMG and on my EERF grinder as well as a 3/4 motor all switched into the VFD.

Not having anything to compare it to, I'd say it's working perfectly fine for me! If I had it to do all over again, I'd go the same route. Sure, I'd love to have one of the KB drives that comes with the KMG, but this one has been doing the same job at a much cheaper price.

--nathan
 
nathan,

Yeah, I saw your set up in a few other threads actually, very nice :thumbup:

I don't have anything else to run off of the VFD. Actually doesn't that give me the perfect excuse to buy another tool???:D

I was hoping to buy the other one mentioned in the KMG thread but it isn't available anymore. Now I just need the wire to wire it up. I remember reading that there is some special 3 ground wire needed to hook these up, any idea what kind and where to get it. My buddy is an electritian and would know but he is out of town at the moment. He is also going to be running the 220v line to my garage.
 
You shouldn't need anything special to wire it up. It only needs one ground which the VFD and the motor tie into. I bought some bundled wire (I believe it was 12/4 or 14/4), just because it's easier to run. Make sure you get stranded if you can find it as the solid core is prone to breaking if moved about too much. And make sure your wire is rated for more than the max amps your motor will pull at the proper voltage. Heck, you can wire it up with just plain old insluated wire that's rated appropriately, you just have to keep track of which wire goes where and then bundle them together after it's all hooked up.

You'll need the power coming in along with the ground to the VFD, and then you'll need three legs coming out to the motor along with the ground.

If you need any help wiring it up, let me know. If you can find those threads, I've got some close up pics of the wiring setup including the remote mounted controls.

--nathan
 
I think I am just going to spend the extra $10 and get the FM50 like you guys have. SO for the $220 I was going to spend on a single phase fixed speed 2hp motor I am getting a 2hp varible speed setup (minus enclosing the VFD properly) for just a few dollars more. Actually it is going to be $225.28 shipped for both the motor and drive! Couldn't be happier :D

Thanks for the reassurance about the Teco drive and its longevity or at least that it will not blow up or fail every time I try to use it.
 
This is all info I've been looking for. Thanks for posting it.
One question tho, If I understand VFD's will lose torque below 20% speed. how would you belt it to the KMG. 1;1 ratio ? If I recall, some people like to run 600 ish sfm on fine belts. I currently have a 4 inch drive wheel that will equal 1 foot per rev.
 
Wloch248 said:
I just got my 2hp 3ph 3450rpm 220v 56c frame motor for CHEAP from Ebay!

Now I have to decide on a VFD. I got the link to dealerselectric.com from a KMG grinder thread :http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=721079 and there were 2 VFD's recommended but one wont show up now on the website, it was the GE branded one that was the same as the Teco FM50.

I looked at the website and found 2 that seems like they should work but was wondering if anyone had any experience or recommendations. They are

http://dealerselectric.com/item.asp?cID=&PID=1026

and

http://dealerselectric.com/item.asp?PID=617
Click to expand...

I ordered a TECO FM50-202-C from www.dealerselectric.com a couple of weeks ago. They emailed me back within minutes saying they owed me $18. Turned out that what they had in stock is a GE-branded unit made by TECO{/B] and identical to the FM50 I ordered. The rep to whom I spoke told me the TECO manual works for the GE unit. I never saw it on their site, but it's not the one in your link above.

I got the VFD in a few days ago, wired my motor in, and it seems to run fine. I don't have the grinder built so I couldn't stress test anything. I'm happy with the GE unit. It does come with a printed manual, and as far as I can tell it's exactly the same VFD as the FM50.


I'd say call dealerselectric.com and ask about the GE-branded TECO. If they're out of stock, I'd probably choose the FM50.


Doc
 
Dan,
First, Welcome to the BF

I don't know if you looked, but this thread is 9 months old.
 
As long as it got dug up I guess I'll update.

I got the Teco FM50 rated for 2 hp. It is currently running my GIAB from Jamie. I still have to plumb dust collection and get my water bucket set up but from what I have seen so far from the VFD I like it.

I have no idea about the GE branded Fuji VFD's.
 
Patrice Lemée;7995419 said:
Got the same as Nathan and I am also very satisfied. No complaints here, I would buy the same again.
Click to expand...

Can I ask from where?

I went through buying one online, and after entering ALL my info they skipped to a page that said no shipping outside US, although the pages that I entered my shipping info in were all formatted to accept Canadian addresses and info.

(I think it was dealers electric, but may be mistaken )
 
silver_pilate said:
Count, I got my TECO from FactoryMation. They ship to Canada (though with some possible extra customs charges).

--nathan
Click to expand...

Thanks Nathan

Prices seem decent, but the fact that they only ship UPS ding's Canadians with an extra $40 in brokerage fees that we could avoid if it was USPS...

I once paid $40 brokerage ( in addition to shipping cost ) on a $12 item...and I cursed an oath against UPS that day to never use them again...



I'll contact them to see if they do USPS



I saw one Canadian seller on Ebay for these, priced at $245 instead of the $120 that I consider reasonable.

just crazy.
 
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