Help with motor with a VFD

R

redgrave

Joined
Jul 9, 2014
Messages
46
Hey Guys - I could use some advice on a motor with a VFD for a NWG build. I was looking at this but not sure if it would be strong enough?
MOTOR & VFD PACKAGE- 1 HP 1800 RPM TEFC SIEMENS MOTOR WITH 1HP 230V TECO DRIVE
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks
 
You don't give many specifics, but googling your description suggests you're looking at a VFD that will take a 120v input voltage and output 230v 3 phase. This is perfectly acceptable, but be aware that the common 15 or 20 amp circuits found in residential installations won't reliably power a motor larger than 1hp. The key phrase here is reliably, if you've got a dedicated 20 amp circuit with only the grinder plugged into it you can get away with a motor up to about 2 hp, but that's about the limit. Be sure to follow your local building codes regarding wire gauge, you'll probably need 12 gauge wire.

If you feel you need a motor larger than 1hp, which you likely do, and if this is for use in a residential building, I'd recommend using a 240v 1ph circuit. If this is for a commercial/industrial installation, you're probably already planning on using 230v or 480v 3 phase power, in which case you can use a motor as large as the VFD will support.
 
Thanks guys for the input. I'm just looking for a fair price on a good motor with a vfd but may need to skip the vfd to start for cost reasons. Are there any motor vfd setups out there for $250 to $350 that are good?
 
Hey Guys - I could use some advice on a MOTOR & VFD PACKAGE setups out there for $250 to $350 that are good? it will be for a NWG.
 
Thanks CWendlin & kornphlake. i may just have to hold off on the VFD at first and get a good motor. the grinder will be in a work shop so it can be on its own dedicated 20 amp circuit. you guys have any input on a good motor to start with.
Thanks
 
I've had pretty good luck with motors from automation direct. The pricing on the iron horse motors is very aggressive, a 2hp single phase 1800 RPM motor will set you back about $190 with free shipping. http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...Phase_Motors,_56C_(0.33_-_2HP)/MTR2-002-1AB18 Everything else Automation Direct sells is pretty good to very good quality and nearly unbeatable in regards to price, take a look at their VFDs, start contactors, enclosures, etc.

Unfortunately you can't buy a single phase motor now and just add a VFD later, typically you can only control a 3 phase motor with a VFD.
 
There are VFD's on amazon for 140 bucks for a 2hp. These are VFD's that you would need to put in an enclosure and wire up your own remote control panel.
 
RedGrave - depending on how you plan to use this VFD/motor combo. In a full time knife maker setup where the motor will be running 5 to 6 days/wk, and several hours each day - then don't cut corners. But "IF" you are like me, a casual hobby knife maker where the grinder runs a few hrs/wk max, then you can "get by" for about $127 shipped for a 2hp, 3 ph TEFC motor. I ordered a 3 hp Chinese VFD for $116 shipped (edit: now $128 shipped), then put filters over the air intakes to prevent dust from entering VFD. That metal grinding dust will kill an electronic part FAST!! Check this thread:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1234634-New-Grinder-for-me

Since you've already got your grinder, just looking for a motor/VFD, just look at the links to the motor/VFD toward bottom, of page. Tim shows a good way to mount an open VFD in a NEMA 4 box to protect VFD.

Good luck and have fun.

Ken H>
 
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