KMG VFD - More questions

H

Hypocrite

Joined
Apr 23, 2008
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I am looking for a VFD for my new KMG. It will be driving a 2hp motor. I know that some folks build their own VFD enclosures to avoid the additional cost of a Nema-4x VFD. I am not really interested in this. So you folks out there running Nema-4x VFD's... what manufacture/model VFD are you running? Seems like the KB Electronics KBAC-27D is a good option... I think that this is what Rob offers if you purchase the motor/VFD from him. What are the differences between the KBAC-27D Grey, White and Black options? Are there any other good Nema-4x VFD options out there?... Benshaw? Baldor? AC-Tech? Which models? Are there any places on-line that offer better prices than others?

Just looking for recommendations... If this has been covered in another thread please let me know. Thanks.

Erin
 
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FactoryMation (.com) sells the TECO FM50's and has a NEMA 4x option. It's going to run between $400-$500. That VFD Rob sells is a great unit from everything I've heard.

--nathan
 
Yeah... I haven't heard of any problems with the unit that Rob sells.

Does anyone have any idea the differences between the KBAC-27D gray, white, and black models?

Any other make/models of NEMA-4x VFDs that folks have had good luck with?

Any good places to buy?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Erin
 
Does anyone have any idea the differences between the KBAC-27D gray, white, and black models?
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Just the color...gray, white or black. To match your shop decor :D.


Any other make/models of NEMA-4x VFDs that folks have had good luck with?
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Also consider the operator controlls: ie. touch pad-vs- a big honkin' speed pot. The touch pads..or tiny pots are more difficult to operate with gloves while grinding. KB really has these features like no other at no additional cost. The KB is ideal for this application because of the Heavy, robust enclosure..wash-down rated...and the "usable" external controls. I don't know of any other drive that offers the same.

Any good places to buy?
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How about www.beaumontmetalworks.com ? ;) You'll get free shipping on the drive with your new KMG order.


-Rob
 
rfrink said:
Also consider the operator controlls: ie. touch pad-vs- a big honkin' speed pot. The touch pads..or tiny pots are more difficult to operate with gloves while grinding.
-Rob
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Yea, the touchpad on my VFD got old real fast. To change rotation I have to push a button at least 4 times every time to access the setup page, and change the parameter, and save it. Oh yea, press start again. Lately I have been hand sanding on a granite plate on purpose so I do not have to use the touchpad. Kinda like cutting off yer nose to spite the face...
 
gixxer said:
Yea, the touchpad on my VFD got old real fast. To change rotation I have to push a button at least 4 times every time to access the setup page, and change the parameter, and save it. Oh yea, press start again. Lately I have been hand sanding on a granite plate on purpose so I do not have to use the touchpad. Kinda like cutting off yer nose to spite the face...
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Thanks for the info Rob and gixxer... KB is looking better and better.

Erin
 
Hypocrite said:
Thanks for the info Rob and gixxer... KB is looking better and better.

Erin
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I've really looked at lots of VFD for this application...and I don't think anything comes close to KB...even the surplus drives for a fraction of the cost.

For example, you can get a westinghouse (TECO) drive fairly inexpensively through various outlets...but it is an open frame drive with a touch pad...designed to be mounted inside an enclosure. If you go that route, did you get a properly sized enclosure? Keep in mind that the drives require cooling...many of the open drives have little fans in them...like CPU fans. The enclosure needs to be vented and filtered, if it is small, to assure that the drive is adequately cooled. Otherwise you need an enclosure with enough surface area to disipate the heat generated by the drive. Follow the manufactures guidelines here. Notice the KB drives have integral cooling fins in the Aluminum case.

If you are comparing the KB to others...be sure to include: drive, enclosure, auxillary controls, time and hardware to assemble everything. KB drives are analoge...you just turn the dials to set the parameters. Most others are digital and have dozens of parameters with layers of screens to jog through to get what you need. This is just a belt grinder...not a space ship...you don't need much sophistication...just start, stop ..and speed.

Of course, you can't argue with success....and there are many success stories with junkyard finds.

As soon as someone says "that motor and controller won't work" someone else will chime in and say:

...."I've been running one like that for 12 years..all you need to do is put a panty hose over it..." :D:D

There is no single answer...

-Rob
 
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