Motor and VFD advice

Bill DeShivs

Bill DeShivs

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Jun 6, 2000
Messages
12,892
OK guys, I'm about to go variable speed, but I know very little about VFDs.
What do you think of this setup: http://dealerselectric.com/item.asp?cID=3&scID=131&PID=24493 ?
I don't need more than a 1HP motor for what I do.
If this isn't a good deal, or what I need, I would appreciate advice on what will work best for me.
I only have 110 V, and the setup will be used on a 2 X 72 machine.
Thanks a bunch!
 
That is an unsealed drive (IP20) and an unsealed motor (Open Drip Proof).

There is considerable potential for unintended excitement in the presence of conductive airborne dust (ie steel). We are talking sparks, bangs and dead equipment for sure. Worst case; dead folk.

For a lathe or drill press in a "normal" workshop, it would be a great choice. For a grinder, I'd keep looking.



The drive needs to be protected from dust, either by the manufacturer (IP55, NEMA4 or better) or by the user (search this and other forums to see how others have done it).

The motor really wants to be Totally Enclosed and either Fan Cooled/Ventilated or Non Ventilated: TEFC or TENV.
 
You want a 56c TEFC motor and a NEMA 4 enclosed VFD. The best VFD for the money would be a KBAC 24.
 
Used 3 phase TEFC motors can be found very cheap. I bought my leeson for $50 shipped.
 
J. Hoffman said:
You want a 56c TEFC motor and a NEMA 4 enclosed VFD. The best VFD for the money would be a KBAC 24.
Click to expand...

I agree

Make sure the motor is
tefc

make sure it's three phase, 220V
some are strickly 440 or 550


The KBAC24D is good and you keep the price lower with the lower HP
 
Thank you.
As old Bill is cheap, I'm trying to save a few bucks.
I may just go ahead and buy a ready-made grinder. The problem is, I have limited space.
A Kalamazoo 2 X 72 with VFD would be perfect for my needs, but it isn't offered with variable speed. I need something with contact wheel and platen, so a 2 wheel grinder is perfect.
 
Bill, I'm not an expert but I have built a couple grinders and I would advise that if you are going to buy a VFD and motor that the motor should be a TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled) motor that is a 3 phase motor of either 1725 RPM or 3450 RPM and the VFD should be a NEMA enclosed dustproof variable drive unit like the popular KBAC VFDs. A 1.5 Hp motor will run on 110 volt current with a VFD. Larry
 
Bill DeShivs said:
Thank you.
As old Bill is cheap, I'm trying to save a few bucks.
I may just go ahead and buy a ready-made grinder. The problem is, I have limited space.
A Kalamazoo 2 X 72 with VFD would be perfect for my needs, but it isn't offered with variable speed. I need something with contact wheel and platen, so a 2 wheel grinder is perfect.
Click to expand...

If space is an issue, you should check out the Polarbearforge sling grinder. It is taller then most 4 wheel designs and you can build one with direct drive and VFD for under $550.
 
Thanks for all the helpful advice! I just ordered a Pheer variable speed unit. Jose was very helpful.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
Thanks for all the helpful advice! I just ordered a Pheer variable speed unit. Jose was very helpful.
Click to expand...

Yes that first one would die pretty soon. TEFC as the count said. You are welcome to come check out my set up, we live really close. I use this VFD (Lenze AC TECH SMVector NEMA 4X with the speed pot knob) to power a disc grinder and a KMG.
 
I had something similar for my disc . It was a 1hp motor with a teco unsealed unit .. this was a cheapo set up . I got three years out of it. Matter of fact it just died last week !! So I was going to build another one but said screw it and bought one from tru-grit . I really am past the point of piecing crap parts and shitty component together . The tru grit machine says it has lower hp but its all good components and I think when it is quality stuff the conversion works better and the motor runs more true to the HP rating...But again I could be all wrong and be pissed I dropped the coin on it. I will let you guys know tomorrow.
 
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