Motor to buffing wheel conversion

A

AustinS1234

Joined
Jun 8, 2018
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I have a 1.5hp US motors NEMA premium polyphase general purpose motor that I want to turn into a bench top buffing machine. My question is how exactly would I do this? It’s capable of 3450rpm 208-230/460 volts, 60HZ. Now just because I wrote that down does not mean I know what it all means. I would like to plug this into a 110v outlet. Is this possible without a VFD? If I do need a VFD which kind? Keep in mind I’m on a budget. Thanks!!
 
Edited to correct my earlier reply:
It is a three phase 220/240 volt motor.
It can run on a VFD using 115V single phase power, but won't develop more than 1HP.
 
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It says polyphase on the sticker. Is that not what that means? It was also at one point attached to my 2x48 belt grinder and VFD. So I think it will work? How are you making this determination?
 
AustinS1234 said:
It says polyphase on the sticker. Is that not what that means? It was also at one point attached to my 2x48 belt grinder and VFD. So I think it will work? How are you making this determination?
Click to expand...
"Polyphase" generally means three phase, but technically could mean anything greater than singlephase.
But I dont remember seeing any motors specifically identified that way.
It nameplate always states "Three Phase", "3 Φ" or similar recognised symbols.

Btw,
If a VFD ran it in its prior life as grinder...
Pretty much means you need a VFD or 3 ph housepower to run it for its next configuration. With the right VFD you will be able to run it on 120VAC.
 
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Lieblad said:
"Polyphase" generally means three phase, but technically could mean anything greater than singlephase.
But I dont remember seeing any motors specifically identified that way.
It nameplate always states "Three Phase", "3 Φ" or similar recognised symbols.

Btw,
If a VFD ran it in its prior life as grinder...
Pretty much means you need a VFD or 3 ph housepower to run it for its next configuration. With the right VFD you will be able to run it on 120VAC.
Click to expand...
Does this need to be a very specific vfd? I found one that is 110 and works with up to 3hp motors.
 
Oops, I missed the word polyphase. That is a 3 phase motor. It will require a VFD. At 1.5HP it can be run on 115V single phase, but will only develop about 1HP. It will take a 20 amp breaker to run it. The VFD won't run on a GFI breaker or socket.
I edited my earlier reply.
 
You need to check close on the VFD linked, it says in the description "Input：1 or 3 phase 110V. Output：3phase 110v. Frequency：0-50hz/60hz. 0-400hz" While it does say 1 ph 110V input, note the 3 ph 110V output. Your motor requires 220V for power. With "polyphase" it could be 3 ph, and since you say it's been running on a VFD that also points toward a 3 ph motor.
 
Keep in mind you're gonna also need a mandrel/arbor of appropriate size/configuration to hold your buff(s). Depending on your motor's frame size, there may be an adapter available for the shaft, OR, this is a really nice option: https://www.amazon.com/Shop-Fox-W16...?keywords=buffing+arbor&qid=1584206330&sr=8-7

That said, if you're on a budget, you may be better off just taking a portion of the money that this will cost to get up and running, and just buy a couple of these:

https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-BF6...eywords=6"+bench+buffer&qid=1584206173&sr=8-5
 
I highly recommend that buffer head. Use a 3/4 HP 3PH motor and VFD and you have a VS buffer for a very low price. A 3/4HP to 1HP DC motor and speed control will also work fine.

I would suggest you save the 1.5HP motor for a belt grinder or disc grinder and get a 3/4HP motor for the buffer. For our purposes 1.5HP is way more than we need for buffing.
 
Ken H> said:
You need to check close on the VFD linked, it says in the description "Input：1 or 3 phase 110V. Output：3phase 110v. Frequency：0-50hz/60hz. 0-400hz" While it does say 1 ph 110V input, note the 3 ph 110V output. Your motor requires 220V for power. With "polyphase" it could be 3 ph, and since you say it's been running on a VFD that also points toward a 3 ph motor.
Click to expand...
Thanks I would have got it wired it and had no idea why it caught fire lol
 
Drew Riley said:
Keep in mind you're gonna also need a mandrel/arbor of appropriate size/configuration to hold your buff(s). Depending on your motor's frame size, there may be an adapter available for the shaft, OR, this is a really nice option: https://www.amazon.com/Shop-Fox-W16...?keywords=buffing+arbor&qid=1584206330&sr=8-7

That said, if you're on a budget, you may be better off just taking a portion of the money that this will cost to get up and running, and just buy a couple of these:

https://www.amazon.com/POWERTEC-BF600-Heavy-Buffer-6-Inch/dp/B01BW8UOHC/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=6"+bench+buffer&qid=1584206173&sr=8-5
Click to expand...
I already bought a buffing wheel adaptor in anticipation for this build. I just feel like sense I have it I need to use it
 
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