Need a little advice...motor...vfd??

W

wassomeoneelse

Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
123
Well as the title suggests, I need some advice on trying to match a motor that I currently have with a VFD controller. I am not an electrician, just a regular guy trying to save some dollars. I have ordered the KMG-10 and am patiently awaiting arrival of it. The problem that I am having is determining if a motor I bought off of ebay will help run it. I have a Baldor mdl#M3555T 3 phase motor. I understand that there are some VFD controllers out there that will take in one phase and convert it into 3 phase. Then I read that you had better match it up exactly right or it may burn up.
1. Is the motor in question good to run a grinder?
2. Is the dang thing DC or AC? It doesnt say on the label.
3. Can anyone point out a good VFD controller that might work for this? I do not really understand much about them at all while going thru the different websites.

Sorry if I come across as trying to do something that is impossible, I just do not know much about this subject. And to anyone that says to just buy it from BMW, I just do not have the money right now for that. WIsh I did.
Thanks
Bryan
 
i built a kmg clone and used a dc treadmill motor...try to find one with at least a 1.5 hp motor and just use the speed control that comes with the treadmill...and make sure and leave the flywheel on the motor..you need it for momentum
 
You also need the flywheel for cooling in most treadmill motor cases. The treadmill motors are open and will get metal dust/shavings in them and wear out. Generally, anything that can be controlled by a treadmill speed control will not be a true 1.5HP motor. Unless it came off a treadmill from the gym that takes 220, I'd be surprised if it will truly run anywhere near 1.5HP. I had a line on a true 3HP DC motor and called a speed control manufacturer who did treadmill controls, they were willing to sell me a control that would run a "3HP" treadmill motor, but it was only rated for 15A...

Since you already have the motor, I say go with a VFD. Since you bought the KMG from Rob already, why not ask him what suggestions he has? I know you didn't buy your motor from him, but I've even seen him around here helping people who bought grinders from other companies.
 
It is a 2hp 3 phase ac motor. Get a vfd that is rated for a two hp motor with a soft start that is 1ph in and 3ph out. then have someone that knows something about electricity hook it up for you and you will be golden. I am sorry if i sound condisending I don't mean to but it is obvious from your question that you know squat about this.
 
Bill,
Your right, I do not know squat about it. I appreciate the sound advice you have given me. I do have a certified electrician on standby to help with the wiring, etc. Thanks to all for the ideas concerning a treadmill motor.
THanks,
Bryan
 
Bryan,

A simpler VFD type will do. Some of them have all sorts of input/output control for complex situations. They come in variable torque and constant torque. Constant torque is what you want.

There are outfits out there that have old models (not used) for sale at reduced costs. Search VFD, Frequency drives, variable speed drives. When you find what you think will work, contact the drive's manufacturer directly and find out if that model will work best for your application. If not, the manufacturer will point you to the correct models to look for and you can search for them specifically.

You can also ask the manufacturer if they have had recent model changes of the appropriate type and what the old model number is then search for them.

Mike
 
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