VFD Brain Overload...

[KnuckleDownKnives]

Hey all. So I am planning on picking up one of these in the next few weeks as I am growing tired of the low HP and constant stalling and over heating of my treadmill motor on my 2x72. I know I don't need 3 HP but I've never been one to hold back when it comes to that so 3 it is.

I've been reading post after post and now I'm blue in the face and lost now more than then I started so please excuse this topic as it has been covered 1.5 million times. I'd like to buy a cheap VFD to go with this new motor. I'll need one that I can either build an enclosure for or has one with it or made for it as I don't have room to mount it some where it won't get dust. I'd also like it to easily be reversible.

 

[Ken H>]

"IF" you're wanting a NEMA 1 enclosure and plan to put filters or install inside an enclosure, I think this is the unit I've been running for the last couple of years, and know several other folks have also: http://www.ebay.com/itm/301566713443?

Hey, just saw this one and it has the speed adjust knob already installed: http://www.ebay.com/itm/272550098594?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Just make your life easy and get a KBAC-27D in a NEMA4 enclosure and a TEFC 3Ph 220VAC motor. It is well built, has great customer support, and will last for years. Saving a few bucks on a lesser unit, when it will be the heart of your grinder system, is foolish.

Here is one that is popular with several of the makers in Shop Talk:
http://www.electricmotorwholesale.com/9520-KBAC-27D/

 

[KnuckleDownKnives]

Thanks guys. Stacy that looks like a good VFD and a price I'm willing to pay. I think you may have missed the link in my OP what do you think of this motor?

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/Shopping/Catalog/Motors/AC_Motors_-_General_Purpose_and_Inverter_Duty_(0.25_-_300HP)/AC_Motors-General_Purpose,_Rolled_Steel,_IronHorse_(0.33_-_3HP)/3-Phase_Motors,_56C_(0.33_-_3HP)/MTRP-003-3BD36

 

[Ken H>]

I totally agree with Stacy the KBAC-27D is a great unit and for a full time knifemaker it's by far the best choice. The motor Marc linked to is a premium 3 ph TEFC motor and should work just fine.

Later

 

[KnuckleDownKnives]

I totally agree with Stacy the KBAC-27D is a great unit and for a full time knifemaker it's by far the best choice. The motor Marc linked to is a premium 3 ph TEFC motor and should work just fine.

Later

Thanks Ken.

 

[NC Biker]

I hate to throw a hitch in things, but the KBAC-27D won't run that 3 HP motor, it will only do 1-1/2HP on 110V or 2HP on 220V. If you insist on the 3HP you will need the KBAC 29.

 

[KnuckleDownKnives]

I hate to throw a hitch in things, but the KBAC-27D won't run that 3 HP motor, it will only do 1-1/2HP on 110V or 2HP on 220V. If you insist on the 3HP you will need the KBAC 29.

Thanks for pointing that out. I'm still a month or 2 for the VFD. Getting the motor in the next week or 2. I figure if i'm going that way why not go all the way and get a 3hp..

I believe this is what you're mentioning?

http://www.electricmotorwholesale.com/10001-KBAC-29D/

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I agree, that is a good motor.

 

[NC Biker]

Thanks for pointing that out. I'm still a month or 2 for the VFD. Getting the motor in the next week or 2. I figure if i'm going that way why not go all the way and get a 3hp..

I believe this is what you're mentioning?

http://www.electricmotorwholesale.com/10001-KBAC-29D/

Yep, that's what you need for a 3 horse.

 

[Drew Riley]

Thanks for pointing that out. I'm still a month or 2 for the VFD. Getting the motor in the next week or 2. I figure if i'm going that way why not go all the way and get a 3hp..

I believe this is what you're mentioning?

http://www.electricmotorwholesale.com/10001-KBAC-29D/

That's the one. Keep in mind, they don't come with an on/off switch, or a fwd/stop/reverse switch, just a stop/run, IIRC.

If you want those, you have to specify and pay extra. Now, you can save a few bucks if you source the toggle switches and dust boots yourself, and make your own jumpers, but it may not be worth the extra hassle to you, and the price difference really may not be that big, depending on what you can find or have available locally.

Also, you'll need a wiring kit to connect the motor to the VFD. Probably want some dust/water proof cable ends, some appropriately sized SO cable (either 12/4 or 10/4, I don't recall off the top of my head for a 3hp motor), and then depending on how you're supplying power to your VFD, you'll want some 12/3 or 10/3 for the power cord, and then of course whatever plug end you'll require.

I think that covers most of it.

 

[KnuckleDownKnives]

Thanks again all. I'll look into the additions wham I'm closer ready to get it. Power is no problem, I have a sub panel in the shop 10ft from the grinder I can run what ever I need for it.

Since I'll have all the pillow block bearings shafts pulleys and a variable DC motor coming off I think I'll repurpose them into a buffer. I have one now but it's just a regular bench grinder with buff wheels so it's real tight trying to use. I can turn it back into a regular bench grinder.