What would be a good budget motor and VFD?

W

wdfwguy

Joined
May 20, 2017
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I'm waiting to get the chassis for my first 2x72 grinder, and I need to pick up a motor and VFD

This is totally a hobby for me, so it's not something that's going to be run all day, every day

I've found a tefc, 56c, 2hp motor for around $200 at automationdirect.com

I know the KBAC is highly recommended, but I'd like to try one of the less expensive Chinese VFDs and put it in an enclosure. Just wondering what exactly I should look for?

Or any specific suggestions or places to shop?

Thanks!
 
Factorymation.com
Teco fm50 is a popular one. Make sure it's single phase in, 3 phase out and rated for 2 hp.
Is the motor you chose 3 phase?
Do you have 220 where you're going to install it?
 
The motor I was looking at;

MTRP-002-3BD18 - IronHorse premium efficiency AC induction motor, general purpose, 2hp, 3-phase, 208-230/460 VAC, 1800rpm, TEFC, 56C/HC frame, rolled steel, rigid C-face mount.

And I'm going to have a 220v outlet installed next to my garage breaker box
 
Fwiw I had the same delima, and went ahead and spent the extra money on the kabc. I realize this isn't your question, but thought I'd chime in as I couldn't be happier, don't have to mess with trying to keep dust out, he extra money was forgotten the moment I turned it on and used it. Lots of support on how to hookup etc.
 
knoxknives said:
Fwiw I had the same delima, and went ahead and spent the extra money on the kabc. I realize this isn't your question, but thought I'd chime in as I couldn't be happier, don't have to mess with trying to keep dust out, he extra money was forgotten the moment I turned it on and used it. Lots of support on how to hookup etc.
Click to expand...

I hear you, I'm going over the same question in my head. I just find $150 or so a little easier to swallow, and if it becomes more than a hobby (or the cheap one blows) then I can invest in the KABC.
 
There are several ways to keep it safe from dust. I'm going on 3 years in a toolbox with filters in it. Haven't had any dust. I also grind at a hobby level. Put some money aside every once in a while and upgrade to the kbac if it ever craps out on you. It's really easy to power multiple pieces of equipment off of it as well.
 
You might take a look at something like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-5KW-2HP-V...831131?hash=item23472a9fdb:g:XJ8AAOSw0vBUkjm0

as it has a speed potentiometer for a little faster adjustment, although most of the chinese VFDs will allow you to add your own auxiliary switches and pots. I've been running my mill and surface grinder on a similiar "cheapy" for years, with zero issues. They're actually quite versatile if you know how to program them. Mine is just in a small wooden cabinet with a couple of small holes drilled in the bottom for air flow. Dust has not been an issue, though if it were closer to my grinders, I would buy a roll of filter media to put around it.
 
The $100 Chinese VFD's are actually pretty cool for the money. You can remove the face plate and put a CAT 5 patch cable between the face plate and the VFD (which is mounted in a box) for remote run. Then you have the enclosed face plate with the pot switch mounted near your grinder for easy access.
 
muleskinner222 said:
The $100 Chinese VFD's are actually pretty cool for the money. You can remove the face plate and put a CAT 5 patch cable between the face plate and the VFD (which is mounted in a box) for remote run. Then you have the enclosed face plate with the pot switch mounted near your grinder for easy access.
Click to expand...

And I could run one of these in reverse?
 
Lieblad said:
On chance your VFD or phase converter does not have reverse ability, its easily added a polarity reversal switch placed in 2 of the 3 motor leads.
Click to expand...

Any way to tell in advance whether or not it's reverse capable?
 
You could probably download any manual of the vfd you choose before buying it.
 
A VFD typically will have 3 terminals that can be wired with a switch for fwd/reverse and 3 terminals that can be wired with a pot for remote speed control. most also have terminals that can be wired for remote on/off. so you wire a box with 2 switches and a knob right next to your grinder while your VFD is mounted out of the way and out of the dust.
 
So, one like this with a removable faceplate, it couldn't be reversed without adding another switch somewhere?

$_3.JPG
 
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