10-23-2013, 06:54 AM
In my shop I use a "recycled" 15HP 3-phase motor, no idler/starter motor, ropes or pulleys required. I know next to nothing about this, so I had bought the capacitor-equipped "box" from American Rotary for $350 and the motor was free. All I know is that it's noisy, but works flawlessly to power up a 5HP lathe, 2HP mill and 2HP surface grinder.
I don't get the variable speed out of it as you would a VFD, but I have had both the lathe and mill running at the same time with no issues. I consider moving it outside the shop, but the noise is less than an air compressor and I never forget to shut it off. In my dreams I'd get to use the 3-phase power on the poles outside the shop, but I'm probably moving the shop to my home in a year or two. Given that I have a tenant just above the shop, I'll have to get a Phase Perfect digital phase converter.
Given the situation with the OP in having various machines, I'd also suggest a suitable RPC. You can build one cheaper than the $350 I spent if you look around the internet for plans. You don't need mechanical start pulleys or pony motors if you use the right start capacitors.
I don't get the variable speed out of it as you would a VFD, but I have had both the lathe and mill running at the same time with no issues. I consider moving it outside the shop, but the noise is less than an air compressor and I never forget to shut it off. In my dreams I'd get to use the 3-phase power on the poles outside the shop, but I'm probably moving the shop to my home in a year or two. Given that I have a tenant just above the shop, I'll have to get a Phase Perfect digital phase converter.
Given the situation with the OP in having various machines, I'd also suggest a suitable RPC. You can build one cheaper than the $350 I spent if you look around the internet for plans. You don't need mechanical start pulleys or pony motors if you use the right start capacitors.