Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Interesting, 3 phase in the UK

John wrote:

> That's as I expected really. But I'll call back again just to annoy them and
> ask _how_ they'd go about upgrading it to three phase. I heard static
> converters only manage about 2/3rds of the full rating they're specified
> for. This, and the question I asked on moving machinery, is because the mill
> at school is 440v 3phase and I'm really checking it's okay for me to offer
> them some money for it. There's no point me saying I'll take it only to tell
> them I can't a few weeks later.

Static converters like the Cedarburg and Phase-a-Matic are really just
starting capacitors, and the motor runs on single phase after starting.
The performance is varied, depending on motor design. I had a Brigeport
M-head with the 1/2 Hp motor, and it ran horribly on a Cedarburg. It would
barely start on the highest speed, and you could stall it with your hand.
My Bridgeport 1J head with the 1 Hp motor runs much better with the
static converter.

No matter what your main power is, I'm sure a reasonable size machine
(no more than 5 Hp) can be run from any single phase power source that
can deliver the current. The motor is likely to be dual voltage, so you can
set it for 220 V. If not, a transformer can be set up pretty easily to step
up the voltage. You can use a phase converter until you either get 3-phase
installed or get a VFD.

Jon