Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Home shop power for a big machine - Thanks for the input

vrsculptor wrote:

> If I chose to do an EMC2 retrofit, something I can do, I could lower
> the acceleration and power spike. I would probably follow Jon's advice
> and convert as much of the machine to single phase as I could. I'm
> sure the head cooling fan, lube and coolant pumps are 3 phase so a low
> power phase converter would still be required. I might be lucky and be
> able to run the VFD on single phase but I doubt it as its 12 years old.
>
>

You could surely run all the auxilliary motors on a 1/2 Hp or so VFD,
just add up the motor HP.
You'd have to make sure there were no relays between the VFD and the
motors, though.
I have some doubts that cooling fans and lube pumps are 3-phase, unless
thye are way larger than typical.
A 3-phase coolant pump is not unusual, though.

> If I had to buy a VFD, Mesa interface boards, new terminations, a PLC
> and maybe a single phase power transformer for the servo AMP's it
> could cost upwards of $1.5-2K and a month or so to convert the
> machine. I can't justify the purchase price, conversion cost plus a
> selection of CAT40 tooling (I currently use Kwik Switch 300) for a
> hobby machine.
>

If you are not in a hurry, a frequent check at eBay or other surplus
sources might turn up all the stuff you need.
And, you can check if the VFD will run on single phase. It very well
might, I think the two VFD's I am using are in that vintage.

Jon