1966 Model a 9 3 phase to single

[Karl_T]

Exactly how to do it depends on what is already there. But yep, you got it.

i normally say you need to add a braking resistor so the lathe stops quickly. Also its best to get an industrial quality speed pot. The one on the VFD is not very durable.

Its best to mount the VFD inside an enclosure to make it metal chip proof. then its nice to have a way to read the VFD panel. i've just put a window in a box on some installs. On others get an extension cable for the readout and move it. A gotcha here - the el cheapo VFDs might not do this.

 

[Seth]

Nothing is currently there. The motor is unwired and the switch is in a box. No safety breaker. If I use the VFD you recommended, do you have a brake resistor that you like paired with it?

 

[Karl_T]

What have you got on the lathe for a forward/off/reverse switch? I like to use the existing one if at all possible. If this unit was originally 3 phase, you likely have a drum switch. Going this route we need to BE SURE to program the VFD so it won't start when power is applied and the lathe is already in forward or reverse. Now if you got Forward and reverse push buttons we'll do it differently.

I have just used a three phase fused switch box on some installs. that's the cheapest. A VERY NICE step up is to get a motor contactor and an Estop button assembly. Your call here, the upgrade option adds a layer of operator safety.

Now I am a cheap a$$. I go on eBay and buy power resistors to make the braking unit. No where as nice as the commercial unit but under $10 vs. nearly $100

 

[Seth]

Karl,
Thanks for sticking with me. It’s my wedding anniversaries today, so I won’t be at the shop until later to have a look at the switch. I appreciate your time!

 

[Karl_T]

You must still be young. We celebrated our 40th by staying in bed a bit longer, and then going out to eat. Rest of the day, I was in the shop she was in her room.

say, lets have pics inside that left cabinet. looks like the spot for electrical controls

 

[Seth]

You must still be young. We celebrated our 40th by staying in bed a bit longer, and then going out to eat. Rest of the day, I was in the shop she was in her room.

say, lets have pics inside that left cabinet. looks like the spot for electrical controls

I’m 47. 19 years married. I’ll get you pics ASAP!

 

[tq60]

We used existing drum switch to control vfd.

Clever mod...

Note how wired for return to stock if needed then remove all wires.

Slightly bend the tabs supporting the contacts for ONE set so it connects FIRST for either direction.

Set vfd for 3 wire control usually...

One wire for run
One wire for reverse
One wire for stop, stop usually needs to CLOSE to run, opening this wire is a safety switch format.

Now wire drum switch with stop on the modified tab section, connect both ways.

Run to connect both ways in another

Reverse in reverse in last.

If you want to add a foot switch for stop then loop the stop wire through the switch for that, in series so either will stop.

Photos of foot switch and control.

Meter uses an available slave control from VFD to indicate relative speed or load, set to speed.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[Seth]

Good morning. Here’s what I found.

You must still be young. We celebrated our 40th by staying in bed a bit longer, and then going out to eat. Rest of the day, I was in the shop she was in her room.

say, lets have pics inside that left cabinet. looks like the spot for electrical controls

 

[Karl_T]

That can work as a Forward/off/reverse switch. Does not look to be mounted to your lathe? Its a big bulky son of a gun. I was on ebay last night and seen an allen bradley 3 position for $20. You might rather use that. bet you'd get $20 for the switch you got.

will the vfd fit in that lower cabinet? Good enough position to just cut a window to see the VFd readout? If not, take a look again at the thread I linked several posts back. that's how my son did his southbend. It would work very well for you also.

 

[Seth]

So help me here. I’ve spent the last hour with a Scotch-Brite pad and a little fine oil and found an awfully nice machine. I really want to use it hard and frequently. Am I wrong to uses such a classic for industrial work?

With regard to the VFD, The bulk of the work that I do is drilling and tapping solid stock for shift linkages and weld in bungs. Am I creating more chaos by not just tossing in a single phase motor and a rotary switch?