Best Brand Rpc For 3hp Lathe

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Lornie McCullough

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I want to buy a reliable rotary phase converter for my 3 hp 3phase lathe. What brands or companies do you recommend?

Lornie
 
I don't have any specific brand in mind, but this looks like a reasonable deal and it's pretty much local.

3 phase converter American rotary - $360 (Salem ne)
https://salem.craigslist.org/tls/5518335740.html

The other option of course is a VFD, and you get the advantage of variable speed and controlled braking.
 
If looking for something factory direct or through eBay, but probably worth a call to the manufacturer to see what works best and recommended size for your needs:
Phase-Craft
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-5-HP-ROTA...D-FOR-1700-1800-RPM-IDLER-MOTOR-/290838235911

American Rotary
https://www.americanrotary.com/product-comparison
http://www.ebay.com/itm/American-Ro...o-3-Three-PH-Heavy-Duty-CNC-USA-/370755610715

As Jim mentioned, a VFD works well for a single machine, and/or to add more functionality to your lathe. VFDs can also be run off of a RPC, but some are better than others. If going the VFD route, invest in a decent VFD that is sourced through the US. At least you get a warranty and some accountability if you have a problem.
 
I have an Elimia 5hp RPC that I've had for about 6 years now with no problems at all. IIRC, it cost me nearly $650.00 at the time with shipping costs, etc.

http://elimiaindustrial.com/Rotary Phase Converters.html

I recently purchased a 10hp RPC panel for less than $160.00 and added a 10hp motor that I had been given for free.

The one noted on Craigslist looks like a good deal to me.
 
I purchased a RPC control box from WNY Supply in New York and found the motor locally. I can't locate their webpage but found PhaseConverterUSA site that claims to be the on-line sale site for WNY as well as other manufacturers.
http://phaseconverterusa.com/Standard-Series_c_27.html

On the left menu look for Rotary Converter Control Panels. Unless you are going CNC go with the Standard Series for Rotary Phase Converter not the static phase converter. 5HP control box is $138 and free shipping. Used 3-phase motors can be found for next to nothing. I picked up a used 5hp 3-phase motor for $25 it's now on a friends RPC for his Logan Lathe. If you know anyone in the HVAC field, commercial A/C compressor units are usually 3-phase, many times the motors are sold for scrap; you might get one for the asking (and pulling from a compressor box).
Mike
 
Thank you everyone for your help. Jim... I emailed the Salem guy through the CL email, and he has not replied. I read every comment in the build your own sticky, but I don't have any of the components (motor) or electronic experience so........

I think I am going to go with our 'local' Yamhill guy, Croman Converters.

Lornie
 
I did buy a 10 hp RPC from Jamie at Croman Converters. Hi seems to be a nice young (compared to me) man building converters out of his home shop, and seems very knowledgeable. It has been wired up for 3 days now, and powers the lathe just fine.

I have a new question for you all: When do you turn off the RPC? Do you leave the RPC running even though the lathe use is intermittent? What length of time "not using the lathe" would cause you to turn the RPC off?

Lornie
 
I leave mine running even if the lathe or mill use might be intermittent, but I might shut it off if there was going to be a lull of 15 minutes or more.... mostly because of the noise.

Brian
 
I do pretty much what Brian does, turn the RPC off if it's not needed for 15-20 minutes or if the noise gets to be too much.
 
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