New motor help

[hoss897]

Hey everyone,
I picked up an old colchester student lathe that's in decent shape and I'm going to add it to my home shop.
I'm looking for help with what motor to go with. The machine is currently 575v 3ph.
Option one is a 220v single phase.
Option two is 220v 3ph with a VFD.
I've been told that all of the original switches for on/off, forward/reverse, etc may not work with a single phase motor and also might not hold up to the extra amperage draw. I know nothing about electrical so I'm lost there.
I'm also told that the VFD eliminates that concern.
Option one $800
Option two $1500

What's the best choice?

 

[matthewsx]

Best choice is a three phase. Post up a picture of the current data plate before you order either though.

John

 

[markba633csi]

Three phase would give you variable speed which is a very nice feature to have

 

[hoss897]

Here is the tag

 

[matthewsx]

Will have to swap that one unless you can get it rewound. Do you have a local electric motor repair shop? Would be worth a call to see if they can convert it.

John

 

[hoss897]

I do have a local shop. They suggested not using this motor and going with a single speed. Rewind is 1300+taxes.

 

[matthewsx]

That's a lot....

Do they have a motor that'll work?

These guys have a lot of motors at good prices but not sure about shipping to Canada.

https://www.surpluscenter.com/Electric-Motors/AC-3-Phase-Motors/?page_no=6&sort_by_options=ATR_SortValue1+asc,+ATR_SortValue2+asc,+ATR_SortValue3+asc,+ATR_SortValue4+asc,+ATR_SortValue5+asc,+sortDescription+asc

John

 

[hoss897]

I'll check with them on shipping.
Thanks

 

[den-den]

"Best" is 3 phase motor with VFD, wire the original switches to be inputs to the VFD. The original controls should work with single phase but would need some modification. If you are not electrically knowledgeable, either option will require some help.

 

[DavidR8]

@hoss897 check https://www.emotorsdirect.ca/ for a motor if you can't find something used that's suitable.
But anything 3hp in 3-phase is not gonna be cheap.