Oh baby, that could be super useful! What milling machine do you have? I found an amazing deal on an ancient one, pretty much free to a good home, just had to provide a forklift/transportation, but it was designed to run on 600 volts (three phase), didn't know how I could make that work at my house
Thanks again everyone.
-Jamie M.
My goodness, get it if you can. The 600V 3ø is not a difficult issue to sort out. Go through the "Electrical Issues" portion of this web site - that question is about the second most ask topic that we see (the first one being "should I get this . . . . ", dumb question because the answer is always "yes").
The 600V and the 3 phase are two separate issues. Each can be dealt with a few different ways. The approach that is right for you will depend on what your present set up is and what your future intentions are. 3ø powered machines, and 600V machines are likely to be industrial quality (good) and the power issues will dissuade other buyers (also good). Go into it with your eyes open - just because it is "pretty much free" still means you'll have plenty of spend to get everything working well.
First issue is sorting out the 3ø. I went the approach of a "whole shop" solution. If you are in this game very long, you'll get other machines, and 3ø power is the norm. The ability to plug in and go, the main motor, secondary motors, controls - everything works as originally designed - it is awesome. I set myself up a little 3ø distribution system - over the years I've picked up additional machines (at 10 3ø machines now).
Second issue is the 600V. When I got my first 600V machine, it would have been quite a chore to swap over to 240V (the main motor would have been easy, but the feed motor would have been really difficult). I was able to get a good used little 3ø transformer. I have since acquired two more 600V machines - again they are now very easy to power up (and came essentially "free").
Don't expect "something for nothing". Let's say you get that "First mill" really cheap - First is a good brand. It will cost you a bit to move it, then it costs a little to power it, there will be pieces missing & broken (at least for every "cheap" machine I have hauled home there have been numerous minor issues), it will need to be cleaned and serviced, you'll need to buy tooling - and you can reasonably end up with a decent and capable machine for 5%-20% of what a new machine would have cost you.
"Pretty much free" does not mean anything. Look at the end cost. I have, and I've been able to equip / afford a very nice little shop with some excellent capabilities (it was not free, but it didn't break the bank).
Let us know how you make out. David
