PM-1660TL

erikmannie said:
So the 20A circuit breaker on my rotary phase converter does trip when I (try to) use 1800 RPM on the spindle.

My friend Alan said that PM clearly calls for a 30A breaker. I had missed that.

So I need to get a 30A circuit breaker and a male 30A receptacle, and possibly a larger SO cable. The wires in my SO cable looked to be 10 AWG.
Click to expand...
10 AWG is fine for 30 Amp, no need for a larger gauge wire.
 
After following this thread I have concluded that the 1440TL would be a much better fit for me. Too bad I'll never be able to afford one. Oh well. Guess I'll just plod along with mine.

Love all the pics. Living vicariously through them. :D
 
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Question:

“Can I use just any circuit breaker to reliably close off power for when I start the rotary phase converter?”

My rotary phase converter, an American Rotary AMP-10, came with a very clear warning that no load (i.e. any load with a transformer and/or control) should be attached to the RPC when the RPC is started.

I have been unplugging my lathe for when I start the rotary phase converter. After the RPC is started, I plug in the lathe.

I gather that they make “service rated” circuit breakers. I was just wondering if any old circuit breaker could be used for this purpose.
 
On a separate note, I need to expand the aforementioned AMP-10 to house a 30A circuit breaker because the lathe trips the existing 20A breaker in the highest speed (1800 RPM) only.

Fortunately, the RPC has knockouts because it is designed to be expandable.

The 3 phase mill that I am going to get only requires a 20A circuit, so the existing receptacle & breaker can serve for when I get the mill.
 
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I
erikmannie said:
Question:

“Can I use just any circuit breaker to reliably close off power for when I start the rotary phase converter?”

My rotary phase converter, an American Rotary AMP-10, came with a very clear warning that no load (i.e. any load with a transformer and/or control) should be attached to the RPC when the RPC is started.

I have been unplugging my lathe for when I start the rotary phase converter. After the RPC is started, I plug in the lathe.

I gather that they make “service rated” circuit breakers. I was just wondering if any old circuit breaker could be used for this purpose.
Click to expand...

I'd get something like this and mount it on the machine if it doesn't have a master switch.


John
 
I’m pretty sure as long as the motor is off you’ll be fine just leaving it plugged in as you start the converter.
 
matthewsx said:
I


I'd get something like this and mount it on the machine if it doesn't have a master switch.


John
Click to expand...

I think an on/off switch may be in order here.
The way the machine comes, you are on your own as far as bringing power to it. I would guess that most people hardwire it, and that there an on/off switch in there somewhere.

The school that I go to has about 20 big machines, and most of the mills have a “custom add-on” on/off switch.

The PM-1660TL does not have an on/off switch. As soon as I plug it in, I get power to the LED worklight and coolant pump (each of these has an on/off switch) and the lathe is ready to go. One activates the spindle by engaging the lever by the apron.
 
Ianagos said:
I’m pretty sure as long as the motor is off you’ll be fine just leaving it plugged in as you start the converter.
Click to expand...

I’m sure that many people leave their machine plugged in all the time and just turn on the rotary phase converter.

I wonder if turning off the circuit breaker while I start the RPC provides any protection at all.
 
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