It seems most Heavy 10L's were delivered with a single phase 3/4 hp. I'm thinking of converting to a 2 hp, 3 phase motor, that uses a VFD for speed control.
Now, most of the time, I would anticipate running the VFD at 60 Hz (Nominal), and basically using the VFD as a phase converter. 110 or 220 VAC 1ph in, and 220 VAC 3 ph out. The only advantage in this "configuration" would be extra power. i.e. 3/4hp to 2hp
Sometimes, when cutting a difficult material, or cutting a difficult geometry or using a form tool or something, I can visualize using the speed control pot to "trim" the speed through the VFD to obtain an optimal cutting speed. But I feel like I would try to change the speed through mechanical means first, rather than just relying on the VFD. I mean, "get as close" to the optimal cutting speed through gears and pulleys first, then make small trim adjustments through the VFD. That's the idea.
So, I understand that the lathe would have been engineered to use 3/4hp. But are there any inherently "weak links" in the drive trains of the 10L that I should be concerned about? I mean, the headstocks are pretty beefy. We're talking about belts and pulleys mostly there. The quick change gear box, is definitely not as simple/beefy/robust, but looks pretty damn tough? I can't imagine it couldn't take some extra power?
I know if I made a really bad mistake, extra power wouldn't be my friend. But for the sake of this discussion, I am assuming I won't do that, and/or I could leave the tension a bit looser when I think something "hairy" could happen...
Also assume there is no cost penalty for this. I already have the components.
My Question is: Why WOULDN'T I want to up the horsepower? Surely others have done this. Wouldn't it just mean I could take heavier cuts if desired, and the smaller cuts, would be that much easier? Has anyone ever broke their lathe because they over-powered it?
Or is 3/4 hp already LOTS of power? And the mechanical speed ranges available are plenty?
Opinions?
Adam
Now, most of the time, I would anticipate running the VFD at 60 Hz (Nominal), and basically using the VFD as a phase converter. 110 or 220 VAC 1ph in, and 220 VAC 3 ph out. The only advantage in this "configuration" would be extra power. i.e. 3/4hp to 2hp
Sometimes, when cutting a difficult material, or cutting a difficult geometry or using a form tool or something, I can visualize using the speed control pot to "trim" the speed through the VFD to obtain an optimal cutting speed. But I feel like I would try to change the speed through mechanical means first, rather than just relying on the VFD. I mean, "get as close" to the optimal cutting speed through gears and pulleys first, then make small trim adjustments through the VFD. That's the idea.
So, I understand that the lathe would have been engineered to use 3/4hp. But are there any inherently "weak links" in the drive trains of the 10L that I should be concerned about? I mean, the headstocks are pretty beefy. We're talking about belts and pulleys mostly there. The quick change gear box, is definitely not as simple/beefy/robust, but looks pretty damn tough? I can't imagine it couldn't take some extra power?
I know if I made a really bad mistake, extra power wouldn't be my friend. But for the sake of this discussion, I am assuming I won't do that, and/or I could leave the tension a bit looser when I think something "hairy" could happen...
Also assume there is no cost penalty for this. I already have the components.
My Question is: Why WOULDN'T I want to up the horsepower? Surely others have done this. Wouldn't it just mean I could take heavier cuts if desired, and the smaller cuts, would be that much easier? Has anyone ever broke their lathe because they over-powered it?
Or is 3/4 hp already LOTS of power? And the mechanical speed ranges available are plenty?
Opinions?
Adam