Like the title says, I have recently acquired a 2HP Bridgeport mill with the variable speed head for home shop use. I need to power it but naturally only have single phase. In researching the options a rotary converter seems like overkill for this use (plus I don't want to listen to it). That leaves Static Converter or VFD options.
As best I can tell:
VFD
- Much more flexible
- Delivers full rated power
- Rather complex to set up, wire and program
Static converter
- Easy to set up
- Loss of power ~1/3 of motor rating
Costs in this size range don't look terribly different between the 2 options, so I don't consider it to be much of a factor. I've been looking at Automation Direct and KB VFDs. Phase-a-matic for the Static.
I can handle both options, I think, but it seems like a Static converter would be easier and in a home shop the need for full power seems unlikely. I have the variable speed head, so that feature of VFDs seems to be not terribly beneficial here.
So I guess the question is if there are any other downsides to the Static converter that I am unaware of?
Thanks,
Dave
As best I can tell:
VFD
- Much more flexible
- Delivers full rated power
- Rather complex to set up, wire and program
Static converter
- Easy to set up
- Loss of power ~1/3 of motor rating
Costs in this size range don't look terribly different between the 2 options, so I don't consider it to be much of a factor. I've been looking at Automation Direct and KB VFDs. Phase-a-matic for the Static.
I can handle both options, I think, but it seems like a Static converter would be easier and in a home shop the need for full power seems unlikely. I have the variable speed head, so that feature of VFDs seems to be not terribly beneficial here.
So I guess the question is if there are any other downsides to the Static converter that I am unaware of?
Thanks,
Dave