rbahr
Aluminum
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2004
- Location
- Carlisle, MA, USA
Hi All,
I currently have a 5hp RPC (an older FW design) in my shop which has been, up to now, just fine to start a couple of 5hp and smaller motors - Cabinet saw, misc other tools. I have a a new-to-me 5hp Lathe that can't start with this thing. I tried hooking up a 1hp motor in addition to the existing 5hp motor, that did not work a spare 5hp motor, that didn't work. Then found that when I started my 5hp saw, that seemed to allow me to start the lathe.
The lathe seems to have a (measured) 50A / 220v inrush current - at least that is what my meter indicated...
Bottom line is that I need to build either a 7.5 or 10HP RPC or buy a 'good' 5hp VFD.
If I buy a VFD, I can just leave the existing 5hp RPC intact and not loose that, and I get an advantage of soft start and braking...
The motors for the RPC will cost ~$130-$150, then I need switches, caps, etc. Not sure what a respectable VFD costs - I would assume the $110 Flea-Bay ones would not represent the best use of my money...
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks
Ray
I currently have a 5hp RPC (an older FW design) in my shop which has been, up to now, just fine to start a couple of 5hp and smaller motors - Cabinet saw, misc other tools. I have a a new-to-me 5hp Lathe that can't start with this thing. I tried hooking up a 1hp motor in addition to the existing 5hp motor, that did not work a spare 5hp motor, that didn't work. Then found that when I started my 5hp saw, that seemed to allow me to start the lathe.
The lathe seems to have a (measured) 50A / 220v inrush current - at least that is what my meter indicated...
Bottom line is that I need to build either a 7.5 or 10HP RPC or buy a 'good' 5hp VFD.
If I buy a VFD, I can just leave the existing 5hp RPC intact and not loose that, and I get an advantage of soft start and braking...
The motors for the RPC will cost ~$130-$150, then I need switches, caps, etc. Not sure what a respectable VFD costs - I would assume the $110 Flea-Bay ones would not represent the best use of my money...
Thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks
Ray