I've decided to get an RPC to run my home shop. Right now, I just have a 1 hp mill and a 1 hp surface grinder, but I might get a bigger lathe some day, so I want a 10 hp RPC to handle up to 5 hp. My choices are to buy a ready-made unit for a bit over $800, buy a panel for $300, plus a 10 hp 3 ph motor, or buy a 'kit' for $125, plus the motor. There's an auction coming up with a number of 3 ph motors, and they usually go pretty cheap. If I get lucky, I could get a motor for about $100.
Being retired, money is always a big factor. I'm one old guy, so would only run one machine at a time, doing hobby stuff, and maybe a little paying work, but nothing serious. I have the mill on a VFD, and don't much care for it. I'd rather fire up an RPC when I'm going to do some work, and have it run the entire shop without having to mess with it.
Is there any big advantage to a ready-made rig over the other options? Is a panel better than a kit? The old machines I use aren't very fussy about having clean power like a CNC would be. I have the time to build an RPC, and have above-average electrical skills. I just need to know if I should bid on a motor in this upcoming auction.
Being retired, money is always a big factor. I'm one old guy, so would only run one machine at a time, doing hobby stuff, and maybe a little paying work, but nothing serious. I have the mill on a VFD, and don't much care for it. I'd rather fire up an RPC when I'm going to do some work, and have it run the entire shop without having to mess with it.
Is there any big advantage to a ready-made rig over the other options? Is a panel better than a kit? The old machines I use aren't very fussy about having clean power like a CNC would be. I have the time to build an RPC, and have above-average electrical skills. I just need to know if I should bid on a motor in this upcoming auction.