HobbyMaker
Plastic
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2021
I hoping someone could offer some insight on sizing a VFD for an old Nuttall Lathe.
Any advice, help, tips, tricks, pointers or links would be appreciated.
Problem
Sizing and selection of budget VFD for single phase 240V to 3 phase conversion for Lathe and Motor outlined below. Ideally with a total current draw of 10amp (but possible up to 15 amps with minor upgrades to circuits)
Background
I have acquired a couple of old 3 phase Nuttall Lathes (ex TAFE technical collage) and was hoping to get one up and running in my home shop. Unfortunately the current power option is single phase 240V 50HZ 10 amp (15 amp possible with small upgrade). This is a hobby project whilst it maybe possible to get 3 phase connect but it would require new switch board etc so big $$$ and probably not practical.
I have read numerous theories about VFD selection, most resulting in circular arguments about it's all about the application of the VFD but limited solid practical advise on sizing VFD. Several wild ranging opinions from it's fine to have it under the HP of the motor (as you never run at 100%) to double the rated HP (because single phase to 3 phase conversions required more 1.6 times amps(?) then round this up to double). As this is a budget project doubling the rating arbitrarily (which presumable would solve the problem) but seems a little wild without a solid technical reason to justify the $$$ increase.
Basically I'm a little confused! and hoping someone can offer some solid advice on the way forward.
Hardware
Nuttall Lathe (Model & Year unknown)
Motor:
Noyes
5 HP
RPM 1420
3PH
50 Cycles
400/440 Volts
7.2 Amps
Delta
Class: E
Frame: C213
Any advice, help, tips, tricks, pointers or links would be appreciated.
Problem
Sizing and selection of budget VFD for single phase 240V to 3 phase conversion for Lathe and Motor outlined below. Ideally with a total current draw of 10amp (but possible up to 15 amps with minor upgrades to circuits)
Background
I have acquired a couple of old 3 phase Nuttall Lathes (ex TAFE technical collage) and was hoping to get one up and running in my home shop. Unfortunately the current power option is single phase 240V 50HZ 10 amp (15 amp possible with small upgrade). This is a hobby project whilst it maybe possible to get 3 phase connect but it would require new switch board etc so big $$$ and probably not practical.
I have read numerous theories about VFD selection, most resulting in circular arguments about it's all about the application of the VFD but limited solid practical advise on sizing VFD. Several wild ranging opinions from it's fine to have it under the HP of the motor (as you never run at 100%) to double the rated HP (because single phase to 3 phase conversions required more 1.6 times amps(?) then round this up to double). As this is a budget project doubling the rating arbitrarily (which presumable would solve the problem) but seems a little wild without a solid technical reason to justify the $$$ increase.
Basically I'm a little confused! and hoping someone can offer some solid advice on the way forward.
Hardware
Nuttall Lathe (Model & Year unknown)
Motor:
Noyes
5 HP
RPM 1420
3PH
50 Cycles
400/440 Volts
7.2 Amps
Delta
Class: E
Frame: C213