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  1. #16
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Newcastle NSW
    Posts
    78

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    Quote Originally Posted by mark5009 View Post
    Thanks, again!

    I'll pick the lathe up tomorrow and post some pics. I've had a chat with Mal and I really do think I've just stepped down a rabbit hole ) It'll be fun...

    Yes.... yes you have.....
    Welcome!

  2. #17
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Leichhardt NSW
    Posts
    42

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    Quote Originally Posted by Zumanity View Post
    Yes.... yes you have.....
    Welcome!
    Thank you! I've let Mal know and everything ) Apparently this lathe--A #5408--is a new one to him. Just getting it going will be an adventure! Have no doubt, you'll hearing from me

  3. #18
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,439

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    Hi Mark5009, Zumanity,

    Welcome to the world of never ending round toits. If you find Alice down there, say Hi for me.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  4. #19
    Join Date
    Aug 2019
    Location
    Revesby - Sydney Australia
    Age
    56
    Posts
    1,183

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Silversprings View Post
    The VFD chops up the incoming 240 volts single phase into three 240 volt phases, not three 415 volt phases. As clever as the electronic wizardry is, it cant increase the output voltage above the input voltage.
    Can't is a strong word


    Step-up inverter VFDs do exist:

    https://www.phasetechnologies.com/voltage-doubling

    as do models with regenerative braking.



    For hobbyists, though, if your motor really only has 3 winding cables
    (i.e. you can't drive as neutral +3wire star, or rewire to delta),
    replacing with a 240V motor is much cheaper/easier!

  5. #20
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    64
    Posts
    221

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    Quote Originally Posted by nigelpearson View Post
    Can't is a strong word


    Step-up inverter VFDs do exist:

    https://www.phasetechnologies.com/voltage-doubling

    as do models with regenerative braking.



    For hobbyists, though, if your motor really only has 3 winding cables
    (i.e. you can't drive as neutral +3wire star, or rewire to delta),
    replacing with a 240V motor is much cheaper/easier!
    Agree with all that. The small, hobby affordable, VFD's don't step up the voltage, but there are a number of technologies that will, including the old school rotary stuff.
    Also agree that if the motor can't be easily wired for delta 3 phase 240 volt, I'd just replace it with a single phase motor. There are certainly some advantages in running a lathe with a 3 phase motor and VFD combo, but perhaps not enough to warrant the cost if the existing 3 phase motor needs replacement.

    Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk

  6. #21
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    7,182

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    That era Hercus came with a 1/2HP 3P motor (that's all mine had) which could not easily be converted to Delta in the motor junction box but has to have the conversion done inside the motor. This involves digging out a group of 3 wires from amongst the motor coils. Unless you are very comfortable around electrical stuff and confident of rewiriing it correctly its best left to a motor rewinder.

    However before you do that you might want to think of the following. Although it's possible to do a lot of useful things with a 1/2HP motor, if the VFD output Frequency (speed) is dropped to 25Hz the motor will only generate about half the rated power. This is why when u grading to a VFD its worth considering doubling the motor power.

    Anyway for useful info on VFDs have a look at the two sticky posts in the Woodworkers Electronics forum.
    https://www.woodworkforums.com/f271
    It will provide a broader view of the whole VFD thing.

  7. #22
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    64
    Posts
    221

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    That's a very helpful link. Thanks.

    Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk

  8. #23
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Leichhardt NSW
    Posts
    42

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    Okay. That was something but it has arrived and is now in place (see pic).

    The motor is the original 0.5HP 3-phase 400v unit. The wiring is straight ahead as shown.

    Looking at the discussion above, I think I'll take the easy route and go with a 240v single phase. Now the question becomes which one. To make life easy, I note AMH have both 3/4 and 1HP units. Does anyone have an opinion on what is the best way to go give this particular lathe?

    Thanks in advance!
    Attached Images Attached Images

  9. #24
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    64
    Posts
    221

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    Safe and sound in its new home.
    That wiring confirms what others have said, Y connected, with the other end of the windings buried in the motor. It would be motor surgery to convert it.
    I have 2 Hercus's with original single phase motors, both were 1HP.
    If you are going with the AMH motors, just confirm with Mal re shaft size, to suit your pulley, and check the mounting arrangement matches yours.

    Sent from my SM-N976B using Tapatalk

  10. #25
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Newcastle NSW
    Posts
    78

    Default While you are considering all that regarding the motor......

    Jump on ebay etc and have a look at some quick change tool posts and holders plus some carbide tooling so you can start playing as soon as the motor situation is sorted!


  11. #26
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Leichhardt NSW
    Posts
    42

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Zumanity View Post
    Jump on ebay etc and have a look at some quick change tool posts and holders plus some carbide tooling so you can start playing as soon as the motor situation is sorted!

    Yup, that's also on the shopping list. I'm assuming AXA is the way to go. I'm also assuming something special in the way of a mounting stud would be required?

  12. #27
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Newcastle NSW
    Posts
    78

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    yeah a lot of people recommend AXA but i've just gone with a Quick Change Tool Post 63x63x63mm #250-100 (Piston Type) on my lathe and i've had no issues after a years service.

  13. #28
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Leichhardt NSW
    Posts
    42

    Default

    Thanks, once again.

    Motor ordered. Check.
    New V-belts. Check.
    QCTP. Check.
    Cheap tooling. Check.
    Upgraded measuring gear. Check.
    (Far too much) Way Oil. Check.

    Now all I have to do is wait for the motor to arrive and then, after some fiddling, I get to fire it up! Hooray! Exciting times!

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