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  1. #1
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    Default VFD on a Hercus 260

    Have just acquired a 260 with 3ph motor. Fitted with ASEA 0.37kW 415V connected as Y. Will this take VFD?

  2. #2
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    The technically correct answer is yes, but only if you have 415 supply

    The answer you are probably more looking for is no or maybe if you want to run a single to 3phase unit. It is maybe if you have access to the far end of the windings in the terminal box to convert it to Delta, if you don’t the answer is no.

    A single phase motor, whilst not as convenient, is cheaper than a VFD conversion hands down every time, unless you get either the motor or the VFD or both very cheaply.

  3. #3
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    Are you asking because you have single phase only in your shed?

  4. #4
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by racingtadpole View Post
    The technically correct answer is yes, but only if you have 415 supply

    The answer you are probably more looking for is no or maybe if you want to run a single to 3phase unit. It is maybe if you have access to the far end of the windings in the terminal box to convert it to Delta, if you don’t the answer is no.

    A single phase motor, whilst not as convenient, is cheaper than a VFD conversion hands down every time, unless you get either the motor or the VFD or both very cheaply.
    If the motor is like the ASEA motor on my Hernia mill they are easily convertible to ∆ in the motor terminal box.
    https://metalworkforums.com/f189/t20...ll#post1935297
    You will need to know what you are doing.

    A suitable VFD can be had for under a $100.

    If it was me and it was possible I would replace the motor with something that is about double the power.
    This will give you a wider VFD speed range with full power.
    Maybe have a read of the document on this page https://www.woodworkforums.com/f271/vfds-newbies-232742

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by ericks2 View Post
    Are you asking because you have single phase only in your shed?
    Yes that is the case. I have several ABB drives rated at 1.1kW

  6. #6
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    Okay...if you post a pic of the inside of your terminal box then i can advise you whether you will be able to change to delta like bob said. If it's possible then i'll tell you how to do it

  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    If it was me and it was possible I would replace the motor with something that is about double the power.
    This will give you a wider VFD speed range with full power.
    No, it gives you a larger motor running at reduced power, extra heat and insufficient cooling when running at the ridiculously low frequencies often touted as being usable on here.

  8. #8
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by racingtadpole View Post
    No, it gives you a larger motor running at reduced power, extra heat and insufficient cooling when running at the ridiculously low frequencies often touted as being usable on here.
    Humm . . . . .I've had a 1HP motor running on my Hercus from as low as 15Hz up to 120 Hz for 9 years, sometimes for hours at 25Hz - not even a hint of a problem. Not many of us operate at production shop levels of output.

    I would not normally advise going below about 15Hz but here's an example where I found I can. On my small WW lathe I heat form 6" PVC "bell mouth hoods" with a hot air gun for dust extraction systems. Just like my MW lathe I have the same VFD and a 1HP donk but running as low as about 10Hz. The forming process takes about 5 minutes at light load and then about 3 minutes at higher load. The motor does indeed get slightly warm under high load but then when cooling down the fully formed hood the motor speed is increased to 25Hz and the dust extraction system is turned on for about 5 minutes - this pulls ~1200 CFM of shed air across the lathe and from around the motor and quickly cools the motor back to RT again.

    IMG_1876.jpg

    I have made many hundreds of these hoods for mens shed - the most likely thing I will have to replace in the near future is the live centre bearing.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by ericks2 View Post
    Okay...if you post a pic of the inside of your terminal box then i can advise you whether you will be able to change to delta like bob said. If it's possible then i'll tell you how to do it
    I will post a photo after i collect the lathe next weekend.

    Thanks everyone for your assistance.

  10. #10
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    Bob, you missed the point.
    The advice you offered was factually incorrect.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by alfclp View Post
    I will post a photo after i collect the lathe next weekend.

    Thanks everyone for your assistance.
    No worries...

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