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Thread: Power supply workarounds
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2nd Aug 2020, 09:25 AM #1Intermediate Member
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Power supply workarounds
Hi, Thought i might share some of the ways I have had to get around power supply problems over the last 35 years. Supply authority is SWER 480/240 V . Most of the heavier machines are 3 phase 415 v. First machine was a 5 HP #5 MT pedestal drill using a static phase converter. ( red faded lable photo). I also used a 2HP unit on the Bridgeport mill ( its faired a bit better being mounted in the control panel. only problems encountered are a failed relay in the 2 HP unit, on prolonged use motor gets a bit warm ( its a 60 HZ pancake motor ) Both are still going strong atfer 35 years. We decided to go with a rotary phase converter for the Pacfic FU1250 mill and the 390/1250 centre lathe. The rotary unit gives a bit of grief every now and then ( takes about 3 goes to get it up and running ) As the converter is supplying 2 machines about 15m apart I wired a control switch from each machine to a control box above the converter. Each control switch brings in its own mechanical interlocked contactor this in turn feeds a common contactor to supply the converter. ( which ever old geezer presses the control switch first gets the power.) the output from the converter goes back through its associated contactor to the machine. There is more machinery to this saga but I will leave it for another post ( typing finger getting RSI ).
Kind regards all, John
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2nd Aug 2020, 10:40 AM #2
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2nd Aug 2020, 12:51 PM #3Novice
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Have you measured the voltages between the phases on the converter output? I’ve been running a Barry Brown 415V 3 phase Rotary phase converter running off SWER 480 V for about 6 years with no issues, but recently had a closer look at it when my milling machine thermal overload kept tripping.
I measured 500 V in (instead of 480V but within tolerance) and 480/450/430 V phase to phase on the output; motor current was similarly unbalanced. I’m running 380 V motors so a bit concerned....
Barry Brown don’t make them anymore so can’t help.
Leigh
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2nd Aug 2020, 10:21 PM #4Golden Member
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Hi John,
I noticed that you have a Pacific FU1250 milling machine, have you had any experience removing the feed gearbox cover on the front of the knee?
I am currently working on one of these machines and have to remove this cover tomorrow to access the internals to see why the Z axis has no feed.
Regards. Lex.
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3rd Aug 2020, 07:45 AM #5Intermediate Member
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HI Lex,
As I`m in the throws of a major upgrade on the mill ( fitting a Bridgeport type head to the end of the ram ) that's one of the things being contemplated as I have no manual and was wondering why two motors were involved for the feeds ( Lagun in Spain recon they can help me out with a manual if I can give a serial # but I have been all over the machine no number, ID plate or anything ) I have just been right through the machine and documented the electrics now I have to figure out mechanicals. So short answer to your question is can`t help you now but soon maybe.
John
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3rd Aug 2020, 08:59 AM #6Intermediate Member
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- North Queensland
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Hi, Leigh
As measured yesterday input volts were. 470 V. Output R-B. 404 V R-W. 406 V B- W 433 V. no load. For 35 years I used to have 480 -495 246 volts coming in then a kind of well off neighbour shifted in ( shared transformer ) 5 years ago and suddenly I had 470. 232 Volts I think he whined to Ergon and they changed the tapping. Any way my light bulbs seem to last longer. Getting back to the Phase converter starting problems, I contacted the manufacturer and he literally acknowledged the problem existed in some models then I asked a silly question , could he supply a fix ? Shortly there after I was blacklisted from further communication, no return of emails ect. When i called the tea boy or cleaner was ever only in attendance in the factory. My opinion of the company was not suitable for print. This scenario is not entirely unknown in Australian business. Anyway I can live with the problem as it is very seldom it happens.
Regards, John
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3rd Aug 2020, 12:25 PM #7Golden Member
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I have the manual John but, as with a lot of manufacturers, the information is very limited. They use a seperate motor for the Rapid traverse.
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3rd Aug 2020, 01:27 PM #8Intermediate Member
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3rd Aug 2020, 04:11 PM #9Golden Member
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I had a look John but didn't find an actual serial number anywhere just a couple of numbers stamped on the front of the knee and on the front cover probably used to match them up during manufacture. Is there a technical department at the factory in Spain that I could email
about removing the front cover, I have removed as much as possible but the cover will not come off?
Lex.
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3rd Aug 2020, 06:44 PM #10Intermediate Member
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No good news Lex, Lagun have shut down for their summer break during August until September. I did reach out to Machinery 600 who I believe are the Aust. agents but like most mobs don`t want to know you unless your buying a new machine . I will have another look tonight at the front cover maybe can suggest something.
John
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3rd Aug 2020, 11:46 PM #11Intermediate Member
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Back again Lex,
Taking off the apron on the Pacific mill certainly looks a bit daunting, have you taken out the cover plates on the shaft ends could be circlips under. As there is going to be heaps of oil behind ( forgot to look for drain ) there is a fair area of gasket surface might be holding it back. Be nice if there was some pusher bolt holes . Back to the original problem have you taken off the offending handle probably a dog clutch in there somewhere, busted key who knows. Just glad you are doing it ,don`t forget to take some photo`s, best of luck.
Regards, John
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4th Aug 2020, 10:51 AM #12Novice
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Thanks John, for the voltages. Looks like you’re well within allowable spec on your voltages.
Leigh
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