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  1. #1
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    Default VFD switching on a Hercus 260

    Gents,
    I think it's time to add a VFD to my Hercus 260. It has a 3/4HP 3 phase motor, so I'm considering this VFD in a 415V model:

    Professional 1 5KW 7A 220 250V 2HP Variable Frequency Drive Inverter VFD CI | eBay

    The photo below is of the control panel of my lathe. I'd like to keep the original switches and add only a speed control pot to the front panel. I don't see the need to make a remote control panel (yet). Will the original switches work with the VFD? I will also need to wire in the safety cutout switch on the headstock lid and a foot operated kill switch.

    I'd like to mount the VFD in the area behind the control panel. How hot do these VFDs get?

    Chris
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  2. #2
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    Hi Chris

    It is? Looks like a 240V one to me. You have a 3 phase supply? As most 415V VSDs need a 415V supply. Though its likely you can rewire the motor for 240V.

    Sure you can use the factory controls.

    Do you know what V the controls are?

    Cant really help with the heat issue but just how big is the area behind the control panel? the manual says 50mm clearance each side and 120mm top and bottom

    Stuart

  3. #3
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    Hi Stuart,
    definitely 3 phase 415V. Hard-wired to a 3 phase isolator (by me) .

    The area behind the panel is quite large. I doubt it would allow 120mm clearance top and bottom though. I'll post a photo later.

    Chris

  4. #4
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    Yes I have my 260's VFD mounted behind the control panel. It works well there. They don't get especially hot.

    If you're not in a screaming hurry I would suggest keeping an eye out for a quality used VFD instead of a Chinese one. I fitted SEW-Eurodrive VFDs to all my machines for around the same cost as POS Chinese ones. SEW are considered the best in terms of industrial motor control.

    Yes it can be wired as you intended.

    Pete

  5. #5
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    Thanks Pete. I may have to wait anyway. I just got this reply from the eBay seller:

    "Hello,


    Thank you for you are interested in this VFD from us.
    I'm very sorry to tell you that we only have it in stock in 220V, and the 415V version can not be available from us.
    Hope you can understand.

    Best regards"

    Odd, considering the ad says they stock the unit in a 380V +/- 15% version.

  6. #6
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    Fitting a 240V one will increase the value of the lathe should it need to be sold at a later date..

    Also you can throw away the back gears after you have fitted the VFD...
    Gold, the colour of choice for the discerning person.

  7. #7
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    Here's the motor plate. Looks like it can be configured for 240V delta or 415V star.
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  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by .RC. View Post
    Fitting a 240V one will increase the value of the lathe should it need to be sold at a later date.
    I hear you RC, but I won't be selling my baby for many years yet. A 415V VFD allows me to use the existing 3 phase supply wiring and there's no need to reconfigure the motor for 240V. It used to be that VFDs with a 3 phase input were cheaper than single-phase input VFDs. Is that still the case?

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by jack620 View Post
    Here's the motor plate. Looks like it can be configured for 240V delta or 415V star.
    I'd have a guess and say that if you wanted to configure it to Delta you would still have to fish out the star connection from within the windings. But, if you are going to use 415V in then I assume that it will be quite happy to stay as Star wired?

    Simon

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by .RC. View Post
    Fitting a 240V one will increase the value of the lathe should it need to be sold at a later date..

    Also you can throw away the back gears after you have fitted the VFD...
    Yes I'd agree with Richard there, it's only a small motor and it looks like nothing else 3 phase (eg coolant pump) on the machine, so if you get a 230V VFD you'll increase the value if you ever want, or suddenly need, to sell it. As it's a dual voltage motor, changing it is literally as easy as changing some links where it's wired. It takes virtually no more time compared to simply connecting the wires. In that VFD size I doubt you'll have any great cost savings, you MAY find some used ones cheaper, but you're not talking about a lot of money here.

    I'm not sure you can throw away the back gear however. While it's definitely true that you probably won't use it as often, it still comes in handy at times when you need the torque it will provide.

    With regard the sizing of the VFD, is there any particular reason you were looking at a 1.5 KW drive for a 0.55 KW motor? More isn't better in this regard.

    Pete

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pete F View Post
    With regard the sizing of the VFD, is there any particular reason you were looking at a 1.5 KW drive for a 0.55 KW motor? More isn't better in this regard.

    Pete
    Hi Pete,

    While looking at VFD's when I converted my mill it became apparent that the price difference between a 1.5Kw and 2.2Kw was very little. In fact 750W VFD's seem to be even more expensive again. I have not seen any of the Huanyang types in the 1 HP range which means having to buy a more expensive brand. Also please correct me if I'm wrong but a 2.2Kw VFD can happily power a 0.55Kw motor (as I have done to test the motor on the bandsaw) as you simply tell the VFD the power rating of the motor in the parrameter setup.

    So, for the same physical size, similar price why buy a 750W VFD when you can have a 1.5 or 2.2Kw and leave future options available in case you need to use it on something else. Not to mention it will not be running at maximum capacity which I thought would also be good. I'm no expert, these are simply my current understandings & I'm happy to be corrected.


    Simon

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pete F View Post
    is there any particular reason you were looking at a 1.5 KW drive for a 0.55 KW motor?
    Only that it was cheap and came recommended by some forum members. I'll go and see what else I can find on eBay.

  13. #13
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  14. #14
    BobL is online now Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    I have a 1.5kW SAJ on a 1HP 240V 3 phase on my Hercus and 1.5kW Huanyang's on all my woodwork lathe and Drill press.
    The SAJ has proper vector control, ie. supposed to provide better torque at low rpm, but I honestly can't tell the difference between them.
    I also have a 2.2kW Huanyang that is going onto my to be constructed belt sander.
    I reckon the Huanyang's are mighty fine POS.

    The
    POWTRAN looks like a rebadged
    Huanyang.

    Oj yeah and keep your back gear, even using a 1HP on the little Hercus I reckon it's still useful.

  15. #15
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    chris i have done 2 hercus lathes using the original switches
    disconect all the wiring to the relays etc and use the switches to control the remote contacts on the vfd
    ive used the huanyang works fine 1.5 kw on 3/4 hp motor
    also2 others sew i think and another micro something ( its dark outside cant see what the brand is )
    hardest part is working out the parameters
    john
    in your case you have the on / of switches and forward reverse with 3 pos switch just add another pot for variable speed
    suggest you add a pilot light for the 240v so you can see its on and dont forget to turn it off when your finished

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