The Variable Frequency Drive Vs Rotary Phase Converter Debate Unraveled.

[@BoxedGod]

Holy hell man. You have at least four resto/ electrical/ shop vids packed in this one video! Amazing work im sure peeps would love to see some of this in more detail. I know I would! Youve got a new sub in me fo sure.

[@JeremiahL]

Thanks bud

[@davidrule1335]

15:57 Chuck key! Are you trying to kill us?

[@JeremiahL]

I deserved that... lol. I work in a shop alone.

[@blauschuh]

Have you monitored the amperage when cutting/resawing? Is that a 7.5HP or 5HP VFD? Do you have a link to the VFD? I've got a 5 HP 3 phase motor on a colchester lathe and last time I looked (couple of years ago) it was only possible to get a 3hp max 1 phase in/3 phase out from a hitachi WJ200-022SF VFD. I just checked and that's still the case, 3HP max. It seems some people are running 5 HP motors using 7.5 HP 3 phase in/3 phase out chinese made VFDs.

[@JeremiahL]

This is what I am using in the video. I havent done anything crazy on the saw with it, but it pushes my quincy compressor with out a problem. I did try the 5 HP version of this, and after talking to a engineer several times, we decided that the 5hp version of the VFD is under rated and not capable of running a 5ph motor under load. They refunded my money, I bought the 7.5hp version, and it worked out fine. I just ordered a second one for the bandsaw, and it is still in the box waiting for me to have enough down time to instal it properly.

[@JeremiahL]

It is possible to get a high end VFD rated for motors larger than 3HP, but its going to cost you a mint. Most of the high end brands are also made in china like everything else.

[@JeremiahL]

Link to VFD: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0775LNKJD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@JeremiahL]

Ive purchased a few from this brand... I have one that I have owned for well over 5 years, and it is still alive and kicking. Ive had one take a crap on me, and the motor went with it.... I dont know if it was lightning or something else that took it out. I don't know if the VFD is responsible for the motor issues, bt it always makes you wonder.

[@JeremiahL]

Here is a big Hitachi vid for you... vfds.com/50hp-460v-hitachi-vfd-l300p370hfu2

[@ZephaniahL]

Those are loud crickets -- or cicadas?

[@JeremiahL]

I live in the swamps of South Carolina... It's all of the above... lol. When it gets dark the bugs scream so loud that you cant hear your own thoughts...

[@ZephaniahL]

@@JeremiahL Got you. I do thank you for the video, and it was enterprising of you to bring the saw via trailer. I'm excited to try and make a roll top desk here soon in Durham, North Carolina and have to figure out whether N.C. State will let me use their woodworking tools...

[@JeremiahL]

@@ZephaniahL Very cool.

[@JeremiahL]

Im glad you enjoyed the video, and Keep us posted on how your project turns out. There is a lot of wood working heritage up there in NC. I've gotten most of my materials and machines from up there.

[@split150]

Great information. I stumbled onto your channel while doing VFD research for a 3hp Bridgeport. What model VFD do you run with your mill? Thanks.

[@JeremiahL]

I used a little Delta VFD (made in Taiwan I believe) Part number VFD015M21A. I think I paid around $100-$150 for it on eBay. The reason I got the Delta brand is that I have a 20" 90's American model drill press, and it came with a Delta VFD directly from Powermatic. Im assuming that they use better than Amazon quality electronics. It was paired with a 2HP Baldor motor, so it stands to reason that they wouldn't go all out on the motor, and then cheap out on the VFD. I've been running the milling machine on that VFD for probably 5 years with no problem. I wouldn't say It's been industrial use, but I put 2-4 hours on it at a time for projects. Search for "Delta M-series VFD" on google and down load the manual figure out what part number you need based on HP, and your input power situation, and I am sure you will find one cheap... They have a few different series of VFDs, and I think any of them should work for a milling machine. Anyway, Im not trying to sell you on any brand. I have my Quincy 5HP compressor running off a cheap Chinese VFD I got on amazon, and that thing works harder than anything I have in the shop... I use it for everything from painting to sand blasting, and it runs and runs... lol. I use it almost disrespectfully, and it holds up. Don't hesitate to ask questions about how to set one up. I've done it all, and I can at least share my opinions. Thanks for watching

[@JeremiahL]

I have a few VFD videos where I get a little more detail about wiring, and so on. One is a drill press, and I think I have one for a sander.

[@split150]

@@JeremiahL Thank you for all the detailed info in your replies. Looks like I will do some more VFD digging and go from there, but all that is very helpful. Much appreciated.

[@skmskmx]

Why not add soft-starter for motor its dedicated device for AC motors. It will do the same as VFD but way cheaper. On soft-starter rest of circuit on machine will work as intended.

[@JeremiahL]

Ill check into that. Thanks

[@JeremiahL]

Can you make a recommendation for one that is sized for a 5Hp 3 phase motor. Ii paid around $300 for the VFD.

[@fcguy7]

@@JeremiahL Soft starters are a little niche for this very reason. Often, VDFs are only a slight premium in most cases. You see soft starters more in factories where the motor speed on a particular piece of equipment doesn't matter much (like a large dust collection fan). And like you said, VDFs can cause overheating if not used properly. In the home shop VFDs are really the way to go. With all the extra features they can't really be beat by a soft starter.

[@JeremiahL]

@@fcguy7 thank you.

[@skmskmx]

@@JeremiahL Cant recommend you anything i am from Europe stuff i see on shelf are different than you see :D.

[@AufBerghofNAM]

most shop equipment will have a potentiometer inside for speed control... interesting test would be a VFD running on a VFD

[@agressivelyartistic7857]

I believe most vfds convert to DC before producing the output signal so it should end up with basically the same result as just one

[@wyatt8770]

It depends if your unilateral phase detractor has side fumbling. Could be a problem

[@JeremiahL]

Totally

[@davidrule1335]

Question: Why is the camera moving around?

[@JeremiahL]

It was a spontaneous iPhone video.... Probably not the best production quality, and it was kind of a rant after screwing around with that machine for a few days trying to understand how to get it to run...

[@davidrule1335]

Question: Are you Wolf Man Jack?

[@JeremiahL]

I have peasant genes... What can I say...

[@jeffwuzhere]

Most VFDs have at least one relay output that can be used to control external circuits under certain circumstances such as when the drive is outputting voltage to the motor. This would allow you to engage and disengage the original brake through a simple relay circuit.

[@JeremiahL]

I was thinking about that. I dont really know how much power that electric break consumes, and I was concerned that it may be exacerbating my voltage drop situation... I may look into it, and at least try it as an experiment... It should be simple enough to try...

[@jeffwuzhere]

@@JeremiahL Another consideration, especially if you're concerned about power failure, is that the factory electro-mechanical brake on the saw will automatically engage in the case of power loss. Nothing against experimentation and making improvements, but if there's an engineered solution already in place I'd focus on utilizing that before reinventing the wheel.