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Off topic...Phase 3 converter

1shot

I just purchased a 3 phase meat grinder. I know what I need in regargs to the size on the converter,, but am looking for information as to which company I should go with or any other help you can offer.
Thanks in advance,

Lloyd
 
You looking for rotary or VFD?
I use an American Rotary for the mill and a Hitachi VFD for the lathe.

Do you want to vary the speed or just have 3 phase?
 
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We use an 11 HP Roto Phase to power are 3 phase machines.
A bit much for your application though, One mill we picked
up had a very small converter box installed but just could'nt
meet the power draw demand when cutting heavy in back gear.
The mill in my avatar is the one that smoked that box. Is the
grinder set for 240v or 480v ??
 
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My suggestion is look for a local reputable shop close by. Ask them if they can build you one. They can usually be built for 2/3 or less the cost of commercial bought ones. We have six of them between three commercial grade cabinet shops all of them built by the same guy haven't had a lick of trouble with any of them. The cost was much less compared to commercial bought ones. Just another avenue to look for.
 
I'm guessing your meat grinder is going to be less than three hp. You can check the badge and see if it' is 220V. It should be unless it is a giant industrial size. You can get a decent VFD pretty reasonable. Installing it will be another thing if you aren't familiar with (electronomy). You can also contact someone like WNY or Anderson and get a reasonable RPC and wire it to a poly phase circuit and power more than just that one machine. If you are going to use a static converter you might consider getting a substantially larger one. They do not have the output requirements for full power loads, 1/1
 
I bought an American rotary 5hp about 10 yrs ago and have had no issues. The cost wasn’t too bad im thinking $500-600 shipped to the house. I installed myself so no cost there. I have it wired to lathe, mill, drlll press, grinder & a bandsaw. If there is a possibility of getting other 3P equipment I strongly recommend a rotary.
 
I managed a shop that built and sold VFD’s and rotary converters.
2hp and under; go with the drives. Much less trouble. Also rotary drives are not optimal for starting motors that are under a load. 30 years and 2 cents worth !
 
butchlambert said:
Pictured is a VFD. I would check EBay or Amazon for a VFD. Rotaries are much larger physically and noisy. I have 2 rotaries and 2 VFDs in my shop and the rotaries and air compressor are located outside my shop.
Click to expand...
I bought a cheap Chinese VFD off eBay about 3 years ago for a 2"X72" belt grinder I was building. The motor on it is a 2 hp 3-phase inverter type. I paid about $85 for the VFD and it has worked flawlessly. In the spring of 2020 I rebuilt a 1950's era Rockwell drill press and changed the motor from a 3/4 hp single-phase to a 1 hp 3-phase. I bought the VFD for this one from Amazon. It is from the same manufacturer as the one off eBay, but a different model and was about the same cost. It also works great and gives REALLY nice added functionality to the drill press.

I've read many warning on various forums about buying these cheap Chinese built VFD, especially about the poor documentation. My experience doesn't support that. I agree the documentation leaves a lot to be desired, but if you have some electrical knowledge it's not hard to figure out, at least for simple programing. However, if I was trying to earn a living using these tools, I would have opted for a name brand.
 
I know that the grinder unit is a 3 phase, 7.5 HP, 208V unit. I am the dumbest person on the block when it comes to electricity. I know that it can kill you, and I know how to pay my bill, that's about the extent of it. Fortunately, I know a good electrician, but he doesn't know much about which converter is best suited to my needs, and that is where I need help. I will try and answer some of your questions below. Do

Q:Do you want to vary the speed or just have 3 phase?
A: I just want 3 phase that runs the grinder a full power.

Q: Static or VFD?
A: I have no clue, but it does look like the static converter either doesn't handle what I have, or does so at 70% which isn't desirable to me.
So, it looks like either a VFD or a rotary are my options.

Lloyd
 
This one should suit your needs..

Single Phase to 3 Phase Converter, MY-PS-10 Model, Suitable for 7.5HP(5.5Kw) 23 Amp 200-240V 3 Phase Motor, One DPS Should Be Used for One Motor,...$285.00
Screen Shot 2021-12-19 at 3.08.00 PM.png
 
I just read the one star reviews on this and I think I'll pass. I've always been a "buy once, cry once" kind of guy. I don't think these units are the best solution for long term work in my shop.
Thanks,

Lloyd
 
Try calling American Rotary and see what they say. Obviously they will be biased toward RPCs but wouldn't hurt to get some info. Mine is an AD5 which cost me around $600 at the time.

If you're not electronically or computer inclined programming a vfd might be frustrating. Most of the stuff probably wouldn't need programming plus customer service might help telling what you would need to do.

Does your motor have a 240v option?
 
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