C-list find...

[Splinter]

Saw an ad pop up at 2pm yesterday for a Rockwell Shaper... I've been looking for one to replace my crappy Taiwanese 1hp model. I called right away and got directions.

Now I had to move quick because baby#1 was being a pain in the butt all day, baby #2 is only ten days old, and the wife is in the middle of her first postpartum meltdown.

50 minute drive each way, and when I got there, I basically threw money at the guy and loaded it in the truck without even a test run... Got home and found out it's 3-phase. (My shop has a single-phase commercial service)

Some good discussion with the guys over at Woodnet and I decided to keep it, and power it up with a VFD (variable frequency drive). It adds another $200 to the overall cost, but I only paid $300 for the shaper itself, and a benefit of the VFD is speed control.

The unit is certainly assembled properly, but I cant figure out why the lift wheel and switch is on what seems to be the side of the unit. I know I stand off to the side as I feed the stock in the unit, but all of the new models have the handwheel and switch on the front.

[Leo G]

You shouldn't use the VFD as a speed control on that motor as it is not an inverter duty rated motor. It is not designed to dissipate the heat that will likely be generated when you go at a slower speed. The motor fan was designed to move a certain amount of air over the body and slowing the motor down while retaining the same amount of torque will produce the same amount of heat while providing less cooling. Just a heads up.

Sounds like you got a good deal. Now you only need one more shaper and you can have a door setup like I do. Use the 1HP shaper as the cope.

Now you have 4 sq ft less floor space :laugh3:

[WarnerConstInc.]

Sell the 3ph motor and buy a single phase.

[Leo G]

The VFD is cheaper and more versatile.

http://www.factorymation.com/s.nl/it.A/id.198/.f?sc=2&category=32

[WarnerConstInc.]

You shouldn't use the VFD as a speed control on that motor as it is not an inverter duty rated motor. It is not designed to dissipate the heat that will likely be generated when you go at a slower speed. The motor fan was designed to move a certain amount of air over the body and slowing the motor down while retaining the same amount of torque will produce the same amount of heat while providing less cooling. Just a heads up.

Sounds like you got a good deal. Now you only need one more shaper and you can have a door setup like I do. Use the 1HP shaper as the cope.

Now you have 4 sq ft less floor space :laugh3:

The VFD is cheaper and more versatile.


So which is it then?:laugh3:

[Leo G]

I said you shouldn't use the variable speed function of the VFD on a non inverter rated motor. If you run it at 60Hz then all it is doing is converting single phase to 3 phase power.

But, if you have it you can use it on something like a lathe that is equipped with a inverter motor for speed control.

Also, if you use it for a short period of time it would likely do no damage to the motor. But why chance it?

[WarnerConstInc.]

I said you shouldn't use the variable speed function of the VFD on a non inverter rated motor. If you run it at 60Hz then all it is doing is converting single phase to 3 phase power.

But, if you have it you can use it on something like a lathe that is equipped with a inverter motor for speed control.

Also, if you use it for a short period of time it would likely do no damage to the motor. But why chance it?

And they are like 200 bucks?

Why didn't you tell me this before?

[Leo G]

Because you wanted one for a 7 1/2 HP motor. You can't convert single phase to 3 phase over 5 HP. And even that is pretty new. 3 HP use to be the limit.

bitch bitch bitch.

And you didn't ask.

[nEighter]

the quickest way to burn up a motor is by UNDER powering it. That is when it is not rated as such.

[Splinter]

Buncha party poopers.... I'll keep the speed control issue in mind...

I might keep junior around for the copes on the latest project, but then I think he has to go... The 2 sqft of space he takes up is just too damned valuable in my tiny little shop...

[JasonW]

I sort of like the controls on the side. Some of the cutter heads I've used on mine make me a bit nervous when I have to stand right in front of it to turn it on.:o

[Scott_W]

I sort of like the controls on the side. Some of the cutter heads I've used on mine make me a bit nervous when I have to stand right in front of it to turn it on.:o

Mine are on the side as well. At least I think they are. I haven't been able to get to it in a while! :surrender:

scott

[Splinter]

Here's junior.... While he's surely capable of taking a few fingers off, he's just one of those tools that you dont feel so nervous working with.

[Bender]

Why not just put a single phase motor in it?

[Splinter]

A new 3HP motor is pricey, and a used one is hard to come by... Plus, well, it's used....

[Leo G]

the quickest way to burn up a motor is by UNDER powering it. That is when it is not rated as such.

A VFD does not under power a motor. It is specifically designed to keep the motor currents within the proper induction saturation levels to make it function properly.

It varies the speed of the motor by varying the output frequency of the line voltage/current. And because an induction motor is frequency driven the RPM of the motor will follow the frequency of the current.

[Bender]

Buncha party poopers..

Sorry:o

AWESOME! Great find! You ROCK!!!



Better?;)

[Splinter]

Put the VFD on the shaper tonight.. Runs like a champ. There was some good discussion on the variable speed issue over at woodnet. Seems you'd really have to turn the frequency down low and keep it under a heavy load to do any real damage to the motor.

If I want to turn it down to 50hz when running a large cutter, it wont make a damned bit of difference to the motor.

[neolitic]

I'm sure you'll be very happy together. http://i634.photobucket.com/albums/uu61/neoliticman/smilie/smilielaughing.gif

[Bodger]

Watch yer fingers. :grin:

[Splinter]

I'm sure you'll be very happy together.

Our relationship is still new, but we've already had some special moments. :D

[Greg from K/W]

LOL That is a real nice find for sure.