Show us your lathe?

[speights_bud]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Phase-Converters-/41952/i.html

That list has a few different options, I'd say dollar per kW your phase converters would be a better option than a VFD. I have the same or very similar VFD as listed half way down that page for my cnc mill, but I've never got around to integrating it with the controller so it is a bit of a rigmarole to start and stop; I'd assume the phase converter would be an easier out of the box solution.

Cheers for that, beats anything I've found in NZ so far! Dunno what I was thinking really...

[Ocean1]

Links?? Prices?? I'm open to ideas, but single income, mortgage, new baby etc im pretty poor right now.... cheaper favors easier right now...

If you've got a small 3ph machine and only 1ph available a VFD is usually the cheapest option, the variable speed thing is a bonus. I often install small 3ph powered equipment and just feed it 1ph anyway, it's cheaper than paying for the 3ph cables and switchgear.

I've just installed a small conveyor that fits that description, using one of these: http://www.kbelectronics.com/Variabl...es_NEMA_1.html

Not cheap compared to lunch but not much considering the possible value of the machine itself in your case. Think the 1hp job cost me $550.

[Ocean1]

http://www.ebay.com/sch/Phase-Converters-/41952/i.html

That list has a few different options, I'd say dollar per kW your phase converters would be a better option than a VFD. I have the same or very similar VFD as listed half way down that page for my cnc mill, but I've never got around to integrating it with the controller so it is a bit of a rigmarole to start and stop; I'd assume the phase converter would be an easier out of the box solution.

Good prices.

[speights_bud]

If you've got a small 3ph machine and only 1ph available a VFD is usually the cheapest option, the variable speed thing is a bonus. I often install small 3ph powered equipment and just feed it 1ph anyway, it's cheaper than paying for the 3ph cables and switchgear.

I've just installed a small conveyor that fits that description, using one of these: http://www.kbelectronics.com/Variabl...es_NEMA_1.html

Not cheap compared to lunch but not much considering the possible value of the machine itself in your case. Think the 1hp job cost me $550.

I'm told its got a 2HP motor on it. Just itching to get hold of it and see what the damn thing is at this stage! it could be a clapped out old thing that doesn't turn anything accurate for all I know. But good to have options for whatever it turns out to be.

[Ocean1]

I'm told its got a 2HP motor on it. Just itching to get hold of it and see what the damn thing is at this stage! it could be a clapped out old thing that doesn't turn anything accurate for all I know. But good to have options for whatever it turns out to be.

Don't recognise the brand but if it's Japanese, under 50 years old and hasn't been abused it'll be good.

[Yow Ling]

OK you are probably a bit more strapped for cash than I thought
Watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP54mmgv4mM
thie is called a rotary phase converter, a bit like the vid you posted but it uses the motor with the capacitor to generate the 3rd phase.
If i didn't have 3 phase or enough money for a vfd this is what I would do

3 phase motors are cheap or free, scrounge around

[Akzle]

didn't realise we had one of theze threads. it's big, old, 6 speed belt fed plus back gear and has two inches through the head....

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

I only have woodworking stuff in my basement...

http://www.wackywoodworks.co.nz/

[Mo NZ]

2000 Chinese lathe,1984 model Rong Fu RF30 mill/drill purchased in 1985.

I know SFA about Turning.
Years ago I worked as a lackey with some Engineers and I was always impressed what those guys could make from a block of metal.
I look at your work and its up there for sure.

I have picked up
Buy that book.
Possibly a newer machine would be the right way to go.
Big bore is good.
Be careful.

[speights_bud]

So I finally got some (Half Arse)photos sent through, its just been broken down for me to pick up.

Yes its old,
Yes its green,
No it doesnt have powerfeed or a gearbox?

I'm presuming at this stage speed might be controlled by high and low motor settings?

Still better than the one I dont have, anything remotely decent I'll probably still do at work but who knows until I pick it up this weekend.

[Akzle]

So I finally got some (Half Arse)photos sent through, its just been broken down for me to pick up.

Yes its old,
Yes its green,
No it doesnt have powerfeed or a gearbox?

I'm presuming at this stage speed might be controlled by high and low motor settings?

Still better than the one I dont have, anything remotely decent I'll probably still do at work but who knows until I pick it up this weekend.

no gearbox is good. No powerfeed is fucking tedious.

[speights_bud]

no gearbox is good. No powerfeed is fucking tedious.

Might have to Jimmy Something up for the Long axis at least. Fit a Bronze Nut/block & Leadscrew then attach a seperate a drive unit

[Mo NZ]

Nothing like a new bit of kit for the shed.
Maybee a set of pulleys to set the speed.
Watch those fingers!

[Akzle]

Might have to Jimmy Something up for the Long/X axis at least. Fit a Bronze Nut/block & Leadscrew then attach a seperate a drive unit

i'd drive it off the arse end of the headstock through pinions, but that's just me.

look up david gingery's books for some ideas. bastard built his own lathe, beginning to end. he has a good idea about casting a split nut for the apron...

[pete376403]

this months edition of "The Shed" has an article about an NZ designed and made three phase motor starter www.fastec.co.nz